Master of Occupational Therapy
OT Undergraduate Admissions
Accelerated 3+2 Program
Starting your MOT as an Undergraduate
The Master of Occupational Therapy program at Saint Francis University is an accelerated 3+2 program with the primary entry point being as a freshman. Students enroll as freshmen in the occupational therapy (OT) major in one of two paths (Full or Provisional).
CURRICULUM & COURSES
What You’ll Learn in the Accelerated MOT Program
Our accelerated occupational therapy program helps you get into the field faster, but there are still plenty of opportunities for growth, exploration and community-building during your years at SFU.
In your pre-professional phase, you’ll take introductory occupational therapy courses and bond with your cohort through coursework, clubs, and other campus activities. In the final 2 years of study, the professional phase, you’ll take classes solely 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 Path
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Learning Objectives
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Licensure
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Accelerated 3+2 Path:
Degree Path Description Course Catalog Plan of Study Accelerated
B.S. in Health Science
leading to MOT (3+2)
Direct-entry MOT
with max of 40 students admitted per cohort
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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 Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
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Admission Criteria for Full OT Acceptance
Full OT Acceptance Admission Criteria for High School Students
Download: OT Observation Form
Applicants must have graduated from an approved secondary school or submission of a state-approved GED.
Submitting test scores:
- Completed work equal to a standard academic high school coursework
- SAT = 1080 or greater/ACT = 21 or greater
- Minimum High School GPA: 3.0
- 10 hours of OT observation
Test Optional:
- Completed work equal to a standard academic high school coursework with a minimum of the following:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of Social Studies
- 3 units of Math (one of which is Algebra with a “B” or greater)
- 3 units of Science (one of which is Biology with a lab and a “B” or greater; recommended courses include Advanced Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Physics, Chemistry)
- Completion of additional courses or internships that demonstrate advanced knowledge or skill in the healthcare environment. (such as: 1 unit of Psychology, Sociology, and/or Medical Terminology, Advanced Science courses, internships in a healthcare field.
- Minimum GPA: 3.4 or greater (based on 4.0 scale)
- Recommend any of the following: campus visit, OT department visit, interview, classroom visitation, meeting with any of the OT faculty, or virtual visit with any of the OT faculty.
- 10 hours of OT observation
- Students are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation that can attest to their ability to be successful in a healthcare field.
NOTE: the Occupational Therapy program at Saint Francis University requires students to take BIOL111 and BIOL111 Lab at Saint Francis University as a full-time, on-campus, first-year student. If the student has dual enrollment or AP credits for BIOL111 (or its equivalent), they will be transferred in as free elective credits (BIOL800).
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What does "provisional acceptance" mean?
Provisional Occupation Therapy Student
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), permits the SFU Master of Occupational Therapy program to enroll 40 freshman OT students. When you submit your $100 tuition deposit, one of the 40 spaces in the OT cohort is reserved for you.
While the majority of the 40 spaces in the freshman cohort are reserved for fully accepted OT students, ten of the spaces are reserved for provisional OT students.
Transition from provisional OT student to full OT student
In order to be considered a full OT student by the end of the freshman year, you must:
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
- Earn a C or better in BIOL111, BIOL111Lab, and PSYC101
- Complete 10 hours of OT observation
- Complete an interview with a representative of the OT program
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Can I get credit for previous coursework / work experience?
Credit for Previous Coursework / Work Experience: Due to the sequential nature and learning goals of the MOT curriculum, all students admitted to the MOT Program will be required to complete the full curriculum. The Saint Francis University MOT Program will not give credit for occupational therapy coursework completed at any other university toward the MOT degree. Transfer credit will only be considered for undergraduate prerequisite coursework. The Program will also not give credit for any work experience toward the MOT degree.
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What is the admission criteria for transfer students?
Admission Criteria for Transfer Students
Students requesting transfer either within the University or from external institutions are required to follow the “Transfer Policy” process as well as have a transfer evaluation completed (see below).
Transfer Evaluation
- Student requests meeting with the OT Department.
- Transfer evaluation is completed by the OT Department to determine which cohort student best aligns with.
- Transfer evaluations will be completed on an ongoing basis convenient to the OT Department:
- the results will be communicated to the student, along with the other requirements (interview, hours of observation, personal statement).
- Note: BIOL111 and BIOL111L will be considered to transfer in at the transfer level.
- The OT Department will evaluate students on a semester-by-semester basis and offer admission (full or provisional) based on results of the transfer evaluation and space in the cohort.
- If a student is not accepted into the OT major in the semester they inquire, they may inquire the following semester; however, there is no guarantee and no preference will be given to that student.
- If an acceptance into OT is not offered, it is the responsibility of the student to determine a major consistent with their preferences. They may collaborate with Career Services or the Center for Academic Success for assistance in this process.
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What are the progression standards to progress to the professional phase?
Progression Standards
Students must meet the following criteria in order to progress into the professional phase of the program:
- Demonstrate a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in all major and core curriculum requirements by the end of the spring semester of Year Three of the Pre-Professional phase of study.
- Demonstrate completion of all general education core and collateral courses as prescribed.
- Demonstrate completion of OT 201, OT 301, OT 302, OT 310 (with a grade of "C" or better) or their equivalent as determined by the Department Chairman.
- Demonstrate a minimum 2.75 overall collateral courses grade point average in each Collateral Courses:
- BIOL 111- Biology I, 4 Credits
- BIOL 111 L- Biology I Lab, 1 Credit
- BIOL 205- Anatomy & Physiology I, 3 Credits
- BIOL 205L- Anatomy & Physiology I Lab, 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 201- Research Methods and Statistics I, 3 Credits
- PSYC 202- Research Methods and Statistics II, 3 Credits
- PSYC 205- Psychopathology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 209- Developmental Psychology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 314- Biopsychology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 317- Memory & Cognition, 3 Credits
- PUBH 101- Introduction to Public Health, 3 Credits
- SOC 101- Introduction to Sociology, 3 Credits
- OT 201-Introduction to OT II or equivalent*, 1-3 Credits
- OT 301- OT Seminar I or equivalent*, 1 Credit
- OT 302- OT Seminar II or equivalent*, 1 Credit
- OT 310- Occupation and Movement or equivalent*, 3 Credits
Please consult the departmental handbook for detailed information about internal policies and standards.
**Note: Professional courses are open to Occupational Therapy majors only.
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If I don't meet the admission criteria for the accelerated 3+2 MOT, what other majors could I consider?
Students who do not meet the above criteria, but who qualify for admission to the University, may select a major consistent with their academic profile. Options include: Interdisciplinary Healthcare Studies-Pre-Allied Health, Exploratory (Health and Human Services), Public Health, Psychology, Social Work, etc. Ask your enrollment advisor about your options.
Full OT Acceptance Admission Criteria for High School Students
Download: OT Observation Form
Applicants must have graduated from an approved secondary school or submission of a state-approved GED.
Submitting test scores:
- Completed work equal to a standard academic high school coursework
- SAT = 1080 or greater/ACT = 21 or greater
- Minimum High School GPA: 3.0
- 10 hours of OT observation
Test Optional:
- Completed work equal to a standard academic high school coursework with a minimum of the following:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of Social Studies
- 3 units of Math (one of which is Algebra with a “B” or greater)
- 3 units of Science (one of which is Biology with a lab and a “B” or greater; recommended courses include Advanced Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Physics, Chemistry)
- Completion of additional courses or internships that demonstrate advanced knowledge or skill in the healthcare environment. (such as: 1 unit of Psychology, Sociology, and/or Medical Terminology, Advanced Science courses, internships in a healthcare field.
- Minimum GPA: 3.4 or greater (based on 4.0 scale)
- Recommend any of the following: campus visit, OT department visit, interview, classroom visitation, meeting with any of the OT faculty, or virtual visit with any of the OT faculty.
- 10 hours of OT observation
- Students are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation that can attest to their ability to be successful in a healthcare field.
NOTE: the Occupational Therapy program at Saint Francis University requires students to take BIOL111 and BIOL111 Lab at Saint Francis University as a full-time, on-campus, first-year student. If the student has dual enrollment or AP credits for BIOL111 (or its equivalent), they will be transferred in as free elective credits (BIOL800).
Provisional Occupation Therapy Student
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), permits the SFU Master of Occupational Therapy program to enroll 40 freshman OT students. When you submit your $100 tuition deposit, one of the 40 spaces in the OT cohort is reserved for you.
While the majority of the 40 spaces in the freshman cohort are reserved for fully accepted OT students, ten of the spaces are reserved for provisional OT students.
Transition from provisional OT student to full OT student
In order to be considered a full OT student by the end of the freshman year, you must:
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
- Earn a C or better in BIOL111, BIOL111Lab, and PSYC101
- Complete 10 hours of OT observation
- Complete an interview with a representative of the OT program
Credit for Previous Coursework / Work Experience: Due to the sequential nature and learning goals of the MOT curriculum, all students admitted to the MOT Program will be required to complete the full curriculum. The Saint Francis University MOT Program will not give credit for occupational therapy coursework completed at any other university toward the MOT degree. Transfer credit will only be considered for undergraduate prerequisite coursework. The Program will also not give credit for any work experience toward the MOT degree.
Admission Criteria for Transfer Students
Students requesting transfer either within the University or from external institutions are required to follow the “Transfer Policy” process as well as have a transfer evaluation completed (see below).
Transfer Evaluation
- Student requests meeting with the OT Department.
- Transfer evaluation is completed by the OT Department to determine which cohort student best aligns with.
- Transfer evaluations will be completed on an ongoing basis convenient to the OT Department:
- the results will be communicated to the student, along with the other requirements (interview, hours of observation, personal statement).
- Note: BIOL111 and BIOL111L will be considered to transfer in at the transfer level.
- The OT Department will evaluate students on a semester-by-semester basis and offer admission (full or provisional) based on results of the transfer evaluation and space in the cohort.
- If a student is not accepted into the OT major in the semester they inquire, they may inquire the following semester; however, there is no guarantee and no preference will be given to that student.
- If an acceptance into OT is not offered, it is the responsibility of the student to determine a major consistent with their preferences. They may collaborate with Career Services or the Center for Academic Success for assistance in this process.
Progression Standards
Students must meet the following criteria in order to progress into the professional phase of the program:
- Demonstrate a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in all major and core curriculum requirements by the end of the spring semester of Year Three of the Pre-Professional phase of study.
- Demonstrate completion of all general education core and collateral courses as prescribed.
- Demonstrate completion of OT 201, OT 301, OT 302, OT 310 (with a grade of "C" or better) or their equivalent as determined by the Department Chairman.
- Demonstrate a minimum 2.75 overall collateral courses grade point average in each Collateral Courses:
- BIOL 111- Biology I, 4 Credits
- BIOL 111 L- Biology I Lab, 1 Credit
- BIOL 205- Anatomy & Physiology I, 3 Credits
- BIOL 205L- Anatomy & Physiology I Lab, 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 201- Research Methods and Statistics I, 3 Credits
- PSYC 202- Research Methods and Statistics II, 3 Credits
- PSYC 205- Psychopathology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 209- Developmental Psychology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 314- Biopsychology, 3 Credits
- PSYC 317- Memory & Cognition, 3 Credits
- PUBH 101- Introduction to Public Health, 3 Credits
- SOC 101- Introduction to Sociology, 3 Credits
- OT 201-Introduction to OT II or equivalent*, 1-3 Credits
- OT 301- OT Seminar I or equivalent*, 1 Credit
- OT 302- OT Seminar II or equivalent*, 1 Credit
- OT 310- Occupation and Movement or equivalent*, 3 Credits
Please consult the departmental handbook for detailed information about internal policies and standards.
**Note: Professional courses are open to Occupational Therapy majors only.
Students who do not meet the above criteria, but who qualify for admission to the University, may select a major consistent with their academic profile. Options include: Interdisciplinary Healthcare Studies-Pre-Allied Health, Exploratory (Health and Human Services), Public Health, Psychology, Social Work, etc. Ask your enrollment advisor about your options.
Program Costs
Pre-professional Phase Tuition & Fees
For the first three years of study, students in the accelerated 3+2 MOT program pay the current annual tuition rate for traditional undergraduate students. See current Undergraduate Tuition and Fees.
Professional Phase Tuition & Fees
Once students enter the professional phase of the accelerated MOT program in their fourth year of study, the costs outlined below apply.
Current Rates Through Spring 2025
MOT Program Tuition & Fees - SFU Traditional Undergraduate Student* | ||||||||
| Year | Term | Tuition | University Fee | Program Fee | Tech Fee | Books, Supplies, & Other Fees | Total per Term | Total per Year |
| 1 | Summer (15 credits) | $19,245 | $0 | $685 | $0 | $1,061 | $20,991 | $67,895 |
| Fall (18 credits) | $21,450 | $550 | $700 | $0 | $1,140 | $23,840 | ||
| Spring (18 credits) | $21,450 | $550 | $700 | $0 | $364 | $23,064 | ||
| 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: | $96,405 | $1,100 | $4,185 | $1,050 | $2,655 | $105,395 | $105,395 | |
*Student classified as a graduate student in the 2nd year
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:
| Year | Term | Tuition | University Fee | Program Fee | Tech Fee | Books, Supplies, & Other Fees | Total per Term | Total per Year |
| 2 | Summer (8 credits) | $7,336 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $0 | $8,386 | $30,750 |
| Fall (11 credits) | $10,087 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $45 | $11,182 | ||
| Spring (11 credits) | $10,087 | $0 | $700 | $350 | $45 | $11,182 | ||
| Grand Totals: | $27,510 | $0 | $2,100 | $1,050 | $90 | $30,750 | $37,500 | |
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.