Graduate Programs in Abilene, TX

 (MSOT)

Are you ready to expand your occupational therapy knowledge and become a leader in this field? Learn advanced techniques and procedures on how to better provide therapy to individuals as they recover from injuries, handle aging, or deal with chronic congenital or developmental disabilities. Abilene Christian University’s on-campus Master's in Occupational Therapy program equips you with the skills needed to help patients with their physical needs and become a leader in this field. Through classroom instruction and hands-on fieldwork, you learn comprehensive patient care and administrative skills.

ACU’s Master in Occupational Therapy Degree Program prepares you for a variety of field areas so you can help others navigate life comfortably. Job demand for occupational therapists is projected to grow at a much faster rate compared to other roles in the U.S.,¹ it’s a perfect time to master your skills move up in your career path. Our program has you complete 2 levels of field work – Level 1 has you complete three fieldwork experiences under a licensed occupational therapist. Phase 2 takes you through two 12-week assignments in various occupational therapy settings under the direct supervision of a licensed OT.

Example Coursework

• Musculoskeletal Anatomy 
  
• Neuroscience 
  
• Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions 
  
• Implementing OT Treatment
  

Common Job Titles

• Occupational Therapist
  
• Rehabilitation Specialist   
  
• Clinical Manager 
  
• Ergonomics Specialist 
• OT Professor
  

Admission Requirements

All application materials must be filed through the Occupational Therapy Central Application Service (OTCAS). These positions will be determined based on the level of qualification of each student. The admission requirements are:

• A completed OTCAS application for admission. Upon submitting your OTCAS application, you’ll find instructions for paying the $65 ACU application fee.
  

• An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent. Admission decisions are made based on the assumption that applicants will have the bachelor’s degree by the time of matriculation. If not, the graduate school admission is void.
  

• A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  

• Three letters of recommendation. Recommendation forms are available through the OTCAS system. One letter should be provided from an occupational therapist and the other by a professional who has observed the applicant’s work. This includes individuals who have (a) observed the applicant during any healthcare-related volunteer or paid work, (b) previous or present instructors and/or advisors, (c) previous or present employers, or (d) health care professionals. 
  

• Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with the occupational therapy profession by documenting a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer/observation activity in a professional occupational therapy setting. Applicants are encouraged to complete observation hours in more than one clinical setting. Procedures for documentation are outlined in the OTCAS system.

• Applicants must complete a Personal Statement as prompted by the OTCAS system and a supplemental question as part of the application process. The supplemental question includes spiritual and/or life experiences that influenced the applicant’s decision to apply to occupational therapy school, and clinical experience or observation that evoked passion about occupational therapy. 
  

• At the time of application, applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete all required prerequisite coursework prior to enrollment in the first semester of the program. Advance Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit will not be accepted for any prerequisite course. All Occupational Therapy course prerequisites other than Medical Terminology must be taken at an accredited school and successfully completed with a grade no lower than a C. Credit/no Credit designations are not accepted for prerequisite courses. Medical Terminology may be taken as a certificate or continuing education course. All prerequisite coursework must be completed within 7 years prior to enrollment. A maximum of 6 credit hours of prerequisites can be pending at the time of application.    
  

Required prerequisite coursework includes: 

• 6 Credit Hour Minimum     Anatomy & Physiology I & II  
  
• 3 Credit Hour Minimum     Statistics
• 3 Credit Hour Minimum     Abnormal Psychology
• 3 Credit Hour Minimum     Life Span Development (or Developmental Psychology) 
• Verification of Completion Medical Terminology 

The MSOT utilizes the online learning management system Canvas and online applications are used during class times for testing and learning activities. Students admitted into the program must have access to a laptop computer with internet and Word, Excel & PowerPoint capabilities throughout the entirety of the program. 

Your Master's in Occupational Therapy Degree can help you pursue a wide range of clinical, academic, and leadership roles in healthcare. Whether you choose to work as an occupational therapist, serve in health care administration, or enter academia to teach, you can make a positive impact in your community and healthcare system. This program also prepares you to sit for the National Certification Examination from Occupational Therapists administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

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Jumpstart your future with the financial support you need

At Abilene Christian University, we understand graduate programs are a big investment. That’s why we offer a variety of financial aid options designed to ease the cost and maximize your potential. Whether you're pursuing a scholarship, a graduate assistantship, or funding for professional travel, ACU provides unique and flexible solutions to support your academic journey. Here are some resources we have to help you achieve your goals.

Scholarships

When you’re accepted into an ACU graduate program, you’re considered for a scholarship tailored just for you—based on your skills, achievements, and the department you enter. Plus, additional scholarships may be available through external professional organizations and accrediting bodies.

Graduate Assistantships

Many ACU departments offer competitive graduate assistantships to enrich your learning experience while providing financial support. Assistantship requirements and expectations vary by department and can cover a generous portion of your tuition costs.

Academic Travel Reimbursement

ACU’s GSA Travel Reimbursement makes it easier for graduate students to attend national and international conferences, research presentations, and other academic travel needs. These funds help make travel more accessible, ensuring financial concerns won’t hold you back from gaining valuable experience in professional settings around the world. 

The entry-level Occupational Therapy Master's Degree program at ACU is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

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. Learn more at MSOT and OTD.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Occupational therapists.   Retrieved January 2, 2025.

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