Occupational Therapy (MOT & OTD) Overview
Occupational Therapy (MOT & OTD) Overview
Occupational Therapy
A Degree that Leads to a Future
The professional program in Occupational Therapy is rooted in occupation and occupational science. Central to the teaching mission of the program are occupation based, strong occupational therapy skills, professional skills and research.
The program has numerous innovative teaching components including a Level II fieldwork focus on health settings and community-service settings. We are committed to educating strong clinicians for the unfolding future.
Application Process
The application process opens in mid-July, with a deadline of October 1. Our program starts the following fall. We encourage early submissions through OTCAS, reviewing applications on a modified rolling basis.
- Zoom interviews are held in November.
- Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree before starting the program, which is designed to educate resilient clinicians ready to meet the evolving needs of the profession.
Occupational Therapy Information Sessions
Applicants are encouraged to attend an information session prior to meeting with the advisor. The information session will cover the profession of occupational therapy and the occupational therapy program at the University of Utah, program prerequisites, admissions procedures and the program itself.
- Applicants are also welcome to speak with occupational therapy students and tour our facilities.
- Kelly Brown is the advisor for the Occupational Therapy and Recreational Therapy programs.
Recognized Among the Nation's Best
According to US NEWS, our Master's of Occupational Therapy program is ranked in the top 25% of all USA Occupational Therapy graduate programs!
Program Accreditation & Statistics
Accreditation
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is accredited by the U.S. Office of Education as the only accrediting agency for educational programs in occupational therapy.
The U of U MOT Program has been accredited by ACOTE (2017-2027).
The U of U OTD Program has been accredited by ACOTE (2026-2033).
Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and an individual 14-week capstone experience (for OTD students) within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as defined in 2023 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
NBCOT Program Statistics
The total number of graduates from the University of Utah Master of Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period of 2022-2024 was 140, with an overall graduation rate of 98% (142 started/140 finished). Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
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OT Related Links