The Carroll University Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is an accelerated two-year, post-baccalaureate program that will prepare students to pursue one of the most rewarding and fastest growing health care careers in Wisconsin and nationwide.
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The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is an accelerated program consisting of six consecutive semesters of full-time study in two calendar years. Specific modules, activities, and learning experiences within the MOT program are shared among graduate health science programs to support true inter-professional education and prepare students for collaboration in their clinical practice area. The MOT program is located at the Carroll University Center for Graduate Studies in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
MOT embraces the concept of healthy occupational engagement as a determinant of health. It acknowledges the essence of healthy life participation lies in meaningful occupation, which is an experience unique to each person and the context in which they exist. Diversity is an essential factor for humanity. There lies the link between one’s unique experiences and Occupational Therapy practice. This is the core philosophy and mission of the MOT program. Students in this program dive directly into clinical settings by their second semester and can take advantage of a plethora of hands-on activities. MOT students are offered the opportunity to complete community driven experiences at Carroll University Health and Wellness OT clinic, LifeStriders and our annual handwriting camp. The cohort emits a supportive and “family” learning environment that allows for students to take their curiosity and passion to be prepared for the first day of their forever career.
Should you get your MOT (master’s) or OTD (doctorate) to start practicing?
Carroll's MOT program has its own esteemed chapter within the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity, championing inclusion and representation.
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— Philip Maio
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Join us for an event! Whether you're interested in attending an in-person open house, joining a virtual information session, or scheduling a one-on-one meeting with our graduate admission counselor, Abby Dalpra, we offer several ways to learn more about the program and get your questions answered.
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Cohort 2023
"The level I fieldwork starts from the second semester. It offers me the opportunity to interact with real patients as early as possible. It also gives me the chance to observe and understand patients’ motivations, thoughts, and behavior; apply the knowledge and skills learned in the class right away; and practice patient-centered care all through the program." Read Chun's Story
The Master of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. Telephone number: 301-652-6611 - Website: www.acoteonline.org.
Carroll University is an approved institution in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, or SARA. You can find more information at www.nc-sara.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.
See ACOTE decision and discussion related to entry level practice requirement at https://www.aota.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 this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). All states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licensure is 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 inaugural Master of Occupational Therapy class graduated in August 2017. Refer to the chart below for total number of program graduates and overall graduation rate.
This chart represents the NBCOT pass rates.
*TBD calculated Jan. 2026
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.