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Occupational Therapy

A page within Occupational Therapy

Earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

OT students practicing techniques OT students practicing techniques
OT students practicing techniques OT students practicing techniques
OT students practicing techniques OT students practicing techniques
OT students practicing techniques OT students practicing techniques
OT students practicing techniques OT students practicing techniques

Program distinction


ENTRY LEVEL MASTER'S DEGREE
30 month program

PERFECT PASS RATE
100% pass rate on National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam

SMALL CLASS SIZES
Low student-faculty ratios for personalized feedback & relationships

HANDS-ON LEARNING
Throughout curriculum in coursework, labs, fieldwork, and clinic experiences

HEALTH SCIENCE CONSORTIUM
Inter-professional collaboration & research with allied health programs from local universities


 

Students collaborating

Graduate preparation and employment


NATIONALLY ACCREDITED PROGRAM
The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.  ACOTE's telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org

IMPRESSIVE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Employment of Occupational Therapists is expected to grow 17% from 2020-2030, much faster than occupational national average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


 

OT student working with child

What is an occupational therapist?

Occupational Therapy (OT) practitioners implement a holistic perspective focused on adapting environments to fit the client.

Practitioners incorporate techniques to assist people across lifespan participate in everyday activities (occupations). Services provided by an OT include:

  • Individualized evaluation
  • Environment evaluation
  • Goal determination
  • Customized interventions for daily activity performance
  • Recommendations & training in equipment use
  • Caregiver guidance & education
  • Outcomes evaluation 
OT students practicing technique

MSOT vs. OTD

MSOT vs OTD? - How do I decide which is best for me? 

  • Currently, it is approved to practice occupational therapy with either an entry-level Master's Degree (i.e. MSOT) or entry-level Doctorate (i.e. OTD). 
  • Both degrees typically earn the same pay in entry-level, clinical positions
  • Both degrees create qualified applicants for competitive clinical positions 
  • A Master's degree is shorter in length and will save you time and money allowing you to start hands-on with your clients
  • A Doctoral degree will support future careers in higher education and research 
  • If occupational therapy education should ever require an entry-level Doctorate, practicing therapists with Master's degrees will be grandfathered in and do not require additional degrees 
  • If you are ever interested in advancing your degree after receiving your Master’s degree, many flexible post-professional OTD programs are available that will support continuing your education while working. 

Contact our program

PROGRAM INQUIRIES & APPLICATION QUESTIONS 

Peter Amann  Profile of Peter Amann

Application Review Specialist
4033 Health Science Center
pamann@uwlax.edu


MEET OUR GRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Laura Schaffer  Profile of Laura Schaffer

Program Director - Occupational Therapy
4049 Health Science Center
lschaffer@uwlax.edu

Specialty areas:

Physical Dysfunction

Neurological Conditions and Treatment

Acute care and inpatient rehabilitation

GoBabyGo!

Spinal Cord Injury Support Group Facilitator

LSVT-Big Certified (Parkinson's Treatment)

Strong interest in Interprofessional Education (IPE) and community based practice

Increasing access to OT for underserved populations

Save the Date

18th Annual Distinguished Lecturer

Speaker: Carol Chiang OTR/L, founder of Evolving Homes
Topic: Use of technology to promote aging in place
Date: Friday, April 5, 2024 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

2024 Distinguished Lecturer Registration Packet

Open House

Interested in learning more about the UWL OT Program?  We will host an Open House on Friday, February 9 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.  A virtual option will also be provided for those unable to make it to La Crosse on that date.  Please RSVP by completing a brief online survey.

Meet Dr. Wags

Program welcomes Rossi, Canine Companions Facility Dog.

UWL Story

WEAU News Story

Rossi the dog