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Help individuals maximize their independence, satisfaction, and participation in everyday life activities at home, work, school and in the community.

Why Lewis?

Many individuals of all ages experience difficulties with daily life performance due to developmental or acquired medical conditions and disabilities, mental health concerns, social disadvantages or aging – but occupational therapy services can help them achieve their goals.

If you are a solution-oriented critical thinker who enjoys working collaboratively, occupational therapy may be a rewarding career choice.

Curriculum Combines Education and Fieldwork

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program provides students with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to assist those with developmental, physical, cognitive, psychological, and sensory performance issues. Students who complete the program will be able to:

• Describe delivery models and systems used in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced and where it is emerging as a service
  
  
• Effectively communicate and work with professionals who provide care for individuals and populations
  
  
• Apply therapeutic methods to help individuals participate in meaningful life roles and occupations at home, school, workplace, community, and other settings
  
  
• Plan occupational therapy interventions to address performance issues in a variety of contexts and environments to support engagement in everyday life activities that affect physical and mental health, well-being, and quality of life
  
  
• Apply occupational therapy theory and evidence to all aspects of client care
  
  
• Demonstrate the ability to uphold ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the occupational theory profession while being intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, and socially responsible
  
  
• Assume the distinct roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapist as an evidence-based practitioner, coordinator of care, supervisor, consultant, practice leader, and advocate

The coursework and fieldwork requirements provide opportunities for students to experience working with a range of ages in a wide variety of conditions and settings.

The 78 credit hour MSOT Program at Lewis University is a continuous, full-time, entry-level program designed to be completed over 6 consecutive semesters in 24 months. The classes run Monday through Friday. Some community-based learning activities are scheduled during the evenings and on Saturdays.

Program Advantages

Market Demand

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, career opportunities for occupational therapists are expected to rise 18% by the year 2028. The median annual wage for occupational therapists  across the United States was $87,480 in May 2020 and the average annual salary in Illinois was just under $84,000.

Accreditation

The Lewis University entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is .

Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 18 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program. Graduates of the program will be 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 in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

PROGRAM COST OF ATTENDANCE

We are committed to making your graduate experience a good investment. We have developed a detailed estimate of the costs of your program. This information can be reviewed here. We will work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.

Life after Lewis

Graduates of the M.S. in Occupational Therapy program at Lewis University are qualified to work in various medical and non-medical settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation Facilities
• Schools
• In-Home Patient Care
• Private Clinics
• Community-Based Organizations

Admission Requirements

To be accepted for admission in the M.S. in Occupational Therapy program at Lewis University, candidates must meet the following credentials:

• Baccalaureate degree in any field from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education; common majors include psychology, sociology, exercise science, education and biology.
  
  
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale)
  
  
• Prerequisite coursework with grade C or above completed within the last seven years in the following subjects: human anatomy & human physiology with lab, general psychology, lifespan development psychology, abnormal psychology, sociology, and statistics. An anatomy course with a cadaver lab and a course in medical terminology are preferred.
  
  
• The MSOT Program at Lewis University is accepting 20 hours of observation, OR completion of 4 alternate activities and completion of a reflection page to satisfy the observation admission requirement. The purpose of this observation has been to provide prospective students with exposure to the field of occupational therapy and to reinforce their understanding and choice to pursue a career in occupational therapy.
  
  
• Three recommendations (one recommendation must be from a supervisor in a work, internship, or volunteer setting; the remaining two should be from professional and/or academic references)
  
  
• Application for graduate admission to Lewis University submitted via the OT Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).
  
  
• GRE scores are not required.
  
  
• International Students
  
  • If English is not your native language, applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
  • Submit TOEFL scores to Lewis University (University code 1404)
  • Our program has higher minimum score requirements than the Graduate College. A total TOEFL score of at least 90 on the Internet-based version must be achieved to meet minimum qualifications for admission into the Occupational Therapy Program.

Students must complete Level II fieldwork within 18 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

A balance of applicant experiences, attributes, and academic performance will be evaluated. Applicants that do not meet the GPA requirements, but who demonstrate strengths in other areas, may be considered. Other areas evaluated based on the applicant’s OT CAS application include, but are not limited to: life experience, leadership experience, community service, written communication, service orientation, work experience, commitment to the Lewis University mission, research and scholarship experience, participation in extracurricular activities, and awards and recognitions.

VIEW THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Transfer credit

All OT coursework must be completed at Lewis University.

Admission Decisions

A balance of applicant experiences, attributes, and academic performance will be evaluated. Applicants that do not meet the GPA requirements, but who demonstrate strengths in other areas, may be considered. Other areas evaluated based on the applicant’s OT CAS application include, but are not limited to: life experience, leadership experience, community service, written communication, service orientation, work experience, commitment to the Lewis University mission, research and scholarship experience, participation in extracurricular activities, awards and recognitions.

Criteria for Program Progression >>

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