The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Occupational Therapy program is dedicated to promoting the philosophy of the OT profession which states "occupations are activities that bring meaning to the daily lives of individuals, families, communities, and populations, and enable them to participate in society" (AOTA, 2017).
Our program provides outstanding preparation for roles in both traditional settings and newly emerging areas of need. The program’s distinctive evidence-based, occupation-focused, and client-centered approach combines challenging coursework, diverse clinical placements, and the opportunity to collaborate with faculty who are leaders in their fields.
Alvernia offers two Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy degree tracks based upon a student's previous coursework.
The five-year Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is for students beginning the program as undergraduates:
Current Cost | 2023 Fall Semester | 2024 Spring Semester | 2023-2024 Academic Year |
Tuition | $20,530 | $20,530 | $41,060 |
Student Fees
*student activities, |
$1,305 | $1,305 | $2,610 |
Lab Fees | Freshman = $0 Sophomore = $100 Junior = $200 Senior = $325 Fifth-Year = $75 |
Freshman = $0 Sophomore = $200 Junior = $225 Senior = $125 Fifth-Year = $130 |
Freshman = $0 Sophomore = $300 Junior = $425 Senior = $450 Fifth-Year = $205 |
Books and Supplies | $750 | $750 | $1,500 |
*The projected total cost of attendance includes a rate adjustment equivalent to 5%/year. However, rates are subject to change. The cost includes completion of both an earned bachelor and master’s degree.
Tuition | Student Fees | Lab Fees | Books and Supplies |
*$226,879 | *13,853 | AY2023/24 = $0 AY2024/25 =$300 AY2025/26 =$425 AY2026/27 =$450 AY2027/28 =$205 Total = $1380 |
$7,500 |
Estimated costs for housing and meals as part of the 2023-24 cost of attendance for undergraduate student based on residential status may be found here.
The Post-Baccalaureate Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program is for students with an earned bachelor’s degree:
Current Cost | 2023 Fall Semester | 2024 Spring Semester | 2024 Summer Semester | 2023-2024 Academic Year |
Tuition ($985/credit) | $11,820 (12 credits) | $12,805 (13 credits) | $9,850 (10 credits) | $34,475 |
Comprehensive Fees | $354 | $384 | $295 | $1,035 |
Lab & Liability Fees | $100 | $290 | $325 | $715 |
Books and Supplies | $500 | $500 | $500 | $1,500 |
Tuition ($985/credit) | Comprehensive Fees | Lab & Liability Fees | Books and Supplies |
$75,845 (77 credits) | $2,275 | $1570 | $3,500 |
The occupational therapy master's degree program is accredited by the (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. Click here to see Alvernia's ACOTE certificate. ACOTE's telephone number is 301-652-6611. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the NBCOT exam, the individual becomes an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the result of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure.
All students in the occupational therapy program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ must complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months of completing undergraduate or prerequisite course work. After passing the NBCOT Certification Examination, the student will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) and after attaining state licensure they are entitled to use the designation OTR/L. The program holds accreditation status for an entry-level professional master's degree.
ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the webpage.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb. The median annual wage for occupational therapists in 2019 was $84,950.
The total number of graduates from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Five-Year Combined BSHS+MSOT program during the 3-year period of 2018-2020 was 162, with an overall graduation rate of 97%.
The total number of graduates from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Post-Baccalaureate MSOT program during the 3-year period of 2018-2020 was 51, with an overall graduation rate of 96%.
A breakdown of Alvernia's 3-Year MSOT Graduation Rate is available for each program.
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam to become board certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Alvernia boasts a competitive pass rate on this exam.
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) .
For more information about Alvernia’s Five-Year Combined BSHS+MSOT program, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 1-888-ALVERNIA or 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu.
For more information about Alvernia’s Post-Baccalaureate MSOT program, please contact the School of Graduate and Adult Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu.
Or reach out directly to:
Elizabeth M. Bentz, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, RYT
Chair, Occupational Therapy Department
Assistant Professor
Bernardine Hall 114E
610-790-2991
elizabeth.bentz@alvernia.edu
Amy J. Thomas, OTD, OTR/L, ARSP
Program Director, Occupational Therapy
Assistant Professor
Bernardine Hall 114C
amy.thomas@alvernia.edu