The Online Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Why earn your online MSOT at Sage?

24-month program:
Earn your online MSOT degree in 24 months on a full-time schedule.
Substantial fieldwork experience:
Benefit from a curriculum that places emphasis on Level-I and Level-II fieldwork.
Low learner-to-faculty ratio:
Join a program that ensures faculty can spend significant time getting to know you on a personal and professional level.

The online MSOT curriculum

The online Master of Science in Occupational Therapy curriculum (MSOT) is designed to equip you with a lifespan approach to occupational therapy. You’ll explore a range of topics — such as community mental health, pediatrics, and adult development — that will help you rehabilitate patients at any age.

You’ll also be eligible to take the certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, which leads to national certification and eligibility for state licensure.

Upon graduating, you’ll possess the skills to:

Establish and sustain client-centered therapeutic relationships
Support intergenerational and cultural sensitivity in client interaction
Use appropriate screening and assessment methods to determine client goals
Develop and implement intervention plans that support client progress
Integrate knowledge of state, federal, and professional standards and regulations
Apply current research methods to design and execute a novel research study

The Russell Sage College Master of Science in 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. The most recent reaccreditation was granted in December 2016. 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.

Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online.

Accreditation and Graduation Rate

Easily Apply

Russell Sage College seeks compassionate individuals who are eager to grow the field of occupational therapy and give back to their community.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or be currently enrolled in a degree bearing program) from an accredited college, with a recommended undergraduate GPA of 3.25. No GRE/GMAT scores required.

To complete your online master’s in occupational therapy application, you will need to submit the following materials:

Application fee*
Résumé or CV
Personal essay
Official transcripts
Two letters of recommendation
Clinical documentation of 20 hours of clinical observation under the supervision of an occupational therapist
TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)

*Waivers are available for applicants who submit by the early priority and priority deadlines.

Apply Now

Personal advising, experienced faculty

Our occupational therapy master’s comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.

Leslie
Bennett, OTD, OTR/L

Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy & Academic Fieldwork Coordinator

Learn more about Leslie

Bonnie
Fischer-Camara, OTD, OTR/L

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy

Learn more about Bonnie

Becky J.
Bernhardt, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT

Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy

Learn more about Becky

Debra L.
Collette, OTD, OTR/L

Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy & Program Director, MSOT and OTD

Learn more about Debra

Christine
Mulligan, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy

Learn more about Christine

Sarah
Brockway, Ed.D., OTR/L

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy & Assistant Academic Fieldwork Coordinator

Learn more about Sarah

Wendy
Gaughan, OTD, OTR/L

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy

Learn more about Wendy

Marybeth
Hoefs, OTR/L

Lecturer of Occupational Therapy

Learn more about Marybeth

The Sage difference

The occupational therapy master’s online (MSOT) program includes mandatory courses and fieldwork that sets it apart from other occupational therapy programs, including:

An emphasis on Level-I and Level-II fieldwork
Two types of placements for Level-II fieldwork
Physical rehab (with four physical rehab courses)
A course in upper extremities (shoulders, arms, and hands), which is not typically included in similar programs at other institutions
Mental health as integral to all fieldwork experiences

These mandatory courses and fieldwork experiences will help you emerge as a well-rounded occupational therapist who can work in a variety of settings.

Sage graduates go on to serve in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, private practice and community agencies across New York state and around the country. That’s the Sage difference.

Learning Experience

Fieldwork

You’ll complete five fieldwork experiences in or near your community. During these experiences, you will help real patients develop the dexterity they need to perform everyday tasks. These fieldwork experiences are organized by levels, as follows:

Level-I: Community mental health (psychosocial)
Level-I: Physical rehab
Level-I: Pediatric settings
Level-II: Pediatrics, physical rehab, psychosocial, adults with intellectual disabilities, or community*
Level-II: Pediatrics, physical rehab, psychosocial, adults with intellectual disabilities, or community*

*Learners are required to complete ONE Level-II experience in physical rehab.

On-campus immersions

You’ll complete five lab immersions on the Russell Sage College campus. During these immersions, you’ll engage in case-based discussions and participate in problem-based learning activities to gain proficiency in a related topic.

Topics you’ll explore include early intervention settings, occupational engagement in adulthood, foundations of physical rehabilitation, and more.