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The School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies > Occupational Therapy > Occupational Therapy FAQs
Occupational Therapy FAQs
- Can I get a Bachelor's Degree in OT?
- What is the difference between the Master of Education and the Master of Science?
- Is there an alternative to the full-time two-year curriculum?
- What if I haven't finished all of my prerequisite courses?
- Can I transfer into the OT program?
- Where can I do fieldwork?
- What is the job market in OT like?
- How do graduates perform on the NBCOT exam?
- I still have some questions...
Springfield College's OT program has always been at the master's level, but students who enroll in our 5-year dual degree program earn a bachelor's degree in a related major as well as a master's degree in OT.
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What is the difference between the Master of Education and the Master of Science?
The master of education in Occupational Therapy is our basic entry-level degree - what you need to enter the field as a professional OT. It takes four semesters of academic work and at least six months of fieldwork, for a total of 77 credits. Students may choose to earn a master of science in OT instead by staying one extra semester and completing eight additional credits of coursework in research. In addition to the M.S. option, we provide two alternatives for extra class and field preparation: specialized fieldwork and our new practice certificate program, both of which are described in a flyer available from the OT Department.
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Is there an alternative to the full-time two-year curriculum?
Most students complete the program following a two-year course plan. However, some find it more desirable to stretch their programs to two and a half, three, four or even five years because of work and/or family responsibilities. Our goal is to help you meet your career goals in the way that works best for you, so please call us if you would like more information about extended course plans.
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What if I haven't finished my prerequisite courses?
Our prerequisite courses consist of a set of undergraduate-level courses chosen to prepare you for the graduate-level courses within the OT program. Most programs require that students complete all of these before enrolling in the program. However, we now offer the opportunity to build a few remaining prerequisites into the graduate program. If you are interested in following our "prerequisites-included" or accelerated entry track, please contact us for further information.
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Can I transfer into the OT program?
Undergraduate applicants may contact the admissions office for information about transferring into the program as a sophomore or junior, whether you were an OT major at your other college or not. We now offer an advanced standing program for students who began their professional coursework in another accredited OT program. Please contact us if you have questions about coursework that you feel may qualify for transfer or waiver and we will be glad to review your situation and provide you with the appropriate forms and procedures.
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Where can I do fieldwork?
We currently hold contracts with over 400 affiliating fieldwork sites across the country. Our full-time fieldwork coordinator will work closely with you to arrange fieldwork placements that help you meet your professional goals.
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What is the job market in OT like?
Great! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to list OT as a growth area for employment. An informal survey of our most recent graduates found that nearly all of them have found exciting and fulfilling positions within the field, some of them within just weeks of completing their programs. The best source for info on the types of jobs OTs hold is our national professional organization, the American Occupational Therapy Association at http://www.otjoblink.org/links/link05.asp. You can also look at some of the job listings on AOTA’s website and on www.advanceforot.com.
A recent survey of Springfield College Occupational Therapy Program graduates revealed that 97% of those who responded are working either full- or part-time, with just 3% currently not working by choice. One-third had secured a position by the time they completed the program, and 40% found a position in less than two months.
Springfield College OT Program graduates work in the following settings:
- 28% in schools
- 21% in acute care hospitals
- 21% in rehab hospitals or units
- 21% in skilled nursing facilities
- 16% in pediatric outpatient services
- 12% in adult outpatient therapy
- 9% in mental health facilities
- 9% in early intervention programs
- 7% in private group practices
Springfield College OT Program graduates work with people in the following age ranges:
- 58% with older adults
- 50% with adolescents or young adults
- 49% with middle adults
- 43% with children
- 21% with infants/toddlers
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How do graduates perform on the NBCOT exam?
During 2006-2008, the most recent 3-year time period for which data is available, 86 students graduated from the Springfield College Occupational Therapy Program. During that same time period, 83 graduates took the NBCOT exam for the first time within 12 months of completing their degrees. Of these first-time test takers, 58 graduates, or 70%, passed the exam on the first attempt.
Most students complete their degree requirements and graduate in August, but depending upon their choice of degree (MEd or MS), elective courses, and elective fieldwork, some students receive their degree in December or May, after their classmates. This makes tracking and reporting the ultimate or total pass rate of individual class cohorts difficult. Because some of the students who completed their degrees in December 2008 have not yet taken the NBCOT exam, we are reporting the total pass rate for the period of 2005-2007. Of the 63 students who graduated during 2005-2007, 95%, or 60 graduates, passed the examination on the first attempt or on a subsequent attempt.
Based on our analysis of class performance on the exam in relation to degree choices, course changes, and student characteristics, we are currently implementing course and curriculum changes and specific exam preparation strategies.
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I still have some questions...
Please call us if you have other questions or would like to visit the campus. You can reach the OT Department by phone at (413) 748-3581 or by fax at (413) 748-3796
For general questions about the profession and OT education, visit this page on the American Occupational Therapy Association website: http://www.aota.org/featured/area2/links/link01.asp
