Department of Occupational Therapy

FACULTY: Anderson, Briggs, Dooley, Kitzenberg, Lawson, Olson, Sibla (Program Director), Schroeder, Varland (Academic Fieldwork Coordinator)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree is designed to prepare competent, caring, ethical, compassionate, and caring occupational therapists who serve the diverse healthcare needs of society in accordance with the Benedictine values. The professional curriculum consists of unique learning experiences and opportunities within a supportive healthcare community, including an optional service-learning experience. Students engage in learning through traditional educational strategies, as well as service learning and problem based learning experiences. A group research project which is mentored by an occupational therapy faculty member culminates witha platform and poster presentation, and a paper in manuscript form. Fieldwork experiences are completed at a large variety of diverse setting throughout the US. The experienced faculty represent numerous areas of practice. Their mission is to teach students to think critically, solve problems, and express themselves clearly. Upon completing a degree in OT at the University of Mary, graduates will have the skills and training necessary to practice in a variety of professional roles and settings, including to under-served and diverse populations.

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree is for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree. This program is located in Bismarck, ND or Billings, MT. Lectures between the two locations are shared via videoconferencing in real time. All lab experiences and interactive educational experiences are provided on campus in Bismarck and Billings, with University of Mary Occupational Therapy faculty providing direct teaching and supervision.

Mission

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Mary prepares competent occupational therapists who are leaders in service through evidence-based practice, advocacy, lifelong learning and scholarship. Graduates have adept knowledge of humans as occupational beings, critical thinking, therapeutic use of self, and leadership to effect change. Rooted in Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values, graduates uphold ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the occupational therapy profession.

Credentialing

Upon satisfactory completion of the University of Mary Occupational Therapy Curriculum, including Level II fieldwork, students are awarded the Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree and are eligible to take the certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Successful completion of this examination leads to certification as an occupational therapist and to the title “Occupational Therapist, Registered” (OTR).

Additionally, individual state regulations must be met for the OTR to practice. Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, licenses are usually based upon results of the NBCOT certification examination. When applying or state licensure, certification or registration, a criminal background check is typically completed. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to take the National Board for Certification examination or to attain state licensure.

Accreditation Status

The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. AOTA’s phone number, is (301) 652-AOTA and www.aotaonline.org.

University of Mary NBCOT Pass Rates

Pass rates can be found at https://secure.nbcot.org/data/schoolstats.aspx

Programs

Graduate Major

Occupational Therapy, O.T.D.