Quinnipiac University currently offers two pathways for high-school graduates who wish to become occupational therapists.

• Master’s Degree (MOT):

  • This is a 5½-year program. It is considered a dual degree because you will earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. (BS/MOT). Students will complete their bachelor’s degree in 4 years and will have 1 ½ years to complete their master’s degree.

• Clinical Doctorate Degree (OTD):

  • This is a 6-year program. It is a dual degree where you will earn a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree (BS/OTD). Students will complete their bachelor’s degree in 4 years and have 2 years to complete their doctoral degree.

Earning an MOT or OTD degree allows you to take the national certification exam and become a licensed occupational therapist.

Quinnipiac University’s BS/MOT program will be a good fit if, upon graduation, you:

• plan to work in an established OT practice setting such as a hospital, rehabilitation center, school or early intervention program

• want to be adept at using evidence-based practice to provide the most effective care to your clients

Quinnipiac University’s BS/OTD program will be a good fit if, upon graduation, you:

• plan to work in established areas of OT practice or an area where the tremendous benefit of OT has yet to be established

• want to become a leader within your workplace, community or the profession

• are interested in creating programs or conducting clinical research to provide the most effective care to your clients

Yes, you can transfer into the BS/OTD program on a space-available basis. Students who have earned 3 semesters of coursework are encouraged. Once accepted, students will be required to take OT courses at the 100 and 200 level before entering the professional phase as a junior. Transfer applications are reviewed at the end of each semester.

Students with junior or senior standing are advised to apply to the graduate-entry occupational therapy doctorate program

Students in the OTD program are required to complete a pair of 12-week, full-time fieldwork experiences and a culminating, 14-week capstone experience.

The fieldwork experiences are completed at the end of the second year of the graduate curriculum. Students may indicate their preferences for a setting or a population. One of those settings is working with underserved populations where OT can be of great benefit.

The culminating capstone experience is completed at the end of the third year of the graduate curriculum. Students design an individualized capstone experience and a corresponding capstone project that demonstrate in-depth knowledge of OT practice, leadership skills and scholarship.

• High school diploma. You also may be admitted to either program if you have 1-2 years of college, including an associate degree.

• 4 years of math and science classes

• Volunteer hours are recommended, but not required

• Please contact the Office of Admissions for additional information regarding GPA and standardized testing requirements

If you have questions and wish to discuss your interest with a representative of the Occupational Therapy Department, please contact us.