UIC’s Department of Occupational Therapy offers a Master of Science degree leading to certification for persons who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than occupational therapy. Students enroll in a two-year graduate program with the dual objective of earning a graduate degree and meeting requirements for certification as an occupational therapist.

UIC's comprehensive program provides a strong conceptual base that prepares students to be excellent therapists. A foundation in theory and research is integrated with practical skills in OT practice courses. The curriculum features a number of courses that examine the psychosocial aspects of disability. As a result, students receive a significant grounding in the theories and practices related to individual motivation, roles and performance, as well as contributing environmental influences. Innovative instructional strategies, such as problem–based learning, allow students to work in small groups with faculty facilitators to explore and analyze a number of case studies that represent the full range of occupational therapy practice.

In addition, we offer a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). This clinical doctorate degree is designed for students who want to enter the field at a more advanced level, have a desire for advanced clinical skills, or wish to gain preparation for administrative and teaching roles. Students may matriculate in both the MS/C and OTD programs. They can apply to the OTD simultaneously with the MS/C, or wait and apply to the OTD after beginning MS/C coursework. Earning the OTD, in addition to the MS/C, requires that students enroll for an additional year of elective coursework, advanced fieldwork, and a final project.

The Department also offers a Ph.D. in Disability Studies jointly with the Department of Disability and Human Development and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences with the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition. These research focused doctoral degrees provide the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor and prepare for an academic or research career.

Download and read further information about the OT department and the admissions process [.doc].

Accreditation
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program has been fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE's phone number, care of AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. They can also be found on the Internet at www.aota.org. UIC graduates are able 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. Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Program Outcomes
The following shows program outcomes for students enrolled in our Master of Science program leading to certification for the three-year period of 2006-2008. Up to 30 students are enrolled each fall, and students that complete the program as designed typically graduate from the program in July following 23 months of full-time study.

Total Number of Program Graduates: 87
Total Number of First Time Test Takers for NBCOT Certification Examination: 87
Total Number of First Time Test Takers Passing the NBCOT Certification Examination: 85
Percentage of the Total Number of First Time Test Takers Passing the Exam: 97.7%

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