Occupational Therapy

Immersive Clinical Education

Featuring advanced equipment and a variety of clinical technologies, our on-campus clinics allow students to treat members of the community.

Modern Facilities

Our on-campus clinical technology includes a Sensory Integration Pediatric Lab, Adult Functional Simulation Training Apartment Lab, and more.

Fieldwork Rotations

Students apply the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors learned in the classroom to fieldwork placements in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community-based settings.

Combined Baccalaureate/Graduate Program

Three exciting pathway options allows highly motivated students to earn a combined Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in five years.

Accelerated Programs

The BS/MS pathways in occupational therapy at MCPHS offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years instead of the traditional six.

Master’s Degree

A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is the degree required to be eligible for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam to begin your career as an occupational therapist.

A field of growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for occupational therapists is expected to grow at a much faster rate than many other occupations, with a potential 18% increase in jobs needed by 2028. This growth is partly driven by aging baby boomers, who strive to maintain their independence and physical health.

Well-prepared

With innovative training and immersive clinical opportunities, our graduates are extremely well prepared to enter and advance in the field of occupational therapy. Clinical education experiences are varied so that students are prepared as leaders in the field. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, small medical offices and clients’ homes, as well as policy and administration, research and academia.

Well-paid

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for occupational therapists was $84,270 in May 2018, with the highest 10% earning $120,750.

Job satisfaction

Occupational Therapists rank #11 in the U.S. News’ list of the Best Health Care Jobs of 2019 and #13 in U.S. News’ list of the 100 Best Jobs of 2019. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors, including salary, the number of expected openings, advancement opportunities and career fulfillment.

The MCPHS University School of Occupational Therapy prepares entry-level students for successful careers in occupational therapy. Through excellence in teaching, scholarship, professional service, and community engagement, the School creates learning and practice opportunities that equip occupational therapy students to practice in a wide range of contexts and who are able to respond to society’s ever-changing health and wellness needs.

Please find the Occupational Therapy Statement on Justice and Systemic Racism here.

The 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 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-6611 and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be 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 the exam, the individual 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.

This program is approved by the Division of Higher Education-Higher Education Commission, Department of Education State of New Hampshire.

Candidacy Status Granted for Worcester Campus Additional Location

At the April 10-11, 2021 ACOTE Council meeting, the Council voted to grant Candidacy Status to the MCPHS University School of Occupational Therapy's additional location in Worcester, MA. As a result of this action, the School of Occupational Therapy can now admit students into the program at the additional location beginning September 2021. The program will now move into the process of receiving full accreditation through ACOTE for the MCPHS University-Worcester Campus (OTM). The program must receive full accreditation for students to be eligible to sit for the National Certification Board of Occupational Therapy examination and receive initial certification to practice as a registered occupational therapist.

Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://secure.nbcot.org/data/schoolstats.aspx. NBCOT Results are based on the calendar year.