Occupational Therapy, M.S.

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while gaining the knowledge and skills to help individuals achieve greater independence and well-being.

After earning your master's degree, you will be prepared to empower people to live independent, productive and fulfilling lives.

Program Overview

• Occupational Therapy students will obtain a Master of Science degree
• Over the course of 24 months - six consecutive semesters, inclusive of the summer sessions, students will complete 63-credit hours
• Successful applicants will start the program during the fall semester and will participate in rigorous academic coursework, extensive laboratory experience and hands-on clinical practice through integrated fieldwork.
• Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

Offered through our main campus in Hickory, N.C., the occupational therapy program integrates asynchronous and synchronous online learning with hands-on, in-person instruction to support the achievement of student learning outcomes.

The mission of the LR OT program is to develop effective, empathetic, and impactful occupational therapists who contribute to the well-being and occupational engagement of individuals and communities. 

The vision of the Occupational Therapy program is to develop the occupational therapy practitioners of tomorrow who exude steadfast loyalty to the value of human occupation in providing client-centered, occupation-centered, professionally engaged and evidenced-based care to all populations. 
 

Outcomes & NBCOT Certification Results

• Students who successfully complete the master’s degree program are expected to demonstrate the competencies essential for entry-level practitioners, as designated by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
• Most states require that occupational therapists obtain a license before they may practice. Initial state licenses are issued on the basis of National Board for Certification Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification and verification of completion of all academic and fieldwork requirements by an accredited program.
• For additional information, visit www.aota.org or www.acoteonline.org or contact the AOTA/ACOTE at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD, 20814 or 301.652.6611.

*ACOTE standard A.5.6 now requires reporting of the number of new graduates (within 12 months of graduation) who have passed the NBCOT Certification Exam.

Program Outcomes
Data Represents the Calendar Year

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) Program Data Results

Student Retention and Support

The Lenoir-Rhyne University occupational therapy program is committed to helping students progress through the curriculum, complete academic and fieldwork requirements, and prepare for entry-level practice.

Students are supported through faculty advising, clear academic and professional expectations, early identification of concerns, and individualized support when needed. The program also connects students with university resources, including BEAR Central, the Office of Student Support and Outreach, and the Office of Disability Services, for support related to academics, accessibility, wellness, and other needs that may affect student success.

These retention practices reflect Lenoir-Rhyne's commitment to supporting students from a range of backgrounds and experiences while maintaining high standards for academic, professional and clinical preparation.

All occupational therapy facilities are ADA-accessible. When additional needs arise, the Office of Disability Services works with the program to provide appropriate support for students.

Graduation Requirements

• Satisfactorily complete all courses in the OT program with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
• Abide by all university, college and program rules and regulations, and settle all financial accounts with the university prior to graduation.
• Successfully adhere to the student and professional code of conduct established by the university, college and program.
• A felony conviction may affect an individual’s ability to obtain required credentials, including state licensure and national certification, to practice as an occupational therapist. Credentialing and certification boards conduct background checks and review convictions on a case-by-case basis. Prospective applicants with a felony record are encouraged to consult the relevant state licensing board and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) for guidance regarding their specific circumstances.

Tuition & Estimated Costs

Understanding the financial investment in your education is important, our Occupational Therapy program provides a breakdown of estimated tuition, fees and other expenses to help you plan for your graduate studies. Explore details on tuition, program fees and certification costs.