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Occupational Therapy Home Page
Graduate Education Opportunities for Occupational Therapy
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Career Opportunities in Health Science
Occupational Therapy
Master of Health Science
Print Version (4 page PDF file)
Professional Tasks and Working Environment
Occupational therapy is a dynamic health profession that enhances physical,
cognitive and emotional independence and well-being using selected activities.
O.T. services help people learn or regain skills needed to function in daily
life including:
- educating a homemaker who is paralyzed to perform household tasks from a
wheelchair;
- teaching an elderly stroke client to dress and bathe using adapted
techniques;
- helping a young adult who is emotionally disturbed develop daily living
skillssuch as balancing a checkbook, cooking, shopping and cultivating
effective work habits;
- helping children with learning problems improve their balance and eyehand coordination skills for improved handwriting. O.T.s often provide leadership of interdisciplinary health care teams in a variety of health care systems.
Skills and Interests Suited to a Career in Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists need manual skills, maturity, patience and
problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. They also need to be skilled and
resourceful in teaching others. This profession presents an excellent opportunity to
help clients learn to function at their optimal ability.
Employment and Career Opportunities
Occupational therapists are employed in hospitals,
clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes,
developmental delay centers and mental health
facilities, public school systems, home health
agencies, private practice, industry, and the
community.
The field offers rapid advancement into supervisory
and administrative positions
for therapists with advanced experience and education.
Growing opportunities
exist in private practice, consultation, research and
higher education.
The job market for occupational therapists is projected to grow.
Salary Information
Starting salaries in Georgia average $46,000-$53,000, with higher pay
depending on location and job responsibilities. Many experienced O.T.s earn
$50,000–$75,000 and higher.
Accreditation
The occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
The program has received a 10-year accreditation until 2010 and ensures that all
program upgrades will comply with ACOTE standards. The ACOTE
requires all
O.T.students to complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months after completing
academic preparation. Graduates of accredited programs may take the national
certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).
Graduates who successfully complete this exam are registered occupational
therapists. Most states, including Georgia, require licensure to practice;
however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT
examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the
NBCOT exam or attain state licensure.
For additional information, contact:
ACOTE
4720 Montgomery Lane
P.O. Box 31220
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
Telephone: (301) 652-2682
Web site: www.aota.org
E-mail: accred@aota.org or educate@aota.orgNBCOT
800 S. Frederick Ave. Suite 200
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
Telephone: (301) 990-7979
Web site: www.nbcot.org
General Admissions Criteria
Admission is based on overall and math/science college grade point averages,
completion of the core curriculum (see
Courses to Take the First Three Years),
assessment of related experience, three references assessing academic or
work-related skills, personal essay, personal qualities needed to successfully
complete the program and an interview. A 3.0 overall GPA and a 2.5 math/science
GPA on a 4.0 scale are required. Observation/volunteer or work experience in
occupational therapy or a related field is recommended. GRE
score of 900.
Applicants whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based), or 79 internet-based.
Students must meet departmental criteria, including submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of at least 900 (sum of verbal and quantitative). Special consideration may be considered if appropriate GPA is apparent.
Technical Standards
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a
health professions career, students must satisfy general and specific technical
standards for this program. Please visit
www.mcg.edu/sah/ot/TechnicalStandards.html to
review these requirements.
Estimated Full-Time Academic Expenses
| Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies/Other | |
| Per semester | $3,589* | 343.5 | 1000** |
* Non-residents of Georgia pay an additional $6,034 tuition per semester. Residents of Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina receive a waiver of non-resident tuition.
** Costs vary by major. Please check with your department for details.
(Costs are for 2007-2008. All tuition charges, board, room rent or other charges are subject to change at the end of any academic term.)
Estimated Living Expenses
| On- or off-campus apartment | Commuter | |
| 9 months | $13,869 | $9,864 |
| 12 months | 18,492 | 13,152 |
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid and other assistance is available. MCG participates in all
federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. MCG helps
students fund their education through grants, scholarships, loans, a service
commitment program and/or employment.
When and How to Apply
The master of health science in occupational therapy degree program requires
applicants to attend another accredited college or university of their choice to
complete the required core curriculum courses
(see prerequisite
courses). Upon completion of the 90 hours, students may
apply for admission to MCG. Accepted applicants will transfer into the graduate
O.T. curriculum.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average, as well as a 2.5 GPA in math/science courses and a GRE score of at least 900 (combined Verbal and Quantitative). If grades are outstanding and the GRE score is marginal, a review for probationary admission may be considered.
Completed applications received between September and February 15 will be given priority consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted until the class is filled. Earlier application is strongly encouraged, as departmental interviews are conducted in the spring by invitation only.
Apply for Graduate
Admission Now
If you have questions about the application, e-mail () or telephone
(706-721-2725 or 1-800-519-3388) the Office of Academic Admissions
or for more information about health related career opportunities, visit
www.mcg.edu/admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline?
Completed applications received between September and February 15 will be given priority consideration. Earlier application is strongly encouraged as interviews are conducted in the spring. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date only if the class is not filled.
What counts in admission?
A weighted formula based on success of prior applicants is used. The formula heavily weighs overall grade point average.
Competitive GPA for the O.T. program is 3.0 overall. Points are also included for quality of references, autobiographical section content, writing ability, experience in the health field and veteran status. Use references from people who can rate your work skills. Do not use family members or friends as references. Clearly explain why you chose occupational therapy as a career. Ratings from interviews are included in the final selection process.
How much volunteer experience do I need?
There is no required number of volunteer hours. The ranking formula considers amount of time, number of settings and variety of experiences. Applicants should observe at least one O.T. to gain an insight to the profession. MCG Closer Look Visitations are held throughout the year to allow applicants to learn more about O.T. and our program. Contact the Office of Academic Admissions for further information.
Do I have to complete all of my prerequisites before I can be accepted?
No. We will consider your application before you have completed all of the prerequisites. A page in the application asks where and when you took or plan to take each prerequisite. Make sure the courses you need will be offered the semester you plan to take them.
What do you mean by proof of first-aid training and current CPR certification?
We will accept a course titled First Aid on your transcript or a copy of your card indicating completion of a first-aid course. You must send us a copy of your card showing CPR certification that is valid through your first semester on campus. If your CPR certification has expired, you must complete a recertification course.
What electives should I take?
Elective means your choice, so choose courses that interest you. We suggest additional coursework in computers, human development, communication, statistics, group process, psychology, sociology, ethics and fine or manual arts. See prerequisites for suggestions.
I am a COTA and heard you will waive some prerequisites for the occupational therapy program. Is that true?
No. You must complete all prerequisites.
What if I am already a certified O.T.? What’s the right program for me?
Our post-professional master of science and master of health education degree programs are for certified occupational therapists. Please visit www.mcg.edu/gradstudies/allied.htm to review these programs and their requirements.
Why is a master’s degree required for occupation therapy practice?
The Representative Assembly of the American Occupational Therapy Association passed a resolution requiring post-baccalaureate-level entry into the profession by Jan. 1, 2007.
The MCG Department of Occupational Therapy offers a master of health science in occupational therapy; no bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy will be awarded. This will ensure that our program maintains its excellent accreditation status and that our graduates receive the most current educational credentials.
The program is six graduate semesters including fieldwork assignments.
When will I know if I’m accepted?
There is no definite date. The committee reaches final decisions after all completed applications received by the application deadline have been processed. We may accept highly competitive applicants prior to the deadline. The recommendations are forwarded to the Office of Academic Admissions, which sends the official written notice of action. The information cannot be released over the telephone. If you have not had a response by June, contact the Office of Academic Admissions.
What is an alternate list?
We frequently have more qualified applicants than places in the class. Qualified applicants may be placed on an alternate list. If an accepted applicant withdraws, an alternate will be contacted to fill the slot. Alternates may be contacted up to the first week of class. Although it makes planning difficult, we do not know how many alternates will be selected until classes start.
Can I work full time while attending your program?
“No” is the best advice. Our program is very demanding and requires full-time participation. Classes meet all day Monday through Friday with assignments that fill evening and weekend hours. We will not prohibit you from working while in school, but most students find it difficult. The Office of Financial Aid is very helpful in finding alternative funding sources.