• An 80-credit, full-time, ACOTE-accredited program that can be completed in 24 months.
• A cohort-learning model.
• A curricular focus on community service and leadership development.
• A program that incorporates cultural relevancy and global engagement.
• The academic distinction of a nationally ranked, accredited private Christian university.
• The opportunity to study at Winding Hill, a 37,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art educational facility.
• On-site clinic.
• OT faculty who are Christian educators, OT professionals and experienced educators who will take time to mentor you in your education, faith and career.
• Networking and partnership opportunities with the local OT community.

The Messiah University entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD  20814. Phone: 301-652-AOTA (301-652-2682). www.acoteonline.org

Graduates of Messiah University’s MOT program are 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 graduate 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.

Messiah University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It is the highest accrediting authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for degree-granting colleges and universities located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and several other locations internationally.

MOT program graduation rate

Information about our MOT program’s performance in the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam may be accessed and verified at NBCOT.

Mission statement

The Messiah University Master of Occupational Therapy Program advances the profession by developing skilled and compassionate occupational therapy leaders and practitioners who are committed to a life of service and clinical excellence.

Vision statement

Consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Vision 2025, the Messiah University MOT program supports an accessible, collaborative, effective occupational therapy profession that builds leaders who influence change and embrace diversity. The MOT program will cultivate healthy learning environments to prepare future occupational therapy practitioners through community-engaged learning, diverse perspectives and ethical practice.