About the Department of Occupational Therapy
The Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Alabama is proud
of its many accomplishments in its short history. The OT Bachelor of Science degree
program was founded in 1993 and the first class of occupational therapists graduated
in 1996. In 2002, the program converted to a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
as a result of national changes in the accreditation standards.
Our students receive didactic, laboratory and clinical education in all facets of
entry-level occupational therapy practice. Program graduates are highly sought and
recruited by employers in a variety of healthcare and community settings because of
their knowledge, professionalism and evaluation and intervention skills.
Occupational therapy faculty members are committed to providing high quality, cutting-edge
instruction. Many of the faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for
their scholarship and service to the profession. The Department strives to provide
a collegial and challenging learning environment in which students can acquire knowledge
and skills, and develop lifelong professional and personal relationships. We invite
you to explore our webpages and become better acquainted with the occupational therapy
program and faculty at the University of South Alabama.
Description of Program
- Entry-level master's degree program
- 95 semester hours of professional course work
- Extra expenses are associated with professional studies, including books, local travel
to and from clinical facilities, and for possible out-of-town travel and living expenses
during the fieldwork. Graduates of the program may assume responsibilities in the
areas of administration, program development, consultation, and research.
Accreditation
The University of South Alabama Occupational Therapy entry-level master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Status is:
Currently accredited until 2032
ACOTE Address:
c/o Accreditation Department
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
6116 Executive Boulevard Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
Phone: (301) 652-AOTA
Website: https://acoteonline.org/
Licensure
The University of South Alabama MS in Occupational Therapy Program is an accredited program by ACOTE®. Students completing the prescribed graduate courses including clinical fieldwork components for the MS in Occupational Therapy meet the academic requirements needed to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Our MSOT graduates are eligible to take the NBCOT exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Credentialing
The University of South Alabama Department of Occupational Therapy graduates have
consistently performed above the national average on the NBCOT Exam. To see our latest
statistics, visit NBCOT School Performance.
University of South Alabama
Dept. of Occupational Therapy
Graduation Rate Information
| Graduation Year |
Students Entering/Graduating |
Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 36/34 | 94% |
| 2021 | 36/35 | 97% |
| 2020 | 36/35 | 97% |
| Total | 108/104 | 96% |
NBCOT Success Rate
Over the past six years, USA graduates have achieved an overall pass rate of 100% on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination, well above the national average.
University of South Alabama
Dept. of Occupational Therapy
NBCOT Success Rate
| Exam Year |
USAOT % of New Graduates First Year Pass Rate |
National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Jan- Dec. 2021 | 100% | 97% |
| Jan- Dec. 2020 | 100% | 97% |
| Jan- Dec. 2019 | 100% | 98% |
| Jan- Dec. 2018 | 100% | 98% |
Professional Component Format
(7 semesters) - includes the full-time Level II Fieldwork