Occupational Therapy, Master of Science

• Traditional Master’s Entry
  • For students who have received their bachelor’s degree or who are in their final year of undergraduate study. 
• McDaniel Student Bachelor’s to Master’s (4+2) Pathway
  • First Year Students 
    • Those who are considering McDaniel as a first-year undergraduate student and are confident they want to pursue an Occupational Therapy career with a 4+2 program.
    • Those who will pursue an undergraduate Occupational Therapy track or other bachelor's degree who have the coursework required to enter directly into the master’s degree.

  • Current McDaniel students who apply to the pathway by the fall of their third year of study. 

     

See Detailed Requirements for Admission to the M.S. in Occupational Therapy

Level I Fieldwork is completed once each semester, beginning in the second semester, for four total experiences. It supports didactic coursework through participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process. Objectives may be met through community service-learning and a host of instructional methods such as simulation, faculty led site visits, interactions with standardized patients and observations. 

Level II Fieldwork integrates two 12-week fieldwork learning opportunities during which students apply the scope of professional knowledge and skills acquired to clients in practice settings. Level II Fieldwork only occurs after successful completion of coursework. Level II Fieldwork placements are collaboratively developed between the program and facilities overseen by licensed occupational therapists. Both Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences embrace diverse methods that ultimately promote student engagement and competency when working with lifespan populations in traditional and emerging practice arenas. 

Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 18 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

1. Apply contemporary theories and occupation-based approaches to deliver therapeutic evidence-based services to individuals, groups, and populations across the lifespan. 
2. Implement client-centered, collaborative, and inter-professional practices to maximize quality of life of all clients. 
3. Adhere to ethical principles, attitudes, and professional behaviors consistent with the AOTA Code of Ethics that promote inclusion, participation, safety, and health and well-being. 
4. Deliver holistic care by considering contextual factors such as psychosocial, culture, diversity, health equity and service in traditional and evolving health care environments. 
5. Contribute to the profession’s global body of knowledge through participation and research that advance leadership, advocacy, professional growth, and life-long learning.
6. Act as change agents and leaders that employ policy, socioeconomics, political factors, emerging technologies, and resources to inform occupational therapy administration and management.