"As a foreign-trained occupational therapist, I had always wanted to gain perspective of the OT education in the U.S. The Post Professional Masters Program in OT opened my eyes to research, helped me reconnect to the OT framework and increased my confidence and knowledge to be a better mentor to future OT students. The guidance provided by the professors was very helpful during the course. Additionally, it was inexpensive, concise and an achievable goal to climb the professional ladder."
– Harshada Kumar, 2022 Graduate
Advance Your Practice with a Post-Professional Master's Degree
Be part of an occupational therapy program that makes you a top priority with classes taught by scholars and leaders in the field. With a strong legacy of developing occupational therapists since 1941 and advancing their education with post-professional degrees since 1995, Mount Mary is the university to move your practice forward.
About the Post-Professional Master's Program
The post-professional master's program (M.S.) in occupational therapy is designed for practicing occupational therapists (OT/OTR) who seek to transition from a bachelor's to a master's degree and advance competencies in physical rehabilitation, pediatrics, gerontology, mental health, education or leadership. The learning experiences are designed to enhance reflection about practice based on occupation, theory, and evidence.
As a graduate you'll be:
- able to critique and create practice alternatives.
-
able to communicate evidence of therapeutic efficacy in a preferred practice area.
Program Format
The Post-Professional Master's degree is a 12-credit program, taking 9 months to complete on a part-time basis with all courses distance-delivered. By remaining in a work setting while engaging in advanced education, you'll develop reflective practice skills in a manner that has ongoing real-world application. Read more about the technology requirements.
You'll submit weekly postings critiquing professional literature and relating it to practice. Your faculty will provide individual feedback on your reflective analysis and application of knowledge to practice. Assignments are due once per week and you'll present your culminating project at the end of the program.
Program of Study
FALL
OCT 700 Perspectives on Occupation – 2 credits
Examination of perspectives on occupation that underlie occupational therapy practice.
OCT 710 Research in Occupational Therapy – 3 credits
Analysis and synthesis of professional literature related to selected practice area. Emphasis on occupational therapy.
OCT 720 Theory and Practice – 2 credits
Analysis of models, theory, frames of reference and professional reasoning to enhance reflective practice. Emphasis on occupational therapy.
SPRING
OCT 734 Leadership – 2 credits
Examination of leadership theories and their application to provision of occupational therapy services.
OCT 795 Culminating Project – 3 credits
Completion of an evidence-based case study or project that shows the impact of occupational therapy on the client’s function and participation.
Admission
The occupational therapy program currently offers a bridge program for practicing occupational therapists with a bachelor's degree that wish to earn a post-professional Master of Science (M.S.) degree. To apply, please submit the following items:
- Graduate Student Application
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Copy of current OT license
- Copy of government-issued photo ID
Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for fall admission. A maximum of 48 students are admitted to begin the program each fall (August). Qualified applicants will be contacted to complete an interview and writing sample. Upon notification of admission, applicants must submit a tuition deposit to confirm their intent to enroll.
Find out about tuition for this program
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact:
Kirk Messer
Director of Graduate
Admissions
hellerk@mtmary.edu
(414) 930-3221
Schedule a meeting
with Kirk:
calendly.com/kirk-messer
If you are interested in becoming an occupational therapist, please see the Professional Entry Master of Science and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program information.
"The Mt. Mary Post-Professional Masters in OT program helped me to reflect upon my practice and grow as a leader. Enrolling in this program has allowed me to network with other OTs around the world. As a working mom, the virtual format allowed me to achieve my educational goals while working and raising my family. The faculty and staff are very knowledgeable and approachable."
– Sarah Ashby, 2022 Graduate