Occupational Therapy Program (MSOT Degree)

There are two paths of entry into the MSOT Program. First, a select number of eligible undergraduate students from GMercyU who major in our Occupational Science Pre-Occupational Therapy Program can enter the MSOT Program after the spring semester of their junior year.

Second, applicants holding a baccalaureate degree or expecting to graduate in the spring semester prior to the start of the MSOT Program will follow the admission steps below.  The GRE is not required for admission to GMercyU's Occupational Therapy program. 

The application cycle for 2023 is now open. Applicants to the MSOT Program apply online using the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). To learn more about the OTCAS application process and to create your OTCAS account, please visit the OTCAS portal. The deadline for having a complete and verified OTCAS application is February 1, 2023.

Admission to the MSOT Program is only available on a full-time basis. Earned baccalaureate degree and all prerequisite courses must all be completed by May 19, 2023. Applicants must have verified OTCAS application before the February 1, 2022 admissions deadline. Applicants are responsible for submitting timely transcripts to OTCAS and confirming that all of the requested materials have been successfully submitted and received with OTCAS. Applications will not be reviewed until they are both complete and verified.

The Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy assumes the primary responsibility for the admission of its graduate students. The faculty review applications, conduct interviews, and offer admission to its selected applicants beginning in February for the start of the MSOT Program on May 22, 2023.

Applicants are required to successfully complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university prior to the start of the MSOT Program in mid to late May and should hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (based on a 4.00 scale).

Complete the following prerequisite courses with a minimum combined GPA in these prerequisites of 3.1 (based on a 4.00 scale). Anatomy and Physiology I & II must be completed within the past 5 years, the remainder of the prerequisites must be completed within the past 10 years.

• Anatomy and Physiology I & II (with a laboratory component): 8 credits    
• General Psychology: 3 credits
• Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology: 3 credits
• Developmental (Lifespan) Psychology: 3 credits
• Sociology/Anthropology: 3 credits
• Statistics/Research Methods: 3 credits

Note: CLEP, IB, or AP credits are not accepted as fulfillment of prerequisite courses. 

Gwynedd Mercy University does not require the GRE for admission into the MSOT Program.

Applicants are required to submit a letter of completion of a minimum of 20 hours of observation under a registered occupational therapist (OTR).

Submit a minimum of three requested and returned letters of recommendation attesting to your academic and/or professional abilities. One of these letters must be from a registered occupational therapist (OTR).

Complete a personal statement that should highlight your uniqueness and how these qualities may translate to your future success as an occupational therapist.

Conduct an interview with members of the Occupational Therapy faculty.

Students entering into and engaged during the full course of the Occupational Therapy Program must possess essential skills (observation, communication, motor function, intellectual-conceptual abilities, integrative and quantitative abilities, and behavioral and social attributes) to perform all educational (classroom, virtual, laboratory, and clinical), fieldwork, and experiential preceptorship tasks in an accurate, safe, and efficient manner, to the satisfaction of the faculty, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Observation

• Normal or corrected visual ability sufficient for client observation and assessment to ensure safety and accurate measurement.
• Ability to obtain information from written documents, videotaped data, graphic images and measuring devices accurately and within a reasonable time frame. 
• Ability to sufficiently monitor and assess health needs of clients. 

Communication

• Interact with others in a professional, courteous, and collaborative manner while using good judgment for confidentiality.
• Demonstrate respect for the dignity of each person.
• Maintain integrity in word and deed with others.
• Read, speak, and write in English effectively using proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Motor Function

• Assume a variety of body postures that can include continuous sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, pulling, lifting, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.
• Demonstrate manipulation skills to effectively carry and use therapeutic equipment (i.e. assistive devices, weights). 
• Demonstrate movement and mobility skills that are required for safe handling of persons of various sizes in order to perform safe transfers and guarding during functional mobility with and without an assistive device.
• Pushing and pulling in order to provide resistance for the purposes of maneuvering and transitioning persons such during bed mobility, using a wheelchair, and for sitting and standing balance activities.
• Demonstrate eye-hand coordination, postural control, strength, endurance, and integrated function of the senses (vision, hearing, smell, and touch) during the therapeutic process.

Intellectual-conceptual Abilities

• Demonstrate verbal and written insight into one’s own academic and clinical performance.
• Demonstrate the mental capacity to understand, problem-solve, and make judgments in order to promote ethical reasoning.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect, document, and analyze evaluation data and implement client-centered and occupation-based interventions. 

Integrative and Quantitative Abilities

• Demonstrate the mental capacity to understand, problem-solve, and make judgments in order to promote safety.
• Intellectual capacities to measure, evaluate, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information specific to client care.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply information learned from the classroom to a therapeutic practice environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to use online databases and online discussion boards, as well as the ability to use a computer to complete forms, reports, and papers.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

• Demonstrate mature and professional behaviors with other students, faculty, colleagues, and clients.
• Be receptive and open to mentor feedback about academic or fieldwork performance and adherence to academic and fieldwork policies and procedures. 
• Establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with clients.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others.

Students should review the Technical Standards for the MSOT program carefully and identify if additional supports are needed for any portion (didactic and clinical) of the MSOT program. Students are encouraged to contact the Student Accessibility Services Office (215-646-7300 extension 21427) to arrange an individualized consultation to discuss any support services or accommodations they may need. Student Accessibility Services is located within Counseling Services in The Griffin Complex, 2nd-floor window hallway of Rotelle Lounge.

To enroll as a graduate-level international student at Gwynedd Mercy University, you need to:

• Have your transcript evaluated and have a course-by-course evaluation by either the World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators if you hold a bachelor's degree from an institution outside of the U.S.
• Score at least a 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL test or a 6 on the IELTS test

No more than six graduate credits that were taken at other accredited institutions prior to matriculation, may be applied toward the master’s degree. The credits must have been taken within seven years of admission and a grade of B or better must have been earned. The official transcript for transfer of credit must be on file prior to acceptance of credits for transfer.

Year 1: Summer Term 8 credits
OSC 501: Foundations of Occupational Science (2 credits)
OSC 510: Ethics, Values, and Responsibilities (3 credits)
OSC 515: Skills for Occupation-based Practice (3 credits)

Year 1: Fall Term 17 credits
OSC 504: Therapeutic Use of Self (2 credits)
OSC 505: Foundations of Occupational Therapy (3 credits)
OSC 506: Creativity and Activity Analysis (2 credits)
OSC 514: Research Methods I: Evidence-based Practice (3 credits)
OSC 516: Health Care, Policy, and Advocacy (3 credits)
OSC 519: Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy (4 credits)

Year 1: Spring Term 15 credits
OSC 511: Health and Occupational Participation of Children and Youth (3 credits)
OSC 512: Occupational Therapy Process: Children and Youth (5 credits)
OSC 513: Occupational Therapy Fieldwork I: Children and Youth (1 credit)
OSC 518: Research Methods II: Occupation-based Program Development (3 credits)
OSC 517: Management and Leadership (3 credits)

Year 2: Summer Term 9 credits
OSC 601: Health and Occupational Participation of Adults (3 credits)
OSC 602: Occupational Therapy Process: Adults (5 credits)
OSC 603: Occupational Therapy Fieldwork I: Adults (1 credit)

Year 2: Fall Term 16 credits
OSC 604: Health and Occupational Participation of Older Adults (3 credits)
OSC 605: Occupational Therapy Process: Older Adults (5 credits)
OSC 606: Occupational Therapy Fieldwork I: Older Adults (1 credit)
OSC 607: Emerging Areas of Occupational Therapy Practice (2 credits)
OSC 608: Environmental Adaptations and Assistive Technology (2 credits)
OSC 609: Research Methods III: Program Implementation, Analysis, and Knowledge 
      Dissemination (3 credits)

Year 2: Spring Term 12 credits
OSC 611: Fieldwork Level IIA (5 credits)
OSC 701: Fieldwork Level IIB (5 credits)
OSC 702: Career Success and Meaningful Life (2 credits)

Please note: All MSOT students are required to maintain health, wellness, and clearance requirements that can include the following annually – criminal background check, child abuse clearance, DHS and DOE fingerprint clearances, drug screen, and CPR certification. Students will be required to have a laptop.

OSC 501: Foundations of Occupational Science (2 credits)

Introduces the academic discipline of Occupational Science and its relationship to occupational therapy. The complex nature of occupation is explored from an interdisciplinary perspective. Emphasis on how occupational injustices can limit occupational performance and occupational participation, and how the therapeutic use of occupation can influence the development and/or recovery of persons with disabling conditions. 

OSC 504: Therapeutic Use of Self (2 credits)

Exploration of human behavioral theories and practice of therapeutic use of self within individual and group therapeutic contexts. Focus on understanding the occupational needs of individuals and groups, teaching-learning process, appraisal of effective communication, empathy, mindfulness, and building of rapport to foster effective therapeutic relationships. 

OSC 505: Foundations of Occupational Therapy (3 credits)

Introduction to the foundations of the occupational therapy profession including its history, philosophical base, professional terminology, theory development, frames of reference, and the varied scope and roles of the occupational therapy practitioner.  

OSC 506: Creativity and Activity Analysis (2 credits)

Exploration of the historical and contemporary use of creativity in the promotion of health through client-centered activities to promote health and recovery. Emphasis on the analysis, grading, and managing the complexity of therapeutic activities. Includes a practice lab.

OSC 510: Ethics, Values, and Responsibilities (3 credits)

Examines the ethics and values of the profession of occupational therapy including the ethical standards of occupational therapy practice and review of scenarios to solve ethical dilemmas. Includes professional development regarding the acquisition of professional membership, knowledge, and skills expected of students in a professional program while beginning to develop a plan for lifelong learning. 

OSC 511: Health and Occupational Participation of Children and Youth (3 credits)

Examines the development, occupational behavior, and prevailing health needs of children and adolescents with or at risk for disabilities and occupational injustice. Focus on understanding children and youth as occupational beings with varied health conditions that can impact occupational performance and participation.  

OSC 512: Occupational Therapy Process: Children and Youth (5 credits)

Integrates theories and the occupational therapy process of evaluation (including assessment), intervention, and targeted outcomes with children and adolescents. Includes a practice lab. 

OSC 513: Occupational Therapy Fieldwork I: Children and Youth (1 credit)

Immersion experience into a therapeutic service delivery context with children or youth. 

OSC 514: Research Methods I: Evidence-based Practice (3 credits)

Review of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, appraisal of professional literature and levels of evidence, and the influence of occupational therapy practice expertise and client values in supporting best therapeutic practices.

OSC 515: Skills for Occupation-based Practice (3 credits)

Review of health care and occupational therapy practice terminology that include infection control, safety, body mechanics, wheelchair and mobility device use, ADL training, IADL training, and ergonomics to improve work performance. Principles supporting occupation-based practice are integrated. Includes a practice lab.

OSC 516: Health Care, Policy, and Advocacy (3 credits)

A focus on understanding health care, policy, and reimbursement that influence access to occupational therapy practice across multiple practice areas. Review of intra-professional and inter-professional roles, and the laws and regulations that influence occupational therapy practice. Promotion of occupational therapy to other professionals, service providers, consumers, third-party payers, regulatory bodies, and to the public.

OSC 517: Management and Leadership (3 credits)

Explores the leadership and managerial skills needed to plan, develop, market and direct the delivery of occupational therapy programs. Includes care coordination, case management, consultation, management of staffing, collaboration with other interprofessional and intraprofessional partners, and provision of fieldwork education.

OSC 518: Research Methods II: Occupation-based Program Development (3 credits)

Exploration of occupation and diversity factors that influence health and wellness for individuals, groups and populations. Create a scholarly IRB research proposal and occupation-based program intervention manual designed to improve the wellness, health promotion, and/or occupational participation needs of a targeted community group.

OSC 519: Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy (4 credits)

Focus on the study of the body functions and structures of the human body with a major emphasis on functional anatomy within the domain of concern for occupational therapy and analyzing typical, atypical, and compensatory human movement across the life span.

OSC 601: Health and Occupational Participation of Adults (3 credits)

Examines the development, occupational behavior, and prevailing health needs of adults with or at risk for disabilities and occupational injustice. Focus on understanding adults as occupational beings with varied health conditions that can impact occupational performance and participation.

OSC 602: Occupational Therapy Process: Adults (5 credits)

Integrates theories and the occupational therapy process of evaluation (including assessment), intervention, and targeted outcomes with adults. Includes a practice lab.

OSC 603: Occupational Therapy Fieldwork I: Adults (1 credit)

Immersion experience into a therapeutic service delivery context with adults. 

OSC 604: Health and Occupational Participation of Older Adults (3 credits)

Examines the development, occupational behavior, and prevailing health needs of older adults with or at risk for disabilities and occupational injustice. Focus on understanding older adults as occupational beings with varied health conditions that can impact occupational performance and participation.  

OSC 605: Occupational Therapy Process: Older Adults (5 credits)

Integrate theories and the occupational therapy process of evaluation (including assessment), intervention, and targeted outcomes with older adults. Includes a practice lab. 

OSC 606: Occupational Therapy Fieldwork I: Older Adults (1 credit)

Immersion experience into a therapeutic service delivery context with older adults. 

OSC 607: Emerging Areas of Occupational Therapy Practice (2 credits)

Emerging areas of occupational therapy practice and identifying opportunities to work in an emerging practice area on a full time or contractual basis. 

OSC 608: Environmental Adaptations and Assistive Technology (2 credits)

Overview of environmental adaptation, compensatory strategies, and types of common assistive devices and technology to improve occupational performance and participation needs identified by individuals and communities. 

OSC 609: Research Methods III: Program Implementation, Analysis, and Knowledge Dissemination (3 credits)

Implement a community-based health and wellness program centered on occupation and health. Collect and analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data, and present findings to the public.

OSC 611: Fieldwork Level IIA (5 credits)

A twelve-week fieldwork experience designed to promote clinical reasoning and reflective practice to gain the skills as a generalist therapist in a selected practice area.

OSC 701: Fieldwork Level IIB (5 credits)

A twelve-week fieldwork experience designed to promote clinical reasoning and reflective practice to gain the skills as a generalist therapist in a selected practice area.

OSC 702: Career Success and Meaningful Life (2 credits)

Preparation methods to taking the NBCOT® exam, future job interviewing, service to society, and the completion of an e-portfolio with strategies to engage in scholarly activities to become a lifelong learner [online course].

More information can be found in the graduate catalog.

To complete the Occupational Therapy Master’s Program at Gwynedd Mercy University successfully and graduate, students must complete all 6 terms of the professional Occupational Therapy Program which includes 1 term for full-time Level II fieldwork. While enrolled in the Program, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater to remain in good standing. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 will be placed on probation and will have two terms to raise their GPA to 3.0 or greater. A GPA of less than 3.0 after two terms on probation will result in dismissal from the Program. All students must complete Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of academic preparation.

Offered through the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions, the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy joins a well-established group of programs and offers many program highlights, including:

• Program philosophy that is consistent with the core values of higher education within the Mercy tradition
• 77 credit program that can be completed in just 26 months
• State-of-the-art classroom and practice labs
• Only program in the region that offers a dual degree of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
• Program that advocates for client-centered, occupation-based, and evidence-based practices
• e-Portfolio that can be used to help graduates stand out during job interviews
• Individualized faculty advisement
• Small class sizes
• Diverse fieldwork options
• Beautiful, private 160-acre campus just 30 minutes from Philadelphia

Take a quick tour of our smart classroom, adult gerontology labs, and pediatric spaces.

Our current students created this video for future students to give you great insight into the program.

Gwynedd Mercy University’s Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is an active and productive student organization that is primarily comprised of occupational science and occupational therapy students. SOTA serves to enhance the public understanding of the occupational therapy profession through professional development, fundraising, social media, community service, and social activities. To meet the current SOTA Executive Board and to learn of past and upcoming SOTA events, please visit the SOTA homepage.

Thomas Mernar, PhD, OTR/L
Position:  Associate Professor and Program Director, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Did You Know?  Dr. Mernar founded the OS and OT programs at GMercyU. He has been a licensed occupational therapist (OTR) for more than 20 years, with experience working clinically in acute and sub-acute traumatic brain injury units, sub-acute skilled nursing, long-term care, and assisted living facilities.
Read bio


Michele Peterson, MS, OTR/L
Position:  Instructor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Occupational Therapy
Did You Know?  Professor Peterson has been licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR®) for more than 20 years with experience working in pediatrics, specifically school-based, preschool age, birth to three, and pediatric in-patient and out-patient settings. She holds a specialty certification in the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to feeding.
Read bio



Mindy MacRone-Wolton, DSc, OTR/L
Position:  Assistant Professor, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Did You Know?  Dr. Wojton has been a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR®) for more than 20 years. She has spent most of her career as a school-based therapist, working with and advocating for students with attention deficit disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, emotional disturbance, genetic disorders, learning disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.
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Sharon Montgomery, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS
Position:  Assistant Professor, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Did You Know?  Dr. Montgomery has been a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR®) for more than 30 years. She has spent her career working in a hospital setting providing both adult inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and she holds a specialty certification in Hand Therapy.

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Megan R. Mueller, OTD, OTR/L
Position:  Professor of Practice
Did You Know?  A registered and licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR®) for more than 10 years, Mueller has worked in the acute inpatient rehabilitation setting with adults who sustained spinal cord injuries, cerebrovascular accidents, traumatic brain injuries, and numerous other
neurologic and orthopedic conditions.
Read bio

Based off current 2022-2023 tuition and fee rates, the total estimated cost of the occupational therapy program for dual degree students who entered the OT program as seniors in the fall of 2022 would be as follows:

The above tuition and fees do not factor in the tuition and fees for the first three undergraduate years as an occupational science student. General undergraduate tuition and fees can be found here. Additional fees that may accrue are loan fees, housing, and additional clearance prerequisites for various fieldwork sites (vaccinations and/or drug tests). Tuition and fee rates listed above do not reflect any potential increases in tuition rates for the 2023-2024 academic year or beyond.

Based off current 2022-2023 tuition and fee rates, the total estimated cost of the occupational therapy program for students who began their studies as graduate students in the summer of 2021 would be as follows:

Additional fees that may accrue are loan fees, housing, and additional clearance prerequisites for various fieldwork sites (vaccinations and/or drug tests). Tuition and fee rates listed above do not reflect any potential increases in tuition rates for the 2023-2024 academic year or beyond.