Health Sciences – Occupational Therapy

Health Sciences majors can select a specialization in Occupational Therapy to prepare them for future graduate or professional pursuits. Students will learn the skills and gain hands-on experiences they need to excel in the field of occupational therapy. From physiology to psychology, McDaniel’s Occupational Therapy specialization has you covered.

B.A.-to-M.S. Pathway Program in Occupational Therapy

In the fall of 2024, McDaniel College announced plans to develop a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T) that will begin in 2026. The developing program is an opportunity for students interested in becoming registered occupational therapists to continue their education at McDaniel. Students in the Health Sciences - Occupational Therapy specialization can work with their advisor to pursue the accelerated master's degree. See admissions details for McDaniel's M.S.O.T.

Many McDaniel students have gone on to graduate and professional programs in allied health fields. Allied health advising can begin as early as the first semester on campus or whenever a student first decides to pursue a health-related career. Advisors work individually with students to build their McDaniel Plan.

Occupational therapists work closely with people of all ages and backgrounds who have disabilities, injuries, or illnesses, evaluating their unique needs to help them develop skills to complete daily and vocational tasks. Occupational therapists can work in a wide range of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and clinics.

Occupational therapists identify the best therapies and exercises for individual clients and share useful adaptive technologies for completing day-to-day activities, like school assignments, grocery shopping, or office work. It’s not only a physical focus; occupational therapists also assist patients with overcoming challenges relating to mental and social well-being.

How to become an occupational therapist:

A master’s degree is required to become a registered occupational therapist. Graduates must then be certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and apply for state licensure. Effective master's programs in Occupational Therapy prepare graduates to pass NBCOT’s certification exam, receive state licensure, and thrive in the profession.

McDaniel College’s developing master’s program in Occupational Therapy will prepare competent, entry-level practitioners with necessary skills in assessment, intervention, and management of services. 

Differences in Occupational Therapy graduate degree pathways:

There are a few degree paths to join the occupational therapy profession, and it's worth identifying the best one for you. If your goal is to become a registered occupational therapist, you will need a bachelor's degree with the appropriate pre-requisites and a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, which opens many doorways for you in the field. 

Another pathway is through a doctorate program, which require a greater time commitment and cost compared to master's programs. Students can enroll directly into a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program after earning their bachelor's degree, or, master’s degree-holders go on to enroll in doctorate programs to deepen their expertise and pursue research or advanced leadership in the field. You do not need a Doctor of Occupational Therapy to be a registered occupational therapist and begin practicing in the field.

Additional resources:

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) resources.
• Why Choose OT?