Master of Occupational Therapy

All applicants to the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program must meet the following criteria:

• Earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution -OR- current enrollment in a BSRS degree program at Concordia University Wisconsin
• Cumulative GPA, from all attended institutions, of 3.0 or higher
• 8 semester credits of Human Anatomy & Physiology, from a Biology, Anatomy, or Physiology department with a lab component, completed with a grade of B or better in each course
• 3 semester credits of Statistics, completed with a grade of B or better
• Ability to perform the essential functions of an occupational therapy student as found here: Essential Functions

Applicants will also be required to submit the following:

• Official college transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• Three (3) letters of recommendation, which address potential for academic success as an occupational therapist
• Written essays

All accepted students will be required to submit a $500 tuition deposit within four (4) weeks of acceptance to hold their spot in the program. Learn more about our expected OT tuition and fees here.

Please contact Graduate Admissions for the current admissions deadline.

• St. Norbert College
• Viterbo
• Michigan Technological University
• PIMA
• Bryant & Stratton

• Cumulative OT GPA of 3.0 or better
• Semester GPA of 3.0 or better in all completed semesters
• Current enrollment in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program
• No current or past professional or academic probation (students may still apply if they have received a warning)
• Completion and timely submission of all application documents

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). The test score cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.  The minimum TOEFL score is 94 (iBT) with no less than 22 reading, 22 listening, 26 speaking, and 24 writing.  The minimum IELTS score is 7.0, with no less than 6.5 on each band score.  There are no exceptions to the TOEFL or IELTS requirement for the OT program.   International applicants will be admitted through the CUW International Office and are subject to International Office policies, in coordination with graduate admissions.

All students are required to complete the Essential Functions of an Occupational Therapy student, without or with accommodations. 

Click here to access the Occupational Therapy Program Essential Functions

Students entering the Occupational Therapy program will need access to a computer that meets the following requirements. We highly recommend purchasing a laptop for portability. Please note: some of these requirements are slightly different than the general university tech requirements due to the required software in OT courses.

Occupational Therapy Technology Requirements

Optional, but recommended:

• USB Flash Memory Storage Device or External USB hard drive for data daily backup
• Antivirus and Malwarebytes (Windows does come with free Anti-virus)

Please Note:

• Chrome Books, iPads, tablets, or similar units are useful tools but do NOT meet all course requirements
• For Mac users that need access to Windows, click here for BootCamp setup instructions

Accelerated occupational therapy program

This fast-track occupational therapy program is designed for high school graduates eager to pursue both their bachelor’s and graduate degrees (MOT or OTD) in occupational therapy in less than 5 years. It is a full-time program offered in a hybrid format.

Students in the MOT program - Accelerated track can expect to complete coursework in a blended format. The first class is completed online during the first summer. Full-time coursework then begins in late August, according to the university academic calendar. Students in the accelerated track should anticipate having class Monday & Tuesday 7:30am - 5:00pm on CUW's Mequon campus. Wednesdays may have required participation in school activities, such as Interprofessional Education and cross-cohort mentorship, and must maintain a level of flexibility in scheduling. Some class requirements may be completed off-campus at designated community locations. Students will be responsible for transportation to all off-campus community locations. Students should expect to complete coursework independently and collaboratively online during the remainder of the week. Select courses throughout the program will be offered solely online in which students are expected to learn collaboratively. During the second summer of the MOT program, students in the accelerated track will complete a one week, full-time residency on campus. During this week, students will participate in a pediatrics camp/fieldwork experience, as well as a behavioral health fieldwork experience. Upon completion of the 4 semesters of didactic coursework, students will complete two 12-week Level II Fieldwork placements.

Students are assigned an advisor from the OT faculty at the start of the program. Starting in the first fall semester, students will be involved in our interprofessional Community Clinic, which serves clients across the lifespan. As students progress through the program, their involvement and autonomy in evaluation and treatment of clients will increase. The OT program has embedded a student mentorship model for students to work with others in their track as both mentor and mentee. CUW OT students have the opportunity to be involved in student and professional organizations, the Pi Theta 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. 

Students in the MOT program will have the opportunity to explore the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree during the second semester of the MOT program. Students are given the choice to remain in the MOT program or apply to the OTD program at that time.

Additionally, students in the accelerated track have the unique opportunity to pursue the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) certificate program. Students will receive information from the director of the AAT program and must apply directly to the program. The AAT program is an additional cost beyond the cost of the OT program tuition and may have additional time requirements.

Students who begin their undergraduate career as a freshman in Concordia University Wisconsin’s   Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS)  program may apply to the MOT program - Accelerated track during the fall of their sophomore year. 

Interested high school students will apply to CUW for the BSRS program. Applicants must have a high school GPA of 3.2 and must apply and submit the tuition deposit prior to December 1st. Those who meet these requirements will be reviewed and ranked according to GPA. The top 30 applicants will receive guaranteed status for the MOT Program - Accelerated track. In order to maintain guaranteed status and to be accepted to the MOT program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, earn a grade of B or higher in 8 credits of Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 191, BIO 192 and/or RSC 302) taken at CUW, and earn a grade of B or higher in 3 credits of Statistics.

Students transferring into CUW’s BSRS program will not have guaranteed status for the MOT program - Accelerated track. Transfer students must complete at least 36 credits at CUW to be given priority in the MOT - Accelerated track admission process and must include the following courses taken at CUW, as well as meet all other admissions requirements:

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

Students with a completed bachelor's degree may be eligible for admission to the MOT program - Accelerated track if there are available spots in the cohort. These students must meet all posted admissions requirements. At times, eligible students may be offered acceptance to the Post-Baccalaureate track of the MOT program if the Accelerated track cohort is full.

• Accelerated Track
  • Documentation of 40 hours of job shadowing
  • Please contact Graduate Admissions for the current admissions deadline 

Join us for an upcoming virtual informational session to learn more about our program. Click here to register or get more information!

OTA to OT Bridge

The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program - Bridge track is designed for the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with at least one year of experience.

Students in the MOT program - Bridge track can expect to complete coursework in a blended format. Starting with the 2024 Cohort, coursework will start in mid-May with three classes. Students should expect to complete coursework independently and collaboratively online every week. Select courses throughout the program will be offered solely online in which students are expected to learn collaboratively. Students should anticipate traveling to CUW's Mequon campus approximately once a month (22 times) for in-person learning experiences. Classes run Friday 12 pm-9 pm and Saturday 8 am-5 pm with a one-hour break each day. Students will be responsible for transportation to all off-campus community locations. Students are responsible for all costs associated with traveling to campus, including housing and meals. During the second summer of the MOT program, students in the bridge track will come to campus for a one-week, full-time residency for Level I Fieldwork. During this week, students will participate in a pediatrics camp/fieldwork experience, as well as a behavioral health fieldwork experience, which are typically off campus. Students are responsible for all costs associated with coming to campus for this week long experience, which may include travel, housing, meals, and supplies. Upon completion of the didactic coursework, students will complete two 12-week Level II Fieldwork placements. Due to the courseload of the MOT program, it is not recommended for students to work full-time.

Students are assigned an advisor from the OT faculty at the start of the program. Starting in the first fall semester, students will be involved in our interprofessional Community Clinic, which serves clients across the lifespan. As students progress through the program, their involvement and autonomy in evaluation and treatment of clients will increase. The OT program has embedded a student mentorship model for students to work with others in their track as both mentor and mentee. CUW OT students have the opportunity to be involved in student and professional organizations, the Pi Theta OT honor society, and faculty-mentored research opportunities.

Students in the MOT program explore the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree during the second semester. At that time, students are given the choice to continue in the MOT program or apply to the OTD program.

The OT program has embedded a student mentorship model for students to work with others in their track as both mentors and mentees. CUW OT students have the opportunity to be involved in student and professional organizations, the Pi Theta OT honor society, and faculty-mentored research opportunities.

Applicants holding a completed bachelor's degree must apply for direct admission to the MOT program - Bridge track.

Entrance Requirements

• Proof of 1 year of employment as a COTA
• Earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher including:
  • 8-semester credits of Human Anatomy & Physiology, from a Biology, Anatomy, or Physiology department with a lab component, completed with a grade of B or better in each course
  • 3-semester credits of Statistics, completed with a grade of B or better
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions of an occupational therapy student as listed on the admissions tab 
• Applicants for the MOT- with Bachelor's Bridge Track must submit an online application through the OTCAS System. 

Apply Here Through OTCAS

Applicants whose highest degree is an associate degree must first apply for the BSRS Bridge program. During the first semester of the BSRS Bridge program, students will apply to the MOT Program. 

Apply Here BSRS

• Create an account
• The "Academic Program" will be Bridge BSRS - Occupational Therapy
• Fill out the form and submit your online undergraduate application

Join us for an upcoming virtual informational session to learn more about our program. Click here to register or get more information!

Post-Baccalaureate OT program

The post-baccalaureate occupational therapy track is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in any subject area and are prepared to complete their MOT or OTD in less than 3 years. 

Students in the MOT program - Post-Baccalaureate track complete coursework in a blended format. Full-time coursework begins in early January, according to the university academic calendar. Students in the post-baccalaureate track should anticipate having class Thursday & Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm on CUW's Mequon campus. Wednesdays may have required participation in school activities, such as Interprofessional Education and cross-cohort mentorship, and must maintain a level of flexibility in scheduling. Some class requirements may be completed off-campus at designated community locations. Students will be responsible for transportation to all off-campus community locations. Students should expect to complete coursework independently and collaboratively online during the remainder of the week. Select courses throughout the program will be offered solely online in which students are expected to learn collaboratively. During the second summer of the MOT program, students will complete a one week, full-time residency on campus. During this week, students will participate in a pediatrics camp/fieldwork experience, as well as a behavioral health fieldwork experience. Upon completion of the 4 semesters of didactic coursework, students will complete two 12-week Level II Fieldwork placements.

Students are assigned an advisor from the OT faculty at the start of the program. Starting in the first fall semester, students will be involved in our interprofessional Community Clinic, which serves clients across the lifespan. As students progress through the program, their involvement and autonomy in evaluation and treatment of clients will increase. The OT program has embedded a student mentorship model for students to work with others in their track as both mentor and mentee. CUW OT students have the opportunity to be involved in student and professional organizations, the Pi Theta 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. 

Students in the MOT program will have the opportunity to explore the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree during the second semester of the MOT program. Students are given the choice to remain in the MOT program or apply to the OTD program at that time.

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

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had 21 students who had a delay in fieldwork placements. These students graduated in 2021, which has them completing the program within 150% of the published length of the program. This also increased the number of graduates in 2021.

**In 2022, we graduated our first entry-level OTD cohort. Nine students are counted as starting the MOT program with their cohort but are not counted in the MOT graduation rate because they applied and were accepted to the OTD program.

• Demonstrate advocacy skills to be an effective change-maker in surrounding communities 
• Facilitate the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in various community settings. 
• Combine theory, evidence, and clinical reasoning in a reflective process of evaluation, intervention, and targeting of outcomes. 
• Intentionally make clinical decisions using Christ-centered values. 
• Effectively and efficiently solve occupation-based problems 
• Competently prepared for direct access. 
• Develop leadership skills 
• Effectively communicate and collaborate in a variety of communities 
• Demonstrate professional behaviors while using knowledge-based skills for the effective practice of occupational therapy. 

Graduates of the program may 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 required 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.

The following table outlines the potential cost of attendance for a student in the MOT Program. These costs are subject to change based on cost of textbooks, change in textbooks, and/or change in fee amounts from the University. Students in the accelerated track may have additional fees while finishing the undergraduate degree. Information about these fees may be obtained from the undergraduate billing.

Please note all accepted students will be required to submit a $500 tuition deposit within four (4) weeks of acceptance to hold their spot in the program.

*Tuition is based on students who begin in the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Tuition increases each academic year, typically by 3-5% and is released for publication in June.

**The textbook & material cost is an estimate based upon current requirements and could change while enrolled in the program if a required textbook changes. Students are independently responsible for purchasing their textbooks, which could increase or decrease the total cost. Due to the use of a three term (fall, spring, and summer) academic calendar, textbooks may be purchased during the summer instead of fall or spring, which would change the cost per term of textbooks.

Note: students who bring a car to campus will be required to register their vehicle and pay vehicle registration fees as determined by the university. Further information can be found at: https://www.cuw.edu/life/campus-safety/parking-vehicle-registration.html

Travel costs will vary from student to student within our tracks. All students will have a one-week residency during Summer 2, which could include transportation, housing and food costs. Students will also accrue travel costs for the Level II Fieldwork as placements can be located as much as an hour away via car. 

Students in the Bridge Track should plan for travel to campus 4 times during Semesters 1, 2, 3 & 4, as well as 2-3 times during the first and third summers. This travel will include, at minimum, one overnight stay and all travel-related costs, including gas, car rentals, airfare, and food. Students may need to plan for travel costs to get to our Community Clinic sites located off-campus.