Occupational Therapy M.S.

UNH Occupational Therapy students provide therapy to members of a stroke survivors support group
Occupational Therapy M.S.

Professional Occupational Therapy Program Requirements for Advanced-­Standing Students B.S./M.S.

The program is two-and-a-half years (five semesters) of coursework, including fieldwork experiences. Students enroll in a 1-credit January term (J term) Level 1 fieldwork course in between the first and second semesters of the first year of the professional program. There are no summer course requirements.

Advanced­-standing students complete the first year of the professional program as part of their B.S. degree in occupational science.

Professional Occupational Therapy Program Requirements for Entering Graduate Students M.S.

The program is two-and-a-half years (five semesters) of coursework, including fieldwork experiences. Students enroll in a 1-credit January term (J term) Level 1 fieldwork course in between the first and second semesters of the first year of the professional program. There are no summer course requirements.

Academic Standards and Policies

In order to be awarded a M.S. in occupational therapy from UNH, students must earn a minimum of B- in all required occupational therapy courses and receive a passing criterion score on the American Occupational Therapy Association Fieldwork Evaluation for the Occupational Therapist in both 12-week Level II fieldwork experiences. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and meet professional behavioral standards, which are explained in detail in the OT Department Policy and Procedure Manual.

Because curriculum review and revision is undertaken annually, occupational therapy faculty work closely with students during academic advising sessions and share information about any policy and requirement changes during registration periods as well as throughout the academic year. Students are expected to take an active role in verifying expectations and requirements and should check with their departmental advisers each September for updated policies and requirements. Program requirements and policies for retention in the major are posted annually in the OT Department Policy and Procedure Manual, which is available on the OT department’s organization site on MyCourses; students are provided a hard copy or a digital copy of the manual when they enter the program.

Students will participate in a variety of off-­campus and fieldwork experiences throughout the course of study. Students are responsible for transportation to fieldwork sites and other off-campus learning experiences and are covered with basic personal liability insurance through UNH for all practical components of the curriculum. Students are responsible for meeting the health and criminal record clearances established by their fieldwork sites and off-campus learning experiences. Proof of immunization such as poliomyelitis, rubella, H1N1, and hepatitis B may also be required. For Level II fieldwork, health insurance and a physical examination, including a tuberculin test, are required. All fieldwork experiences are scheduled in centers approved by the Department of Occupational Therapy and with whom active Memoranda of Understanding with UNH exist.

After successfully completing all Level II fieldwork requirements and academic work, students are awarded a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. They are then eligible to sit for the National Board Certification Examination in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Consistent with NBCOT expectations, students must sit for the certification examination within two years of completion of coursework and fieldwork. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and/or obtain State Licensure.

Curriculum and schedule: Most classes will be scheduled during weekdays during the day and into early evening. Some courses require experiential, off-campus learning in addition to off-campus Level I and II fieldwork experiences that are two­ weeks and twelve weeks, respectively. These full­ time experiences are planned collaboratively with the academic fieldwork coordinator.

Find Courses
View Course Catalog
Application Requirements & Deadlines

Contact

Department of Occupational Therapy
Hewitt Hall, 4 Library Way
Durham, NH 03824

Phone: (603) 862-3221

Curriculum & Requirements

Plan of Study for Advanced-Standing B.S./M.S.

Plan of Study Grid
First YearCredits
OT 710 OT Practice and Professional Roles 4
OT 741 Human Occupation 4
OT 751 Mind Body Systems/Neurologically Based Function and Dysfunction 4
OT 752
& 752L		 Human Movement and Environmental Effects on Everyday Occupations
and Human Movement Lab		 5
OT 744 Fieldwork and Professionalism - Level 1 1
OT 792 Level I Fieldwork 1
OT 760
& 760L		 Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention
and Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention Lab		 5
OT 785 Research Methods and Application to Practice 4
OT 745 Administration and Management for Occupational Therapy Practice 4
Select one of the following: 4-5
OT 771
& 771L
 Enabling Participation in Community Groups
and Enabling Participation in Community Groups Lab		  
OT 730
& 730L
 Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance
and Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance Lab		  
 Credits36-37
Second Year
Select one of the following: 5
OT 871
& 871L
 Enabling Participation in Community Groups
and Enabling Participation in Community Groups Lab		  
OT 830
& 830L
 Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance
and Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance Lab		  
OT 862
& 862L		 OT Evaluation and Intervention for Children
and OT Evaluation and Intervention for Children - Lab		 4
OT 863
& 863L		 Occupational Therapy Intervention for Adults
and Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Adults - Lab		 4
OT 863R Adult Evaluation and Intervention Recitation 0
OT 846 Transitions: Student to Professional 2
OT 854 Level II Fieldwork, I 8
OT 855 Level II Fieldwork Discussion 1
OT 856 Level II Fieldwork, II 8
 Credits32
Third Year
OT 865 Occupational Therapy Practice and Professional Reasoning 3
OT 875 Leadership in Occupational Therapy Systems of Practice 3
OT 886 Engagement in Research 3
Choose additional graduate level electives 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits80-81

Plan of Study for Entering Graduate Students M.S.

Plan of Study Grid
First YearCredits
OT 810 OT Practice and Professional Roles 3
OT 841 Human Occupation 4
OT 853 Mind Body Systems: Neurologically-based Function and Dysfunction--Pediatric Conditions 4
OT 852
& 852L		 Human Movement and Environmental Effects on Everyday Occupations
and Human Movement and Environmental Effects on Everyday Occupations Lab		 4
OT 844 Fieldwork and Professionalism - Level 1 1
OT 892 Level I Fieldwork 1
OT 830 Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance 3
OT 857 Mind Body Systems: Neurologically-based Function and Dysfunction--Adult Conditions 4
OT 845 Administration and Management for Occupational Therapy Practice 3
OT 860
& 860L		 Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention
and Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention Lab		 4
 Credits31
Second Year
OT 862
& 862L		 OT Evaluation and Intervention for Children
and OT Evaluation and Intervention for Children - Lab		 4
OT 863
& 863L		 Occupational Therapy Intervention for Adults
and Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Adults - Lab		 4
OT 863R Adult Evaluation and Intervention Recitation 0
OT 871
& 871L		 Enabling Participation in Community Groups
and Enabling Participation in Community Groups Lab		 5
OT 846 Transitions: Student to Professional 2
OT 854 Level II Fieldwork, I 8
OT 855 Level II Fieldwork Discussion 1
OT 856 Level II Fieldwork, II 8
 Credits32
Third Year
OT 865 Occupational Therapy Practice and Professional Reasoning 3
OT 875 Leadership in Occupational Therapy Systems of Practice 3
OT 886 Engagement in Research 3
Choose additional graduate level electives 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits75

Occupational Therapy B.S./M.S. (Advanced Standing)

B.S/M.S. Professional OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Undergraduate Courses
OT 710OT Practice and Professional Roles4
OT 741Human Occupation4
OT 751Mind Body Systems/Neurologically Based Function and Dysfunction4
OT 752Human Movement and Environmental Effects on Everyday Occupations4
OT 752LHuman Movement Lab1
OT 744Fieldwork and Professionalism - Level 11
OT 792Level I Fieldwork1
OT 785Research Methods and Application to Practice4
OT 760
& 760L		Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention
and Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention Lab		5
OT 745Administration and Management for Occupational Therapy Practice4
Select one of the following:4-5
OT 771
& 771L
Enabling Participation in Community Groups
and Enabling Participation in Community Groups Lab
OT 730
& 730L
Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance
and Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance Lab
Total Credits36-37
Graduate Courses
Advanced-standing students are required to have 44 graduate credits, which includes 16 to 18 credits of fieldwork, in addition to 36 credits, which includes 1 to 3 credits of fieldwork, taken as part of the occupational science degree.
OT 854Level II Fieldwork, I 18
OT 855Level II Fieldwork Discussion 11
OT 856Level II Fieldwork, II8
OT 865Occupational Therapy Practice and Professional Reasoning 23
Select one of the following (whichever was not taken the previous year):5
OT 830
& 830L
Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance
and Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance Lab
OT 871
& 871L
Enabling Participation in Community Groups
and Enabling Participation in Community Groups Lab
OT 863Occupational Therapy Intervention for Adults3
OT 863LOccupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Adults - Lab1
OT 863RAdult Evaluation and Intervention Recitation0
OT 862OT Evaluation and Intervention for Children3
OT 862LOT Evaluation and Intervention for Children - Lab1
OT 875Leadership in Occupational Therapy Systems of Practice3
OT 846Transitions: Student to Professional2
OT 886Engagement in Research3
Select at least 3 credits of graduate-level elective course(s)3
Total Credits44

Occupational Therapy, M.S. (Professional Track) 

PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Requirements for Entering Graduate Students

The professional master’s degree track requires the completion of 74 graduate-level credits, which includes 19 credits of fieldwork.

Required OT courses include:

OT 810OT Practice and Professional Roles3
OT 841Human Occupation4
OT 845Administration and Management for Occupational Therapy Practice3
OT 852
& 852L		Human Movement and Environmental Effects on Everyday Occupations
and Human Movement and Environmental Effects on Everyday Occupations Lab		4
OT 853Mind Body Systems: Neurologically-based Function and Dysfunction--Pediatric Conditions4
OT 857Mind Body Systems: Neurologically-based Function and Dysfunction--Adult Conditions4
OT 892Level I Fieldwork (J term)1
OT 860
& 860L		Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention
and Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention Lab		4
OT 862
& 862L		OT Evaluation and Intervention for Children
and OT Evaluation and Intervention for Children - Lab		4
OT 863
& 863L		Occupational Therapy Intervention for Adults
and Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Adults - Lab		4
OT 846Transitions: Student to Professional2
OT 854Level II Fieldwork, I8
OT 855Level II Fieldwork Discussion1
OT 856Level II Fieldwork, II8
OT 865Occupational Therapy Practice and Professional Reasoning 13
OT 875Leadership in Occupational Therapy Systems of Practice3
OT 886Engagement in Research3
OT 871
& 871L		Enabling Participation in Community Groups
and Enabling Participation in Community Groups Lab		5
OT 830
& 830L		Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance
and Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance Lab		5
Select 3 credits of graduate-level elective course(s)3

Elective Courses

OT 887Upper Extremity Rehabilitation and Splinting4
OT 888Application of Physical Agent Modalities in Occupational Therapy Practice3
OT 890Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration4
OT 891Ergonomics for Occupational Therapy4
OT 831Introduction to Assistive Technology Principles2
OT 832Introduction to Assistive Technology Practices2
OT 833Assistive Technology and Physical Disabilities for Electronic Devices2
OT 834Assistive Technology and Physical Disabilities for the Home, Community and Employment2
OT 835Assistive Technology for Communication and Cognitive Impairments2
OT 836Assistive Technology and Vision and Hearing Impairments2
OT 889Using iPads to Support Children with Disabilities3
OT 866AMPS Training4
OT 895Readings and Research in Occupational Therapy1-6

Deadlines

Deadlines: Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

  • Fall: Jan. 15; March 1 for UNH B.S./M.S. Students
  • Spring: N/A
  • Summer: N/A
  • Special: N/A

Application fee: $65

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: CT RI VT

Accelerated Masters: Yes

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester and UNH Non-Degree work. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must request one official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. International transcripts must be translated into English. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

  • Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
  • Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Two letters of recommendation should address the applicant’s educational abilities and performance, while the third letter should address the applicant’s interpersonal and communication skills as observed in a volunteer or paid work setting.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Essays should integrate a discussion of the applicant’s experience working with people as a volunteer or employee, demonstration of a broad understanding of occupational therapy, and an explanation of personal interest and match for the profession.

Statements must be included with your submitted application.

Resume

Applicants who are not in the UNH B.S. in Occupational Therapy program must submit a one-page resume that details academic, work, and related experiences.

Additional Department Requirements

Prerequisite Course Verification Form (required): The program requires that all applicants print and complete the OT Prerequisite Course Verification Form. All prerequisites must be completed at the time of application. Please email the form to the UNH Graduate School. If you have questions about using the form, please contact the OT program. Current and recently graduated UNH B.S. in Occupational Therapy students do not have to submit the prerequisite verification form.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program specific application questions.

Professional Master’s Degree Track (e.g., those without a B.S. in Occupational Science): Please note that this is a highly competitive program with a very limited number of openings available.

Accelerated Masters Program: For those applicants interested in doing the accelerated masters program in Occupational Therapy be aware that the graduate-level courses taken during a student's senior year can only count towards the Certificate in Assistive Technology, and not the MS in Occupational Therapy degree. All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program specific application questions.

Additional Details for International Applicants

Prospective international students are strongly encouraged to complete our international pre-application process and are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. Please note that English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

Explore Program Details

What are the prerequisites for the OT MS Program?

For students applying to the fall 2018 MS class and beyond.

Mandatory Prerequisites:

  • Neuroanatomy* (with lab)
  • Clinical Kinesiology (no lab required)
  • Statistics
  • Research Methods
  • Human development course covering the lifespan (two courses needed: one course covering child development and one course covering adult development).
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs - 2 courses
  • A completed BA or BS degree with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00

Do all of the prerequisites need to be completed to apply?
Students who have completed all prerequisites will be reviewed more favorably, however, students may apply while still completing prerequisite courses.  All prerequisites must be completed before beginning the program in the Fall semester. 

How can I schedule a tour?
To register for a campus tour please visit admissions.

How do I apply to the MS Program?
Please apply through the graduate school online application. 

How do I register for prerequisite courses at UNH?
To resister as a Non-degree student you must go through Continuing Education.

I have been out of school for many years and don't have access to recent professors to ask for references.  What should I do?
We are looking for references who can speak to your ability to handle complex and dynamic information, your work ethic, your ability to handle stress, and your communication skills.  While we prefer two references from recent professors, people who have supervised you in a professional, work/volunteer capacity are also acceptable.

What is the deadline for MS Applications?
**Application Deadline for Occupational Therapy MS Program is January 15th**
However, we encourage applications to be submitted to the graduate school by the end of December to ensure that all applications are complete in time for review. We also encourage applicants to periodically review their application status on the graduate school website, and to contact the graduate school if items are missing.

    What is the topic for the admissions essay?
    We are looking for strong writing skills and a clear presentation of your understanding of Occupational Therapy.  We especially appreciate creative approaches to telling your story, and describing why you believe you would be a good fit for the profession.

    What should I look for in a neuroanatomy course?
    The Neuroanatomy course must be rich in content related to the neural basis for movement and sensory functions.  Course content must incorporate an overview of the anatomical organization and function of the central nervous system, including blood supply and meninges; sensory pathways; motor pathways; cranial nerves; and spinal cord, including spinal nerves.  Typical course objectives of an appropriate course should include wording about providing students with a basic working knowledge of the central nervous system and presenting the basic functional neuroanatomy required to understand and interpret the neurological examination of individuals with neurological impairments.

    These courses can often be found at schools that offer medical professions education, including Occupational Therapy and/or Physical Therapy majors.  UNH offers this course (KIN706/707) in the fall semester and in the early summer.  There is one acceptable online course of which we are aware at San Jose State (Bio 109).  Neuroscience courses typically do not meet this prerequisite.

    Where can I take the prerequisites?
    Prerequisite courses may be completed at any accredited college or university.

    Once students have completed all their academic and fieldwork requirements for entry-level practice, they prepare to take the NBCOT exam. This is one exam for which students cannot cram! But students certainly can prepare for it. The below links provide information about the exam’s format and content and guide you through the process of using your fieldwork experience as a study guide.

    • What the Exam Covers
    • Outline of Exam Contents
    • Using Fieldwork Experience as a Study Guide
    • General Suggestions

    graduating_student.jpg

    graduating student

    MS Occupational Therapy Prerequisites

    • A completed BA or BS degree with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00 or better

    • Neuroanatomy (no lab required)

      • The Neuroanatomy course must include content related to the neural basis for movement and sensory functions. This includes an overview of the anatomical organization and function of the central nervous system, gross anatomy of both central and peripheral nervous system (including blood supply and meninges), sensory pathways, motor pathways, cranial nerves, and the and spinal cord and spinal nerves. At the end of the course students should have a basic working knowledge of the central nervous system in order to participate in the neurological examination of individuals with neurological impairments.

      • These courses can often be found at schools that offer medical based programs, including Occupational Therapy and/or Physical Therapy majors. Neuroscience or neuropsychology courses typically do not meet this prerequisite.

    • Clinical Kinesiology (no lab required)

      • The clinical kinesiology course must include content related to the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems, sensory innervation of muscles, and basic biomechanics.

    • Statistics

    • Research Methods

      • This course should cover both qualitative and quantitative research design.

    • Human Development

      • Coursework should include all stages of human development from birth through old age. This information may be covered in one lifespan course or multiple courses (i.e.: child development, adolescent development, adult development).

    • Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs – 2 courses

    Do all of the prerequisites need to be completed to apply?

    Students who have completed all prerequisites will be reviewed more favorably, however, students may apply while still completing prerequisite courses.  All prerequisites must be completed before beginning the program in the Fall semester. 

    Where can I take the prerequisites?

    Prerequisite courses may be completed at any accredited college or university. Prerequisite course must be taken for college credit with a letter grade of a B- or better.

    BS/MS Senior students and incoming Masters students:

    Students from the BS/MS program enter the professional program first semester of  their senior year. They are joined by a small group of incoming Masters students. Therefore, all OT courses in the first year of the professional program are double listed as 700 and 800 level courses.
     
    First Semester: During the first year of the professional program students must meet program requirements:

    • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (overall) is required for continuation in the professional program.
    • Grades B- or above in all courses. Students earning B- or lower in 9 or more credits will be dismissed from the professional program.
    • Passing grades in all fieldwork components.  
    • Acceptable professional behavior standards on the Professional Behavior Competencies.

    Students who do not meet these standards require permission to enroll in additional OT courses.
    Senior students may complete their BS degree by registering for sufficient elective credits to meet UNH and degree requirements (128 credits). MS students failing to meet these requirements will be recommended for dismissal by the Graduate School.
     
    Second Semester, Senior Year: Students must meet the requirements as delineated above. Second semester seniors who do not meet these requirements will not be admitted to the MS degree program. 
     
    Graduate level: MS students failing to meet professional program requirements as delineated  above will be recommended for dismissal by the Graduate School.  

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