Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

About the MOT

You’ll learn from nationally recognized faculty and become a skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist. The program focuses on general skills, leadership, and creative thinking. Graduates are committed to lifelong learning and high ethical standards. People with various backgrounds join, and it’s competitive to get in. The program lasts 2 1/2 years and is full-time at Eastern Washington University in Spokane.

Our mission is to prepare graduates to provide occupational therapy services with distinctiveness and compassion in a variety of professional practice environments.

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Application Process 2023-24 Cycle

Eastern Washington University Occupational Therapy program accepts applications annually for a mid-June class start date.

  • Applications open July 21, 2023
  • Applications close Dec. 1, 2023  (2 p.m. U.S. Pacific time, 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern time)
  • All applications are reviewed as they come in, no priority is given to applications received earlier in the cycle. During the open period, applications are available on the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

Apply

2023-24 Application Cycle General Requirements (7/21/23 – 12/1/23)

The following are required for acceptance to the Master of Occupational Therapy program:

  • Apply to the appropriate entry path and pay the associated fees for the Occupational Therapy program online application in OTCAS by the deadline listed above.  We have allowed enough time in the review process for applications to be verified by OTCAS as this process may take 48 hours or longer.
  • Program applicants must complete all program entry requirements as outlined in the applicant’s offer email from the Department of Occupational Therapy by the start of the summer semester of the application year.

The following items are required to be completed at the time of submission of the OTCAS application:

  • Meet the requirements for admission to EWU Graduate Studies.
  • Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended received and verified by OTCAS by the application submission deadline.
  • Evidence of Undergraduate Bachelor’s degree completion
    • Direct MOT entry: Degree must be posted and verified by Graduate Studies before the start of the summer semester of the application year.
    • Combined Bachelor’s to Masters entry: If accepted to the MOT program via this path the Department of Occupational Therapy will verify with the appropriate EWU undergraduate department adviser that the applicant is making satisfactory progress towards completion of the undergraduate degree at EWU prior to the start of the first year of MOT coursework in summer.
  • Completion of 8 of the required 11 program prerequisites with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.  All courses accepted for prerequisites must have a passing grade of a P or a 2.0 (letter grade equivalent of C) or higher.  Input prerequisites completed and in progress as directed in OTCAS.  If an applicant has not completed 8 out of 11 prerequisites at the time of application but plans to meet all requirements by the time the MOT program starts in mid June please send an email to ot@ewu.edu requesting a review.
  • Demonstrated experiences with persons with disabilities or living with life challenges to include voluntary or work experience of 40 hours or more.
    • At least 10 of the 40 hours must be shadowing or observing an Occupational Therapist.  Telehealth hours do count toward observation/shadowing.  Applicants must upload a completed PDF of EWU’s Department of Occupational Therapy Observation Hours Log to the Documents section of the OTCAS application.
  • Responses to all EWU specific questions completed in OTCAS.
  • Submission of 3 letters of recommendation from the recommender to OTCAS as follows:
    • One from a licensed OT practitioner
    • One from: (1) a college professor OR (2) an employer of at least 6 months
    • One as a character reference from someone not related to applicant

2023-24 Application Cycle Prerequisites (7/21/23 – 12/1/23)

All prerequisite coursework must be taken at a regionally accredited college or university for a letter/number grade (not through certificate programs). Courses taken with a narrative grading system must be evaluated by the granting institution and a letter grade assigned. International courses must be evaluated by World Education Services or another credential evaluation service recognized by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

REQUIRED:

  • General Biology with lab
    This course must include chemistry of living systems and cell functions. A college chemistry for non-majors or chemistry for the health sciences course can be substituted.
  • Human Anatomy with lab
    Either a college level Human Anatomy course or the first course of a combined anatomy and physiology series of courses fulfills the Human Anatomy with lab prerequisite.
  • Human Physiology with lab
    Either a college level Human Physiology course or the second course of a combined anatomy and physiology series of courses fulfills the Human Physiology with lab prerequisite.
  • Intermediate English Composition or Technical Writing
    An intermediate English composition course or a technical writing course.  A course designated by a college/university or academic department as “writing intensive” can also fulfill this requirement. Applicants should submit course descriptions along with proof that the institution considers the course a writing intensive one to ot@ewu.edu for review.  Applicants who have already earned a master’s degree in a different field are exempt from this requirement.
  • Medical Terminology
    A college level medical terminology course from an accredited institution.  If BIOL 232, 233 and 234 or BIOL 332, 333, and 334 are successfully completed at EWU, this fulfills the Human Anatomy with lab, the Human Physiology with lab, and Medical Terminology prerequisites.  The Medical Terminology prerequisite is waived for applicants who are Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs).
  • Introduction to Sociology
    Content includes concepts, principles and theories of sociology that explain social behavior in non-psychological terms to understand how human beings fit their activities together into a system of social arrangements.  Must include multiple social systems.  For additional information on the breadth of this category please email ot@ewu.edu.
  • Abnormal Psychology
    A college level abnormal psychology course.
  • General Psychology
    We will accept General Psychology Advanced Placement credit under the following conditions: (1) applicant minored or majored in Psychology and (2) AP credit is recorded on an accredited institution transcript as equivalent to a college level General Psychology course with a passing grade.  If the AP test shows as credits only on the transcript the applicant will need to take a General Psychology course in order to fulfill this prerequisite.
  • Life Span (Human Development or Developmental Psychology)
    A college level human development or developmental psychology course that covers the lifespan of a person.
  • Statistics
    A college level introduction to statistics course.
  • Introduction to Occupational Therapy
    Introduction to Occupational Therapy (OCTH 101) online course at Eastern Washington University (contact ot@ewu.edu for information) or equivalent. This course covers the depth and breadth of occupational therapy practice, background, foundational knowledge of theory, practice models and history. The Introduction to Occupational Therapy prerequisite is waived for applicants who are Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs).

Go to: OTCAS.

  1. Create an OTCAS account and follow the prompts.
  2. Submit your documents as listed under General Requirements in step 2.
  3. Enter your completed Course Prerequisites as stated in step 3.

2023-24 Application Review Criteria (7/21/23 – 12/1/23)

The following application elements are initially reviewed on all OTCAS applications received by the submission deadline:

  • Prerequisites
  • Observation/Volunteer/Work Experience
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • EWU-specific essay question(s)

From the applicants who meet the minimums we pull approximately 70-75 to interview.  Interviews are typically held in mid January following the end of the application cycle.

After the interview, a final selection of 34 individuals plus about 25 wait-listed individuals is compiled based on a complete records review and the results of the interview’s two activities:

  • Group interview
  • Group challenge activity

Program Acceptance Statistics

  • 70+ applicants interviewed, 34 accepted each year
  • 2022-23 cycle Prerequisites GPA: average 3.62; lowest 2.71

During the progression of occupational therapy coursework, development of a high level of professionalism is a focus. Students are expected to demonstrate professional behaviors in classes, fieldwork experiences, and interactions with other students, instructors, clients, staff, faculty, and other University personnel.  Professional behaviors include: responsibility, competence, communication, integrity, cooperation/teamwork, respect and initiative. Students will be expected to use good judgment regarding appropriate dress and grooming for classes and Fieldwork I and II placements. Emotional maturity is expected in all professional matters throughout the OT Program.  Students accepted into the program are assessed as they progress using a Professional Behaviors Assessment tool located in the current OT Student Handbook they are given at Orientation during their first summer term.

Professionalism is expected by those who are trained to do a job well and is demonstrated when that professional uses skill, good judgment, and polite behavior expected from a professional.  There are also guidelines, rules and laws that govern the professional conduct expected of an Occupational Therapist.  It is critical that you review these documents and fully understand them.

Please reference the MOT program homepage for additional program resources and information:

  • Student Outcomes
  • Licensure
  • Professional Associations
  • Cost of Program, Tuition and Fees
  • Graduate and Program Requirements, Policies and Procedures
  • Complaint Process

Anyone interested in the MOT program should attend an information session via Zoom (July-November).

  • Register for the information session you want to attend.
  • You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Nov 9, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time Registration


Application

Complete the MOT at EWU application through OTCAS.

  • EWU charges a program application fee payable through a link in OTCAS.
  • This is in addition to the OTCAS application fee.

Apply


Options for Visiting: You are welcome to come to campus and tour, there are no guided tours available on this campus.  Campus buildings are open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm during the school year.  Please email ot@ewu.edu to discuss a campus visit with the admissions committee.

What will I study?

The program provides a foundation of skills in general practice competencies, leadership, and creative and critical thinking processes, to facilitate the development of a respected, entry-level occupational therapist. Additionally, graduates demonstrate a commitment to the common good, creative life-long learning, and high ethical standards for professional practice.

Our graduates come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Common undergraduate degrees include psychology, biology, exercise science, and interdisciplinary studies but the program has had students from a wide variety of majors.

Every year over 100 people apply for 34 spots.

Once accepted into the program, you will enroll as a full-time, on-site student at the EWU Spokane campus. The Master of Occupational Therapy program is a two-plus year lock-step, full-time in person program that begins in the summer term each year. After completion of the course work for the MOT program, you must complete 24 weeks of full-time fieldwork with a licensed occupational therapist to be eligible to graduate and sit for the national certification examination.

What are the Degree Entry Options?

Eastern provides two methods for students seeking entry into the profession as an occupational therapist:

  • Option for Any Student with an Earned Bachelor Degree by the start of the summer term of the year after application – Entry into graduate studies and the MOT course sequence upon admission into the program.
  • Option for Eastern Washington University Students in Approved Undergraduate Degree Programs – Students who are pursuing an approved bachelor degree program at Eastern Washington University can enter the MOT program through the undergraduate to graduate pathway. Currently, approved undergraduate programs participating in this pathway are: (1) Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interdisciplinary Studies, (2) Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science and (3) Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Psychology. In the junior year, students in these approved majors may apply to the MOT via this path by choosing the Combined Bachelors to Entry-Level Masters link in OTCAS. If accepted, the first year of the MOT course sequence count towards completing the bachelor degree and the second year of the MOT course sequence and fieldwork level II experiences count towards the MOT degree.

International students must be admitted to Graduate Studies. Information can be found on the International Graduate web page. Specific Official English Proficiency Test Scores for admission to the MOT program:

TOEFL iBTPBTPTEIELTS
92580637.0

 

Advising

Potential applicants for the Master of Occupational Therapy degree are encouraged to contact the Occupational Therapy Department at ot@ewu.edu to discuss the degree requirements and application process and to ask your questions.

Eastern Washington University undergraduate students interested in pursuing the MOT via the 3+2 route should contact their undergraduate advisor or one of the following program specific advisers by the end of their freshman year to ensure they have an approved degree plan in place to meet the requirements for applying to the MOT Program via the 3+2 path in their junior year.

  • BS in Exercise Science Option
    Students who are interested in the Exercise Science degree with an emphasis in Occupational Therapy should contact Katrina Taylor at 509.359.4539 or ktaylor31@ewu.edu.
  • BA in Interdisciplinary Studies Option
    Students who are interested in the Interdisciplinary Studies degree option with an emphasis in Occupational Therapy should contact Sue Magyar at 509.359.4876, smagyar@ewu.edu
  • BS in Health Psychology Option
    Students who are interested in the Health Psychology degree with an emphasis in Occupational Therapy should contact Kayleen Islam-Zwart at 509-359.6227 or kislamzwart@ewu.edu.

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Occupational Therapy, Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

All courses are required for the award of a Master of Occupational Therapy degree. For students entering through the Combined Bachelor's and Master of Occupational Therapy degree options, the first three semesters' credits will be assigned towards their Bachelor's degree plan and the remaining credits will be assigned towards the Master of Occupational Therapy degree plan. For questions, contact Graduate Programs. 

Required Courses
OCTH 501SAPPLIED HUMAN ANATOMY FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY4
OCTH 502SCLINICAL KINESIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS3
OCTH 503SAPPLIED NEUROLOGY FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY3
OCTH 504SOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY THEORY AND FOUNDATIONS4
OCTH 505SIMPACT OF HUMAN DISEASE ON OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE1
OCTH 506SPRACTICE SKILLS AND ETHICS2
OCTH 507SANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS OF OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE3
OCTH 510SGROUP PROCESS LPD3
OCTH 512SFIELDWORK II SEMINAR1
OCTH 515SINTER-PROFESSIONAL AND CROSS-CULTURAL LEARNING FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY1
OCTH 517SGROUP PROCESS PAS1
OCTH 520SPRINCIPLES OF EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE2
OCTH 522SRESEARCH METHODS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY3
OCTH 523SASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE3
OCTH 530SOCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND MENTAL HEALTH: LPD3
OCTH 531SOCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND ADULTS: LPD3
OCTH 532SOCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS3
OCTH 533SOCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND OLDER ADULTS3
OCTH 535SOCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND MENTAL HEALTH: PAS3
OCTH 536SOCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN ADULTS: PAS3
OCTH 537SOCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: PAS3
OCTH 538SOCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND OLDER ADULTS: PAS1
OCTH 540SHEALTH AND WELLNESS3
OCTH 541STECHNOLOGIES FOR ENABLING OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE3
OCTH 542SLEADERSHIP AND EMERGING PRACTICE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY4
OCTH 595SCLINICAL FIELDWORK I (must be repeated three times for a total of 3 credits.)3
OCTH 601SPROFESSIONAL PROJECT I3
OCTH 602SPROFESSIONAL PROJECT II2
OCTH 695SCLINICAL FIELDWORK LEVEL II (variable credit–must be repeated twice for a total of 16 credits)16
Total Credits90