Occupational Therapy
Westchester Campus, United States
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
Mercy University
Occupational Therapy
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Mercy University
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) at Mercy University prepares graduates to work with individuals across the lifespan who are living with conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, cancer, and mental health challenges. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) with the highest accreditation status of ten years, this program equips students with the clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice skills, and professional competencies needed to thrive as entry-level occupational therapists.
Delivered as a 60-credit, full-time weekend program with classes scheduled approximately every other weekend, the MSOT is designed for motivated adult learners who may be balancing professional and personal commitments. The program spans seven trimesters over approximately two and a half years and incorporates a variety of learning methods including lecture, small group problem-based learning (PBL), hands-on clinical experiences, and innovative simulation labs.
Located on Mercy University's scenic Dobbs Ferry campus in Westchester County, New York, students benefit from strong clinical partnerships throughout the New York City metropolitan area and Westchester region. Graduates are prepared as generalists, enabling them to practice in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, community agencies, and private practices across a wide range of settings.
Program Highlights
- ACOTE-accredited program with the highest accreditation status of ten years, valid through the 2030-2031 academic year
- Weekend format designed for working professionals, with classes held approximately every other weekend
- Problem-based learning (PBL) approach with small group clinical case discussions led by faculty facilitators
- Extensive Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences in clinical and community settings across NYC and Westchester
Curriculum and Course Modules
The MSOT curriculum is organized around life-span developmental stages — childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and geriatrics — with concepts related to health, learning, illness impact, and occupational therapy practice integrated within each stage. Three knowledge strands run throughout the coursework: engagement in occupation for health promotion, client-centered evaluation and intervention, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice
6 CreditsIntroduces the history, philosophy, and theoretical frameworks of occupational therapy. Students explore the role of occupation in health and well-being, professional ethics, and the occupational therapy practice framework.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
6 CreditsCovers evaluation and intervention for children and adolescents with developmental, neurological, and sensory processing challenges. Includes Level I fieldwork in pediatric settings such as specialized hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics.
Adult and Geriatric Rehabilitation
6 CreditsFocuses on occupational therapy assessment and intervention for adults and older adults with physical, neurological, and psychosocial conditions. Students develop clinical reasoning for rehabilitation across hospital, outpatient, and community settings.
Applied Neuroscience and Kinesiology
6 CreditsProvides foundational knowledge in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and biomechanics as they relate to human movement and occupational performance. Students apply this knowledge to understand motor control and functional recovery.
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
6 CreditsDevelops skills in research design, data analysis, and critical appraisal of occupational therapy literature. Students learn to integrate evidence into clinical decision-making and complete a scholarly project.
Level II Fieldwork
12 CreditsComprises 24 weeks of full-time supervised clinical fieldwork across two placements. Students apply didactic knowledge in real-world practice settings, developing entry-level competency in occupational therapy service delivery.
Elective and Specialization Options
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MSOT program at Mercy University is competitive and designed to identify candidates with strong academic preparation and a genuine commitment to the occupational therapy profession. Applicants should apply through Uni4Edu, which manages all applications and provides personalized guidance throughout the process.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeEarned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in a related field
- Minimum GPACumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Prerequisite CoursesAnatomy and Physiology I and II, Human Anatomy with Cadaver, Clinical Kinesiology and Applied Physics, Applied Neuroscience, Introduction to Occupational Therapy, Psychology, and Statistics
- Science PrerequisitesSciences must be completed in sequence; anatomy courses must be taken within the last five years
- InterviewSelected applicants will be invited for an interview with the program admissions committee
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for current minimum band score requirements
- Duolingo English TestContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Mercy University is committed to making graduate education accessible and affordable. A range of financial aid options, scholarships, and funding opportunities are available to support MSOT students. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding your studies.
International Graduate Merit Scholarship
Merit-based scholarship available to international graduate students who demonstrate strong academic achievement. Award amounts vary based on academic credentials and are applied toward graduate program costs.
Graduate Assistantship Opportunities
Varies by positionLimited graduate assistantship positions may be available within the School of Health and Natural Sciences, offering stipends or partial support in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
Federal and State Financial Aid
Varies based on eligibilityEligible U.S. students may apply for federal student loans, grants, and state-based financial aid programs. International students should contact Uni4Edu for information on available funding alternatives.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for MSOT Graduates
Occupational therapy is a high-demand healthcare profession with expanding opportunities across diverse practice settings. Mercy University MSOT graduates are prepared as generalist practitioners and benefit from strong employer satisfaction — employer surveys indicate that 100% of employers would hire a Mercy OT graduate again, with 95% rating graduates as average or above average in professional competency.
Potential Career Roles
Common Employer Types
Rankings and Recognition
Mercy University is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1950, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university has earned consistent recognition for its commitment to social mobility and accessible education, and its Occupational Therapy program holds the highest level of ACOTE accreditation.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy (ACOTE Accreditation) | ACOTE | Full 10-Year Accreditation (Highest Level) |
| Nursing (Undergraduate) | U.S. News & World Report | #392 |
| Medicine and Health | University Guru | Highest Ranked Subject Area |
| Regional Universities North | U.S. News & World Report | Top 70% |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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