Concordia University Wisconsin offers an entry-level Occupational Therapy (OT) degree in two programs, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTDe). Each degree program is offered in three tracks: accelerated, bridge, and post-baccalaureate. The programs are based on a liberal arts foundation and encompasses 2-3 years of professional education beyond a bachelor’s degree. The Accelerated track is designed for high school students looking to pursue a bachelor’s AND master's or doctorate. The Bridge track is designed for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) with at least one year of experience looking to pursue a master's or doctorate degree. Applicants will hold an associate's degree from a regionally accredited institution AND a bachelor's degree OR being currently enrolled in the Bridge BSRS program at CUW. The Post-Baccalaureate track is designed for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree looking to pursue a master's or doctorate degree. 

Mission Statement

The mission of Concordia University’s Occupational Therapy programs is to positively impact communities by developing Christ-centered occupational therapists who empower others to reach their highest potential through leadership, best practice, advocacy, and innovation.

Accreditation

The entry-level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status 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-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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 this 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.

OTDe students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.

The OTDe program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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 this 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.

Program data specific to Concordia University Wisconsin on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam can be found here.

General Academic Information

Our goal is to prepare students as an outstanding occupational therapist, who will practice with excellence and integrity. We emphasize the importance of serving all clients with the best care possible. Students will develop the skills necessary to enable people to do their day-to-day (occupational) activities despite physical or functional impairments, activity limitations, or participation restrictions. By combining classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinic-based instruction, our courses train students for a wide range of work settings.

Through our program students will be able to:

• develop an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals,
• customize an intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach their goals, and
• evaluate outcomes to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.

Program Outcomes 

• Occupational therapy graduates will demonstrate the skills to be effective change-makers in surrounding communities.
• Occupational therapy graduates will combine theory, evidence, and clinical reasoning in a reflective process of evaluation, intervention, and targeting of outcomes.
• Occupational therapy graduates will effectively and efficiently solve occupation-based problems. 
• Occupational therapy graduates will be competently prepared for direct access.
• Occupational therapy graduates will intentionally make clinical decisions using Christ-centered values. 
• Occupational therapy graduates will develop leadership skills.
• Occupational therapy graduates will effectively communicate and collaborate in a variety of communities.
• Occupational therapy graduates will demonstrate professional behaviors while using knowledge based skills for the effective practice of occupational therapy.

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTDe) Program - Accelerated Track

The CUW OTDe Program - Accelerated track blends the traditional classroom setting with a progressive online learning environment and is designed for high school graduates who are prepared to pursue both a bachelor’s and doctorate degree in approximately 4.5 years. 

Admission Requirements

Students who begin their undergraduate career as a freshman in CUW’s Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) program may apply to the CUW OT Program - Accelerated track during the fall of their sophomore year. Students accepted into the OT program will begin taking graduate courses toward a degree in Occupational Therapy the summer after their sophomore year.

The CUW OT Program - Accelerated track admissions requirements are as follows:

• Current enrollment in the CUW BSRS program or a completed bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Eight (8) credits of Human Anatomy & Physiology completed with a B or better in two of the three following courses: BIO 191, BIO 192, and/or RSC 302*
  • RSC 302 must be completed at CUW
• Three (3) credits of Statistics with a B or higher*
• Three letters of recommendation; letters of recommendation should address potential for success both academically and as an occupational therapist, giving specific details about the applicant.
• Documentation of 40 hours of OT job shadowing
• Completion of four essays which address the following:
  • Describe your reasons for selecting occupational therapy as a career
  • Describe your understanding of occupational therapy
  • Describe your personal compatibility with the mission of Concordia University Wisconsin
  • What are the unique qualities of a successful graduate student, and what is your personal plan to manage time, manage stress, and communicate professionally?
• Possess the ability to perform essential functions of an occupational therapy graduate student and confirm this using the supplied document
• Complete and successfully pass a background check
• International applicants who would attend on a student visa and whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (iBT TOEFL) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Contact the OT Department Chair for OT program minimum scores and further information

* Pre-requisite coursework not completed at CUW must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution

Eligibility Notices for CUW BSRS Students

First time freshman in the BSRS program must have a high school GPA of 3.2 and an ACT score of 21. Those who apply and submit the tuition deposit prior to December 1st during their senior year in high school will be reviewed and ranked according to GPA and ACT scores. The top 30 applicants will be considered guaranteed for admission to the CUW OT Program - Accelerated track. Students who have guaranteed admission must maintain a 3.0 GPA and receive at least a “B” grade in BIO 191, BIO 192, RSC 302, and Statistics.

Students transferring into CUW’s BSRS program will not be guaranteed placement into the CUW OT Program - Accelerated track. Transfer students must complete at least 36 credits at CUW. To have priority in the CUW OT Program - Accelerated track admissions, students must complete the following courses at CUW:

• BIO 191 Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIO 192 Anatomy and Physiology II
• RSC 302 Advanced Functional Anatomy and Physiology

Admission to the CUW OT Program - Accelerated track will be considered in the following order based on available spots in the cohort:

1. CUW students who were given guaranteed status who maintain guaranteed status (3.0 GPA and B or higher in all A&P on the first try and Statistics courses) and meet the admissions requirements.
2. CUW students in the BSRS program but who do not have guaranteed status and meet all admissions requirements.
3. CUW students who are not in the BSRS program and transfer students who earn 36 credits at CUW and meet the admissions requirements.
4. Students from outside CUW who meet the admissions requirements.

Application Process

Students interested in applying for the CUW OT Program - Accelerated track will complete an online application through the CUW Graduate Admissions Department.

The Admissions Committee within the Occupational Therapy Department will make acceptance decisions.  Decisions of the committee are final.

Students will be given an opportunity at the end of year one of the OT coursework to choose the MOT or OTDe degree program. During the advocacy & leadership course sequence, students will learn about the differences between the MOT and OTDe programs. At the conclusion of the second semester of coursework, students will work with their advisor to declare their intention to pursue the OTDe degree. Students will be evaluated and the OT Department will determine eligibility to continue to the OTDe program. 

2021 Cohort Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Summer		Hours
OT 501	Introduction to APA Style & Scholarly Writing (Online Only)	1
	Hours	1
Fall
OT 502	Concepts of Occupation	3
OT 503	Functional Anatomy	4
OT 504	Introduction to Advocacy and Leadership	2
OT 505	Research in Practice I	3
OT 506	Occupations Across the Lifespan	3
OT 507	Explore Community Clinic	3
	Hours	18
Spring
OT 508	Facilitated Community Clinic	3
OT 509	Functional Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation I	4
OT 510	Research in Practice II	3
OT 511	Personal Advocacy & Leadership	1
OT 512	Clinical Reasoning: Behavioral Health	3
OT 513	Occupational Kinesiology and Orthorehabilitation I	4
	Hours	18
Year 2
Summer
OT 602	Clinical Reasoning: Pediatrics	3
OT 604	Summer Pediatrics Camp	1
OT 612	Behavioral Health Fieldwork	1
	Hours	5
Fall
OT 614	Clinical Reasoning: Adult Practice Areas	3
OT 621	Clinical Reasoning: Orthorehab II	3
OT 625	Community Advocacy and Leadership	3
OT 632	Occupations of Health and Wellness	3
OT 635	Community Clinic: Leading the OT Process	3
OT 641	Research in Practice III	3
	Hours	18
Spring
OT 643	Community Clinic: Management and Supervision	2
OT 650	Practice Management	2
OT 655	Professional Advocacy&Ldrshp	2
OT 660	Clinical Reasoning: Gerontology	3
OT 665	Clinical Reasoning: Neurorehabilitation II	3
OT 670	Clinical Reasoning: Work/Ergo	3
OT 705	Research in Practice IV: Capstone Planning	3
	Hours	18
Year 3
Summer
OT 675	Level II Fieldwork A	6
	Hours	6
Fall
OT 680	Level II Fieldwork B	6
	Hours	6
Spring
OT 710	OTD Capstone Experience	7
Graduate Upon Capstone Completion
	Hours	7
	Total Hours	97

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTDe) Program - Bridge Track

The CUW OT Program - Bridge track is designed for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) with at least one year of work experience and an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution who are prepared to pursue both a bachelor’s and doctorate degree in approximately 4 years. A COTA holding a bachelor's degree will complete the doctorate degree in approximately 3 years.

The CUW OT Program - Bridge track is offered primarily online with an on-campus learning experience one weekend a month during the fall and spring terms. Additionally, students will be expected to attend campus one week during the summer for Behavioral Health Fieldwork and one week for the Pediatric Camps. We emphasize learning through hands-on application. Student learning will take place in our state-of-the-art facilities. Students may choose to enhance their education through global education trips so long as they do not conflict with regularly scheduled courses. Whether in the states and abroad, students will put their learning into practice. At CUW, students may benefit from fieldwork experiences that are paired with courses, active community partnerships, student and professional organizations, Pi Theta Epsilon (OT Honor Society), and faculty-mentored research opportunities. 

Admissions Requirements

The CUW OT Program - Bridge track admissions requirements are as follows:

• An associate degree in occupational therapy and a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution
  • Applicants holding only an associate degree must be enrolled in the CUW Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) Bridge program
  • Applicants holding a bachelor's degree in addition to the associate degree are eligible for direct entry
• Documentation of at least one year of practice as a COTA
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from all post-secondary institutions
• Eight (8) semester credits of Human A&P with a lab component in every course from a Biology, Anatomy, or Physiology department with a B or better in each*
• Three (3) semester credits of Statistics with a B or better
• Possess the ability to perform essential functions of an occupational therapy graduate student and confirm this using the supplied document
• Three letters of recommendation; letters of recommendation should address potential for success both academically and as an occupational therapist, giving specific details about the applicant.
• Completion of four essays which address the following:
  • Describe your rationale for transitioning from OTA to OTR degree
  • Describe how your clinical reasoning and other skills will change with a transition to the OTR role
  • Describe your personal compatibility with the mission of Concordia University Wisconsin
  • What are the unique qualities of a successful online graduate student, and what is your personal plan to manage time, manage stress, manage financial responsibilities, and be a successful online learner?
• Complete and successfully pass a background check
• International applicants who would attend on a student visa and whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (iBT TOEFL) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Contact the OT Department Chair for MOT program minimum scores and further information.

*Pre-requisite coursework must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution.

Application Process

Students interested in applying for the CUW OT Program - Bridge track will complete an online application through the CUW Graduate Admissions Department. Applications are due January 15. Students enrolled in the BSRS Bridge program will have priority enrollment with additional spots available to applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree.

The Admissions Committee within the Occupational Therapy Department will make acceptance decisions.  Decisions of the committee are final.

Students will be given an opportunity at the end of year one of the OT coursework to choose the MOT or OTDe degree program. During the advocacy & leadership course sequence, students will learn about the differences between the MOT and OTDe programs. At the conclusion of the second semester of coursework, students will work with their advisor to declare their intention to pursue the OTDe degree. Students will be evaluated and the OT Department will determine eligibility to continue to the OTDe program. 

2021 Cohort Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Summer		Hours
OT 501	Introduction to APA Style & Scholarly Writing	1
OT 502	Concepts of Occupation	3
OT 506	Occupations Across the Lifespan	3
	Hours	7
Fall
OT 503	Functional Anatomy	4
OT 504	Introduction to Advocacy and Leadership	2
OT 505	Research in Practice I	3
OT 507	Explore Community Clinic	3
	Hours	12
Winterim
OT 511	Personal Advocacy & Leadership (Online Only)	1
	Hours	1
Spring
OT 508	Facilitated Community Clinic	3
OT 509	Functional Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation I	4
OT 512	Clinical Reasoning: Behavioral Health	3
OT 513	Occupational Kinesiology and Orthorehabilitation I	4
	Hours	14
Year 2
Summer
OT 602	Clinical Reasoning: Pediatrics	3
OT 604	Summer Pediatrics Camp	1
OT 612	Behavioral Health Fieldwork	1
OT 632	Occupations of Health and Wellness	3
	Hours	8
Fall
OT 510	Research in Practice II (Online Only)	3
OT 614	Clinical Reasoning: Adult Practice Areas	3
OT 621	Clinical Reasoning: Orthorehab II	3
OT 635	Community Clinic: Leading the OT Process	3
OT 625	Community Advocacy and Leadership	3
	Hours	15
Winterim
OT 655	Professional Advocacy&Ldrshp	2
	Hours	2
Spring
OT 643	Community Clinic: Management and Supervision	2
OT 650	Practice Management	2
OT 660	Clinical Reasoning: Gerontology	3
OT 665	Clinical Reasoning: Neurorehabilitation II	3
OT 641	Research in Practice III	3
	Hours	13
Year 3
Summer
OT 670	Clinical Reasoning: Work/Ergo	3
OT 705	Research in Practice IV: Capstone Planning	3
	Hours	6
Fall
OT 680	Level II Fieldwork B	6
	Hours	6
Spring
OT 675	Level II Fieldwork A	6
OT 710	OTD Capstone Experience	7
Graduate Upon Capstone Completion
	Hours	13
	Total Hours	97

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTDe) Program - Post-Baccalaureate Track

The CUW OT Program - Post-Baccalaureate track blends the traditional classroom setting with a progressive online learning environment and is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree. Students will be prepared to confer a doctorate degree in approximately 2.75 years.

The CUW OT Program - Post-Baccalaureate track has face-to-face classes on a weekly basis, typically 2-3 days per week. Students will be expected to attend campus one week during the summer for Behavioral Health Fieldwork and one week for the Pediatric Camps. This may or may not be the same week. We emphasize learning through hands-on application. Your learning will take place in our state-of-the-art facilities.  You may choose to enhance your education through global education trips so long as they do not conflict with regularly scheduled courses. Whether in the states or abroad, you will put your learning into practice. At CUW, you benefit from fieldwork experiences that are paired with courses, active community partnerships, student and professional organizations, Pi Theta Epsilon (OT Honor Society), and faculty-mentored research opportunities. CUW’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) events encourage students to work through real-world scenarios with a team of future health professionals.

Admissions Requirements

The CUW OT Program - Post-Baccalaureate track admissions requirements are as follows:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Eight (8) semester credits of Human A&P with a lab component in every course from a Biology, Anatomy, or Physiology department with a B or better in each course
• Three (3) semester credits of Statistics completed with a B or better  
• Three letters of recommendation; letters of recommendation should address potential for success both academically and as an occupational therapist, giving specific details about the applicant.
• Documentation of 40 hours of OT job shadowing
• Completion of three essays which address the following:
  • Describe your understanding of occupational therapy
  • Describe your personal compatibility with the mission of Concordia University Wisconsin
  • Describe your plan for success in the blended program including time management, self-directed learning, and learning in a blended environment
• Completion of OTCAS application
• Complete and successfully pass a background check
• Possess the ability to perform essential functions of an occupational therapy graduate student and confirm this using the supplied document
• International applicants who would attend on a student visa and whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (iBT TOEFL) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Contact the OT Program Director for MOT program minimum scores and further information.
• Pre-requisite coursework must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution.

Application Process

The CUW OT Program - Post-Baccalaureate track participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, known as OTCAS. Applicants for the CUW OT Program - Post-Baccalaureate track should apply online using the OTCAS application. To learn more about the OTCAS application process, please visit the OTCAS web site at www.otcas.org. Applicants should submit all application items directly to OTCAS. CUW OT does not require students to submit GRE scores, a supplemental application, or supplemental application fee.

The Admissions Committee within the Occupational Therapy Department will make decisions regarding the status of an application after reviewing application materials. Decisions of the committee are final.

Students will be given an opportunity at the end of year one of the OT coursework to choose the MOT or OTDe degree program. During the advocacy & leadership course sequence, students will learn about the differences between the MOT and OTDe programs. At the conclusion of the second semester of coursework, students will work with their advisor to declare their intention to pursue the OTDe degree. Students will be evaluated and the OT Department will determine eligibility to continue to the OTDe program. 

2021 Cohort Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Winterim		Hours
OT 501	Introduction to APA Style & Scholarly Writing (Online Only)	1
	Hours	1
Spring
OT 502	Concepts of Occupation	3
OT 503	Functional Anatomy	4
OT 504	Introduction to Advocacy and Leadership	2
OT 505	Research in Practice I	3
OT 506	Occupations Across the Lifespan	3
OT 507	Explore Community Clinic	3
	Hours	18
Fall
OT 508	Facilitated Community Clinic	3
OT 509	Functional Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation I	4
OT 510	Research in Practice II	3
OT 511	Personal Advocacy & Leadership	1
OT 512	Clinical Reasoning: Behavioral Health	3
OT 513	Occupational Kinesiology and Orthorehabilitation I	4
	Hours	18
Year 2
Spring
OT 614	Clinical Reasoning: Adult Practice Areas	3
OT 621	Clinical Reasoning: Orthorehab II	3
OT 625	Community Advocacy and Leadership	3
OT 632	Occupations of Health and Wellness	3
OT 635	Community Clinic: Leading the OT Process	3
OT 641	Research in Practice III	3
	Hours	18
Summer
OT 602	Clinical Reasoning: Pediatrics	3
OT 604	Summer Pediatrics Camp	1
OT 612	Behavioral Health Fieldwork	1
	Hours	5
Fall
OT 643	Community Clinic: Management and Supervision	2
OT 650	Practice Management	2
OT 655	Professional Advocacy&Ldrshp	2
OT 660	Clinical Reasoning: Gerontology	3
OT 665	Clinical Reasoning: Neurorehabilitation II	3
OT 670	Clinical Reasoning: Work/Ergo	3
OT 705	Research in Practice IV: Capstone Planning	3
	Hours	18
Year 3
Spring
OT 675	Level II Fieldwork A	6
OT 680	Level II Fieldwork B	6
	Hours	12
Summer
OT 710	OTD Capstone Experience	7
Graduate Upon Capstone Completion
	Hours	7
	Total Hours	97

Badging in the OTDe

In order to provide students with the opportunity to develop an area of specialization in the OTDe curriculum, each student will identify 1 badge for specialization, along with a clinical population/setting of focus at the time of declaring intent to pursue OTDe (after semester 2). 

There are 5 badges a student can choose from: Advocacy, Research, Education, Leadership, or Administration/Program & Policy Development. In order to earn a badge, students will complete 4 additional learning steps in that area (2 in semester 3; 2 in semester 4). 

Assignments related to earning a badge will be embedded into classes in the OTDe curriculum and we will use tracking tools through Blackboard to track assignment completion to meet the requirements to earn the badge. The table below outlines additional/specialization specific assignments organized by course throughout the curriculum.

Advocacy Badge

Community Advocacy & Leadership: Create podcast related to Occupational Justice Assignment