Master of Occupational Therapy
OT Graduate Admissions
Professional Phase
Starting the MOT as a Graduate Student
Saint Francis University's Master of Occupational Therapy program accepts a limited number of graduate students into the program each year. Applications from candidates holding a baccalaureate (bachelor's) degree with the necessary prerequisite coursework will be reviewed based on space availability and the quality of the applicant.
CURRICULUM & COURSES
What You’ll Learn in the MOT Program
In the professional phase of the Master of Occupational Therapy, you’ll take classes dedicated to OT while completing your own scholarly project and gaining practical experience during fieldwork opportunities. Fieldwork experiences in the professional phase occur in multiple settings and are designed to help students become well-rounded practitioners and find the career path they are most passionate about pursuing.
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Degree Paths
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Learning Objectives
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Licensure
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Graduate OT Path:
Degree Path Description Course Catalog Plan of Study Master of Occupational Therapy (2 years)
Open to limited number of baccalaureate degree holders
Plan of Study
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Upon successful completion of the occupational therapy program, you will be able to:
- Synthesize your knowledge and skills to practice competently and ethically as an entry-level occupational therapist in underserved regions and communities in Pennsylvania and beyond;
- Utilize your experience and knowledge of the domains of occupational therapy, including the musculoskeletal, neurological, pediatric, psychosocial and gerontological domains, as well as emerging fields of study;
- Further the growth of the occupational therapy profession through systematic inquiry, community involvement and action, and professional involvement; and
- Demonstrate commitment to your own personal and professional growth as you begin your career with your occupational therapist degree.
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Professional Licensure/Credentialing
Occupational therapists are licensed by individual states, but only need to take one national certification exam, offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Once licensed, occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings. After successful completion of this exam, you will be a registered and licensed occupational therapist (OTR/L).
Program graduates are eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam within approximately one month after graduation. Initial and ongoing certification is granted by NBCOT and licensure is granted individual states where the candidate is employed. It is your responsibility to determine eligibility.
Felony Statement
NOTE: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Additional information on character review can be found at the NBCOT website. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to determine eligibility.
OT Graduate Degree Admissions Requirements
Eligible students holding a baccalaureate (bachelor's) degree with the necessary prerequisite coursework may be admitted to the first year of the professional curriculum based on space availability.
Saint Francis University is NOT currently a participating school in the OTCAS.
All applications and materials are managed through the University Graduate Admissions Office of the Department of OT.
Required Items
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Required Submission Materials
The following are required to be considered for admission to the professional phase portion of the MOT program.
- A completed Application Form.
- Evidence of a completed baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited institution indicating an overall minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Official transcripts from each academic institution of higher education attended confirming course completion. The following courses must be completed prior to the start of the professional phase:
- BIOL 111 - Biology I, 3 Credits
- BIOL 111 L - Biology I Lab, 1 Credit
- BIOL 205 - Anatomy & Physiology I, 3 Credits
- BIOL 205L - Anatomy & Physiology II, 1 Credit
- BIOL 206- Anatomy & Physiology II, 3 Credits
- BIOL 206L- Anatomy & Physiology II Lab, 1 Credit
- PSYC 101- Introduction to Psychology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 205- Psychopathology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 209- Developmental Psychology, 3 Credits
- SOC 101- Introduction to Sociology, 3 Credits
- Introductory Statistics, 3 Credits
- Medical Terminology, 1-3 Credits
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Upon Acceptance Required Tasks
The following tasks must be completed prior to the start of the professional phase (deadline for submission is March 31):
- Documentation of 50 hours (minimum) of volunteer or paid experience in occupational therapy.
- Completed degree audit (completed by SFU).
- Letter of support from a professional who can verify that the applicant will be successful in a Master’s-level program.
- Personal statement from the applicant outlining personal goals and characteristics that are consistent with success in the occupational therapy profession.
- International students must send their transcripts to an international agency where the transcripts will be converted to the American academic scale. We recommend World Education Services, 1-800-937-3897. In addition to meeting the requirements for admission, international students must submit satisfactory scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L.), administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey. Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from this requirement. International students should apply for admissions and the required testing well in advance in order to ensure evaluation of their credentials in a time frame which is equitable to themselves and the Graduate Admissions Committee.
The following are required to be considered for admission to the professional phase portion of the MOT program.
- A completed Application Form.
- Evidence of a completed baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited institution indicating an overall minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Official transcripts from each academic institution of higher education attended confirming course completion. The following courses must be completed prior to the start of the professional phase:
- BIOL 111 - Biology I, 3 Credits
- BIOL 111 L - Biology I Lab, 1 Credit
- BIOL 205 - Anatomy & Physiology I, 3 Credits
- BIOL 205L - Anatomy & Physiology II, 1 Credit
- BIOL 206- Anatomy & Physiology II, 3 Credits
- BIOL 206L- Anatomy & Physiology II Lab, 1 Credit
- PSYC 101- Introduction to Psychology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 205- Psychopathology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 209- Developmental Psychology, 3 Credits
- SOC 101- Introduction to Sociology, 3 Credits
- Introductory Statistics, 3 Credits
- Medical Terminology, 1-3 Credits
The following tasks must be completed prior to the start of the professional phase (deadline for submission is March 31):
- Documentation of 50 hours (minimum) of volunteer or paid experience in occupational therapy.
- Completed degree audit (completed by SFU).
- Letter of support from a professional who can verify that the applicant will be successful in a Master’s-level program.
- Personal statement from the applicant outlining personal goals and characteristics that are consistent with success in the occupational therapy profession.
- International students must send their transcripts to an international agency where the transcripts will be converted to the American academic scale. We recommend World Education Services, 1-800-937-3897. In addition to meeting the requirements for admission, international students must submit satisfactory scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L.), administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey. Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from this requirement. International students should apply for admissions and the required testing well in advance in order to ensure evaluation of their credentials in a time frame which is equitable to themselves and the Graduate Admissions Committee.
Applications for the Summer 2025 cohort are currently being accepted.
Priority consideration: December 1
Extended consideration: Through March 1
Program Costs
Current Rates Through Spring 2025
MOT Program Tuition & Fees - Graduate Transfer Student (current) | ||||||||
| Year | Term | Tuition | University Fee | Program Fee | Tech Fee | Books, Supplies, & Other Fees | Total per Term | Total per Year |
| 1 | Summer (15 credits) | $17,130 | $0 | $685 | $350 | $1,061 | $19,226 | $63,942 |
| Fall (18 credits) | $20,556 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $1,140 | $22,746 | ||
| Spring (18 credits) | $20,556 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $364 | $21,970 | ||
| 2 | Summer (8 credits) | $9,136 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $0 | $10,186 | $37,500 |
| Fall (11 credits) | $12,562 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $45 | $13,657 | ||
| Spring (11 credits) | $12,562 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $45 | $13,657 | ||
| Grand Totals: | $92,502 | $0 | $4,185 | $2,100 | $2,655 | $101,442 | $101,442 | |
Reduced Rates Beginning 2025
**A rate change for graduate credits will go into effect Summer 2025. At that time, Year 2 Tuition & Fees will be:
MOT Program Tuition & Fees - Graduate Transfer Student (effective Summer 2025) | ||||||||
| Year | Term | Tuition | University Fee | Program Fee | Tech Fee | Books, Supplies, & Other Fees | Total per Term | Total per Year |
| 1 | Summer (15 credits) | $13,755 | $0 | $685 | $350 | $1,061 | $15,851 | $52,467 |
| Fall (18 credits) | $16,506 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $1,140 | $18,696 | ||
| Spring (18 credits) | $16,506 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $364 | $17,920 | ||
| 2 | Summer (8 credits) | $7,336 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $0 | $8,386 | $37,500 |
| Fall (11 credits) | $10,087 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $45 | $11,182 | ||
| Spring (11 credits) | $10,087 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $45 | $11,182 | ||
| Grand Totals: | $74,277 | $0 | $4,185 | $2,100 | $2,655 | $83,217 | $83,217 | |
The required cost of attendance information is effective 1/1/2024. Annual tuition rates are approved by the University’s Board of Trustees. Detailed information regarding the university's tuition and aid can be found at: https://www.francis.edu/tuition-and-fees
Financial Aid
At Saint Francis University, we are committed to ensuring the highest quality education is both affordable and accessible. We know you have lots of questions about this investment in your future. Don't worry; we're here to help! Our Financial Aid Team is here to walk you through the process.