Master of Occupational Therapy

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.

About the Master of Occupational Therapy Program

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.

MOT vs. OTD

Should you get your MOT (master’s) or OTD (doctorate) to start practicing?

• Both degrees earn the same pay.
• Both degrees require you to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam.
• Both degrees have the same continuing education requirements.
• The OTD degree is not mandated, but should it be in the future, you will be grandfathered in with an MOT degree.
• The MOT degree is shorter in length than the OTD degree and will save you time and money!

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• American Occupational Therapy Association

Program Details

• Academic Progression Standards
• Admission Process
  • Direct Admission
  • Competitive Admission
• Program Curriculum
• Program Fieldwork
• Program Tuition
• Technical Standards
• Contact the Occupational Therapy Program

2023 Handwriting Camp

Virtual Information Sessions

Join faculty and admissions to learn more about the program and the admission process.  Virtual meetings will be held using Microsoft Teams

Thursday, September 21, 2023 - 3:00 PM - RSVP Here
Thursday, November 16, 2023 - 6:00 PM - RSVP Here
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - 12:00 Noon - RSVP Here
Thursday, February 15, 2024 - 6:00 PM - RSVP Here
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 3:00 PM - RSVP Here

Interested but unable to attend?  Contact Dave Buehler to learn more:

Email - dbuehler@carrollu.edu | Phone or text - 262-299-8180
Schedule an appointment:  Bookings Link

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 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. 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 for our first cohort of program graduates.

Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.

• Carroll University Catalog | Master of Occupational Therapy
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)
• Pre-Occupational Therapy Program
• Community Health Services