UNIVERSITY
OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
DEPARTMENT
OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
POST-BACCALAUREATE
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
IN
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (ENTRY-LEVEL)
The objectives of this program are to educate entry-level occupational therapists, who: 1) integrate the knowledge, skills, cultural values, professional behaviors, and theories that underlie the practice of occupational therapy; 2) apply the occupational therapy process as it is utilized in the evaluation and treatment of clients with a broad range of disabling conditions; 3) provide and manage occupational therapy services within a wide range of service delivery models; 4) evaluate occupational therapy outcomes through appropriate research methods; and 5) understand, interpret, and appropriately utilize occupational therapy and related research in their professional practice.
Prior to admission to the Post-baccalaureate Master of Science Degree track in Occupational Therapy, students must take a foundation of general education/prerequisite courses in the physical, biological and social sciences, and the humanities (70 hours), as well as basic level occupational therapy courses (56 hours). Upon completion of general education and prerequisite requirements, all students must apply to the occupational therapy program, through a competitive admission process. Following completion of the first 4 semesters, consisting of the basic level occupational therapy courses mentioned above, students without a degree will earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy emphasis). Students already possessing a baccalaureate degree must complete designated prerequisite courses, and then apply to the program through the same competitive admission process. Those with degrees may apply for and receive a second baccalaureate degree upon completion of the first 4 semesters.
ACCREDITATION:
The Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the American Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE); their address is: 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824. Phone: 301-652-2682. Students who successfully complete all requirements for the Post-baccalaureate Master of Science in Occupational Therapy are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapists, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Their address is: 800 S. Frederick Avenue, Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150. Phone: 301-990-7979.
NBCOT Exam Pass Rates:
|
NBCOT exam results |
Total number of grads |
Total # of 1st
time takers |
1st time takers
that passed |
% passing 1st
time |
|
2005-2007 |
109 |
109 |
92 |
84.4% |
|
2005 |
36 |
31 |
27 |
87% |
|
2006 |
28 |
32 |
25 |
78% |
|
2007 |
45 |
46 |
40 |
87% |
Report date: December 14, 2007
Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or attain state licensure. For more information contact NBCOT and/or the Arkansas State Medical Board at (501) 296-1802.
Summary Information
Type of Program: Post-baccalaureate Master of Science degree with a major in Occupational Therapy.
Length of Program: 4 semesters basic level Occupational Therapy courses (on campus), 3 semesters of master’s level course work (on campus), 24 weeks full-time fieldwork (off campus). Total: 7 semesters on campus, plus 24 weeks full-time Level II fieldwork. NOTE: Level II Fieldwork must be completed within 24 months of the conclusion of on-campus study.
Class Size: Maximum 48 students selected spring semester, annually. Coursework begins during May Intersession.
Residence Restrictions: Preference is given to Arkansas residents; a maximum of 5 highly qualified out of state students may be accepted each year. The Occupational Therapy Department accepts the decision of UCA Admissions office regarding residency status.
Current Estimated Cost of Tuition and Fees Per Semester: Instate students - $2,775; Out of State Students - $2,775; Departmental Fees - $16.00 per credit hour for OTHY courses; Books and Supplies Approx. $400-$500 per semester.
Prerequisite Requirements for Entry into the Occupational Therapy Program
The prerequisite and general education courses required for admission can be found in the Program Info sections of the OT website. Courses must be fully completed prior to entry into the program, and should be substantially completed or in progress upon application.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours volunteer work in one occupational therapy setting, under the supervision of a certified occupational therapist. Further, students are required to submit an evaluation of their performance during this volunteer/observation experience, which is to completed by the supervising occupational therapist.
Application: Applications are available each year in November. The deadline for submitting applications is February 1. Please call the Occupational Therapy office or write to the address below to receive an application.
University of Central Arkansas
Occupational Therapy Department
201 Donaghey Avenue, PO Box 5001
Conway, AR 72035
501-450-3192Grade Point Averages of students most recently admitted into the Occupational Therapy Program:
2003 Cumulative GPA (Accepted) - 3.339
2004 Cumulative GPA (Accepted) - 3.403
2005 Cumulative GPA (Accepted) - 3.571
For Advisement or additional information: Contact the Program
Advisor,
Amanda Tanner at atanner@uca.edu or
501-4501-5568