MS Program in Occupational Therapy
The Occupational Therapy program at Carolina is a two year program leading to a Master of Science degree with a major in occupational therapy. The program is designed for the person with an undergraduate degree in a field other than occupational therapy. UNC students complete a rigorous course of graduate study comprised of 63 credits including 12 credits of Fieldwork II taken within the two calendar years of the program. The program is designed for full-time study.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapists administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. (NBCOT). After successful completion of the exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered, OTR. In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. More information about certification can be obtained by contacting: NBCOT The Eugene Casey Building800 South Frederick Avenue Suite 200Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150(301) 990-7979
- A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s eligibility for certification or state licensure. We suggest that applicants contact the NBCOT with questions regarding eligibility for professional credentialing. In addition, some clinical sites require criminal background searches as a condition of completing fieldwork within the site.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therpay Association. The program was re-accredited in 1986, 1993 and 2001. Accreditation is granted to those occupational therapy educational programs that demonstrate substantial compliance with the Accreditation Standards for a Masters Degree-Level Educational Program for the Occupational Therapist. More information about accreditation can be otanined by contacting: ACOTE, 4720 Montgomery Lane, PO Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220, Phone: (301) 652-2682