Academic Catalog
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The post-baccalaureate, entry-level Master of Science (M.S.) in Occupational Therapy program prepares graduates to practice as generalists in a wide variety of settings. Occupational therapists use activities and tasks meaningful to the client, as the method for achieving therapeutic goals. An expanding body of research has shown that occupation-based interventions are highly effective in motivating clients, have the ability to tap into unconscious motor memory, and are effective in reaching client goals. The program consists of four academic semesters (including Level I Fieldwork integrated into the curriculum) and six months of Level II Fieldwork. The program utilizes technology to enhance the delivery of courses, and students are expected to have sufficient computer skills to fully participate.
This entry-level Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814, ACOTE's telephone number is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is .
Masters in Occupational Therapy Process
The Occupational Therapy Program at Florida Gulf Coast University participates in the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as OTCAS. Applicants applying to the Master of Occupational Therapy Program will apply online using the OTCAS application (https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login). Students manage their applications online and may apply to more than one school at a time.
Application process opens July 21st. Deadline for completed FGCU application on OTCAS is December 1st. Click the link for OTCAS frequently asked questions ().
It can take up to four weeks before an application is verified by OTCAS and released to us for review. We recommend that you submit your OTCAS application at least four weeks prior to our deadline. All application materials must be received in order for your application to be reviewed by FGCU.
Program Admission Requirements
- Submit an application and fee through Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) and satisfy all applicable university admissions requirements.
- Earned baccalaureate degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body () or equivalent foreign institution; degree may be pending completion at time of application. GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- GPA of 3.2 or higher in prerequisite courses (listed below).
- Completed Documentation of Volunteer/Shadowing Hours forms documenting at least 20 hours of volunteer or shadowing experience in at least two (2) OT practice environments in accordance with Guidelines for Volunteer/Shadowing Hours. Must be signed by an OT or COTA including credentials.
- International students must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with University regulation.
- Personal statement in accordance with Personal Statement Guidelines.
- Interview (arranged by invitation when all other application materials have been received and reviewed).
- The following prerequisite courses or the equivalent must be completed with a grade of C or better (a grade of C- or less is not acceptable). Students may complete three prerequisites in the Summer session after provisional acceptance into the program. All requirements must be completed before beginning the graduate level of study. Courses noted in parentheses are FGCU courses that meet the requirement:
- Two courses in human anatomy & physiology w/lab (BSC 1085C & BSC 1086C). It is highly recommended that labs not be completed online. Must be completed before taking OTH3417C & OTH3429C
- Any approved abnormal psychology or psychopathology course (CLP 4143)
- Any approved lifespan human development course (DEP 2004)
- Research course with health professions or behavioral research focus (IHS 4504)
- Any approved musculoskeletal anatomy course w/lab (OTH 3417C)
- Any approved neuroanatomy/neurophysiology course (OTH 3429C)
- Any approved introductory physics or qualified physical science course [covers mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism] (PHY 2020, PHY 2048 or 2048C/2048L or PHY 2053 or 2053C/2053L)
- Any general psychology course (PSY 2012)
- Any statistics course (STA 2023 or STA 2037)
- Any sociology or anthropology course with a multicultural theme (SYG 2000, SYG 2010, SYG 2250, ANT 2000, or ANT 2410)
- Accepted students are expected to complete a Medical Terminology class by November 15th of their first semester in the program.
Applicants to the occupational therapy program submit all required documentation through OTCAS, but will be required to submit additional documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions following an offer of admission.
Admission to the program is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
(Please note: When selecting these documents below, they will download for you to view or print)
- Students must earn a grade of B or better in all required coursework in order to progress in the program.
- Students are evaluated on professional behaviors as well as academic performance.
- Successful completion of assigned fieldwork integrating academic material and professional behaviors is a required part of the program.
- Students must provide evidence of immunizations, CPR training, health insurance, malpractice insurance coverage, Level 1 Criminal Background clearance, Level 2 FBI fingerprinting, Biosafety (Bloodborne Pathogens) Training, and HIPS Training through FGCU’s Office of Research & Graduate Studies, as detailed in the Program's Student Handbook.
- Submit an application for graduation by the deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
- Completion of the degree in Occupational Therapy, which includes the prescribed fieldwork, is required for eligibility to sit for the Certification Examination and to obtain a license to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
- Students must register for a minimum of one credit during the semester in which they apply for graduation.
- Earn more than 50% of the credits toward the degree through FGCU.
- Earn a minimum of 70 credits.
Required Courses in the Major (70 credits)
OTH 6002 OT History and Foundations (2)
OTH 6009 Theory in Occupational Therapy (3)
OTH 6018 Professional Practice (3)
OTH 6026 Group Process and Management (3)
OTH 6106C Technology in Practice (3)
OTH 6226C Evaluation of Perform Issues (3)
OTH 6235C OT Interventions (4)
OTH 6325C Practice in Behavioral Health (2)
OTH 6415C Human Motion in Activity (4)
OTH 6436C Adult UE Rehabilitation (4)
OTH 6523C Practice with Children (4)
OTH 6536C Occupational Performance Issues I (3)
OTH 6605C Occupational Performance Issues II (3)
OTH 6707 Management and Supervision in Occupational Therapy (3)
OTH 6725 Community Practice Seminar (3)
OTH 6751C Occupational Therapy Research (3)
OTH 6853 Level I Fieldwork A (1)
OTH 6854 Level I Fieldwork B (1)
OTH 6855 Level I Fieldwork C (1)
OTH 6845 Level II Fieldwork A (6)
OTH 6846 Level II Fieldwork B (6)
OTH 6910 Directed Study (3)
OTH 6973C Project Implementation (2)