Occupational Therapy, MS

Program Mission, Goals and Outcomes

Program Mission

The mission of the NEIT Occupational Therapy (OT) Program is to provide a specialized master’s degree program to prepare Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants to become occupational therapists who are leaders in critical thinking and problem solving for service management in health care and community programs. As occupational therapists, graduates will take on various leadership roles in the healthcare field. Through a combination of classroom, laboratory and fieldwork experiences, students build on their professional knowledge and experience to provide occupational therapy services to individuals and populations who strive to live productive and fulfilling lives.

Program Outcomes

By the end of the occupational therapy program, students will become dynamic, well-rounded professional level practitioners prepared for contemporary practice as evidence by the ability to:

1. Demonstrate a depth and breadth of understanding of foundational and OT theoretical knowledge and its practical application for all aspects of service management.
2. Apply advanced knowledge and skills to OT assessment, outcome prediction, and planning of service delivery.
3. Integrate information and experiences to detect and solve problems, and think logically, flexibly, and critically about client and managerial questions.
4. Demonstrate mastery of the human dimension by contributing to and leading in a rapidly changing society with respect to advances in technology, and changes in legislation, reimbursement, health care delivery and social contexts.
5. Continuously value and take responsibility for professional development and life-long learning and encourage these qualities in others.
6. Care for society and their profession by consistently demonstrating the highest level of ethics and standards of practice for occupational therapy.

Courses Offered

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog here.

Q&A and Technical Standards

Questions & Answers

1. When do my classes meet?

   Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) classes meet five weekends in each 10-week academic term, generally every other weekend. Students should plan on attending classes Friday between 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM and Saturday between 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Every OT course is taught in a hybrid format with some class time occurring in person and some class time online.

   At the beginning of each term you will receive a detailed schedule giving the exact time and location of all your classes. The College requires that all students be prepared to take classes and receive services at any of NEIT’s locations where the appropriate classes and services are offered.

2. How large will my classes be?

   The average size for a class is about 20 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time. Lab classes in the MSOT program will have about 12 students for one instructor and one lab assistant.

3. How much time will I spend in lab?

   About one third of your MSOT courses consist of laboratory work. In order for you to get the most out of your laboratory experiences, you will first receive an explanation of the theory behind your lab work.

4. Where do my classes meet?

   The majority of classes meet at the East Greenwich campus during assigned on-campus weekends.

5. Do I need to be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to enter the MSOT program?

   Yes, this program is tailored for people who hold an associate degree and certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. If you are not a COTA, you may enroll in NEIT’s OTA program and upon successful completion of the OTA program and Certification from NBCOT, you will be eligible to apply to the MSOT program.

6. How long should it take me to complete my program?

   To complete your degree requirements in the shortest possible time, you should take the courses outlined in the prescribed curriculum. In this 10-term program a student may complete the requirements in as little as 30 months. Students must complete all course work including general education classes before being eligible for the full-time clinical education that is completed in terms 9 and 10.

7. Is NEIT accredited?

   NEIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation by NECHE is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT’s catalog.

8. Does the MSOT Program have specialized accreditation?

   The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program at NEIT is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-AOTA and their website is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of this 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). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Rhode Island and all neighboring states require a license to practice as an OTR.

   Because of the complex nature of licensing requirements and because these requirements change periodically, we cannot list all the requirements for licenses available in all states. NEIT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES IN LICENSING REQUIREMENTS THAT ANY STATE, INCLUDING RHODE ISLAND, MAY IMPLEMENT AT ANY TIME. Each student is to take personal responsibility for determining the licensing requirements in the specific state in which he or she plans to work. Your instructor or department chair can give you help as needed.

   Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification or attain state licensure.

9. Do I need a certain grade point average to enter the program?

   Yes, you will need a 3.0 grade point average from your undergraduate OTA degree program to enter the MSOT program.

10. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at NEIT to another college?

    The transferability of a course is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information.

11. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to NEIT?

    For the MSOT program, transfer credit for appropriate courses taken at regionally accredited institutions will be considered for courses in which the student has earned a “B” or above for both general education and professional courses. An official transcript from the other institution must be received before the end of the first week of the term for transfer credit to be granted for courses to be taken during that term.

    Students must complete the last 60 quarter credit hours at NEIT as a residency requirement.

12. I am a COTA and have already earned my bachelor’s degree. Will this affect my course work or the length of the program?

    Holding a bachelor’s degree will not be affect the length of the program but would affect the course load per term. Individual cases will be evaluated by the MSOT Program Director upon receipt of an official transcript from the degree granting institution.

13. How many credits do I need to acquire my Financial Aid?

    Students entering the MSOT program will be eligible for various forms of financial aid, including loans. See your financial aid officer for additional details.

14. What does my program cost?

    The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials.

15. Is there a charge if I take courses during the intersession?

    Yes, The OT master’s program is a ten-term program that does not include the intersessions. All courses can be scheduled during the standard schedule. If you choose to take a course during intersession, you will be charged per your enrollment agreement. Students should consult with the Financial Aid Department regarding the availability of their financial aid.

16. What kind of employment assistance does NEIT offer?

    The Office of Career Services assists NEIT students and graduates in resume writing, interviewing skills, and the development of a job search strategy. Upon completion of their programs, graduates may submit a resume to be circulated to employers who are seeking candidates with the skills and/or experience that matches the employers’ requirements. Employers regularly contact the Office of Career Services about graduates of NEIT’s degree programs. In addition, NEIT’s Office of Career Services contacts employers to develop job leads. Graduates seeking employment at the completion of their program will also be expected to participate fully in their job search. No institution can, and NEIT does not, guarantee employment or a specific starting salary to its graduates.

17. Where will job opportunities exist?

    An exciting aspect of NEIT’s programs is that graduates can seek local, national and international employment.

18. Will this program prepare me for a national certification exam?

    Yes. Upon successful completion of the entire course of study including Level II fieldwork, you will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist. An individual must pass this examination to be eligible for state licensure and to be a Registered Occupational Therapist. This exam is scheduled throughout the year through an independent agency, the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

19. Does the MSOT program have a dress code?

    Appropriate attire will be required during your fieldwork education. Specific dress codes will be provided to you prior to the fieldwork education. It is understood that in a professional work environment, clothing must adhere to the standards of the profession and be practical to allow the individual to carry on his/her job responsibilities.

20. What is a Registered Occupational Therapist?

    A Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) is an integral member of the health care delivery team who manages all aspects of evaluation, planning and intervention for clients of all ages. The OTR works with individuals of all ages to prevent deficits and maintain or improve function in activities of daily living, work and play/leisure. Recipients of Occupational Therapy services may be individuals who have been affected by disease, trauma, physical, psychological, cognitive or sensorimotor deficits.

21. Who employs Registered Occupational Therapists?

    OTRs serve a diverse population in a variety of settings such as hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation facilities, schools, long-term care facilities, extended care facilities, sheltered workshops, camps, home health care agencies, private practices, and wellness clinics. Occupational therapists also hold consulting positions in areas such as ergonomics, adult day programs, and residential services agencies. Becoming a registered occupational therapist also allows graduates to pursue career paths in academia to prepare people to be occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants.

22. What type of tasks are done by a Registered Occupational Therapist?

    As vital members of the healthcare team, occupational therapists:

    • collect data and oversee the evaluation of a client/patient referred for services;
    • develop treatment goals in collaboration with the client and significant others;
    • predict therapeutic outcomes for clients in various settings and circumstances;
    • implement and coordinate an intervention plan in collaboration with the COTA;
    • provide direct service to occupational therapy clients, groups and populations to address impairments in body functions, structures or activities valued and required for successful participation in life roles;
    • train clients and caregivers in activities of daily living such as feeding, dressing, bathing and household tasks;
    • use activities to promote improvement in psychosocial, cognitive, perceptual, and sensorimotor skills;
    • assess the need for, provide and adapt assistive technology, seating and mobility systems;
    • adapt the environment, or prescribing adaptive equipment to enhance an individual’s
    • ability to function;
    • communicate and interact with other team members, clients and the individual’s family or caregivers;
    • maintain treatment area, equipment, and supply inventory as required;
    • maintain records and documentation required by the work setting;
    • perform administrative tasks related to the effective running of occupational therapy departments; and
    • supervise COTAs, OT and OTA students, rehabilitation aides, volunteers and other staff as indicated.

     

23. Will I actually have the opportunity to practice these skills in a real professional environment while still in school?

    Yes. The MSOT program will provide you with a treatment laboratory. During course work and laboratory experiences, you will have the opportunity to practice skills used by the OTR in various treatment settings. Level I and Level II Fieldwork education will require you to practice your skills at facilities which provide occupational therapy services and other services in non-traditional health care settings. You will have the opportunity to experience the duties which you will someday practice on your own.

24. Is licensure required to practice as an occupational therapist?

    Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Certification Examination. Rhode Island and all neighboring states require a license to practice as an OTR. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification or attain state licensure.

    Because of the complex nature of licensing requirements and because these requirements change periodically, we cannot list all the requirements for licenses available in all states. NEIT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES IN LICENSING REQUIREMENTS THAT ANY STATE, INCLUDING RHODE ISLAND’S, MAY IMPLEMENT AT ANY TIME. Each student is to take personal responsibility for determining the licensing requirements in the specific state in which he or she plans to work. Your instructor or department chair can give you help as needed.

25. What is the difference between Level I Fieldwork and Level II Fieldwork?

    Level I Fieldwork:

    Fieldwork education is provided in two parts during your academic program. Level I Fieldwork takes place during the fourth, fifth and sixth academic terms and requires thirty (30) hours of work with clients during the ten-week term.

    OT 538, Mental Health, is provided by faculty of the MSOT program. Other Level I Fieldwork experiences may be completed at a student’s workplace if appropriate supervision and contracts are in place. Students may present a portfolio for review by the MSOT Program Director for credit for ONE Level I fieldwork course. Follow specific guidelines for portfolio content and deadline for submission in the MSOT student manual.

    Level II Fieldwork:

    Upon successful completion of all courses in terms 1 through 8 including general education requirements, students will attend Level II Fieldwork full-time (35 to 40 hours each week) for two separate twelve (12) week placements for a total of twenty-four weeks. Typical work hours fall between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Level II Fieldwork takes place during the 9th and 10th terms. The Level II Fieldwork is split into two courses, representing education at two distinct facilities with varied types of clientele. While part-time fieldwork may be available in some cases, your graduation will be delayed. The academic fieldwork coordinator will assist you in selecting the fieldwork sites. An occupational therapist will be assigned as your fieldwork supervisor. Each Level II Fieldwork course offers you direct “hands on” education, thus allowing you to apply classroom knowledge to an actual treatment or clinical environment. Fieldwork education is provided off campus in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, school districts, outpatient clinics, and a variety of community-based settings. Depending on work schedules at each clinical site, students may be required to attend fieldwork on holidays and NEIT vacation weeks.

26. Where do I go for the Level I and Level II Fieldwork education? Will those sites be provided for me or must I find a site on my own?

    The College has developed affiliation agreements with occupational therapy practitioners and facilities within Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut and other states. Clinical opportunities may be available around the country, with prior notice given to the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. Sites will be assigned as available to complete your Level I and Level II Fieldwork education. Students are welcome to recommend a potential fieldwork site of interest and the fieldwork coordinator will make every effort to obtain a fieldwork contract. Students will be encouraged to be active participants in the selection of their fieldwork education site.

    Students may not complete Level II Fieldwork at their current site of employment.

27. If I am unable to complete the entire sequence of Level II Fieldwork education, full time, as outlined in the curriculum, will there be alternative options available to me?

    Yes. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) allows for Level II

    Fieldwork education to be completed within a reasonable period of time, following completion of academic classroom preparation. Students unable to complete a Level II Fieldwork education due to illness, or other unforeseen problems, will be given the opportunity to extend the time necessary to complete the fieldwork education, provided it is completed within an 18-month time-frame. Part time fieldwork may be an option but must not be less than 50% of a full time equivalent at that work setting.

28. What is the current job market for a graduate of NEIT’s master’s program in Occupational Therapy?

    The MSOT program prepares its graduates to explore multiple employment opportunities including, but not limited to:

    • Occupational Therapist
    • Director of Occupational Therapy
    • Rehabilitation manager
    • Life-skills planner
    • Case manager

     

    In addition, graduates are prepared to pursue doctoral degrees in a variety of disciplines that will prepare them for careers in occupational therapy education or research. Please be aware that the transferability of courses is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring.

29. Do I need to maintain a certain grade point average?

    Yes. You are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 throughout the program. For all terms, a grade of B or better must be attained in all course work in order to advance to the next term and to graduate.

30. What happens if I do not earn a B in an occupational therapy class?

    Students who earn less than a B in any occupational therapy course, or a C in any other course, will be required to re-take the course the next time it is offered, which may require a wait of up to one year. If the student does not earn the required B in the course after the second attempt, he or she will be dismissed from the MSOT program. Additional tuition and fees may be assessed, and program completion may be delayed for students who must retake an OT course.

    Students are allowed to repeat a maximum of 3 required (excluding Level II Fieldwork) courses, only once, prior to withdrawal from the MSOT program. Failure to maintain this level of achievement will result in dismissal from the MSOT program.

31. Are there any additional costs/activities associated with this program?

    Besides textbooks, the student will be required to have a complete physical exam, and immunizations or blood titer tests. Personal negligence and malpractice insurance is also required by affiliating facilities where internships are scheduled and must be in place throughout all fieldwork experiences. A course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required before the beginning of the 4th academic term through the American Heart Association (CPR -C, Healthcare Provider Course). Yearly renewal will be required thereafter. Applicants must provide a certificate, signed by a physician, confirming that they have been immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, that they have received a booster dose of tetanus and diphtheria (Td) within the last ten years, and 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine or a positive titer before participating in clinical placements. Students who have not had the required vaccines must complete them at their own expense prior to the beginning of Level I fieldwork.

    Students must have access to a computer as described in detail in #36.

    There are fees associated with taking the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (approximately $560.00). The NBCOT examination is not part of any college curriculum, but passing it is required in order to work as a registered occupational therapist.

    All costs associated with travel for fieldwork education are the sole responsibility of the student.

32. Are there any behavior standards for this program?

    MSOT students are expected to exhibit ethical and professional behavior. This will be assessed on a continual basis and will encompass not only grades but also adherence to classroom protocol, laboratory and clinic safety, attendance, participation and preparedness for class, appearance and ability to work as a team member. Development of professional values and attitudes is inherent in the curriculum, and students will be expected to exhibit such behavior to assure a placement in a clinical setting.

33. Is a master’s thesis required to complete the program?

    No, the MSOT program does not require a thesis. All students are required to participate in a beginning level research project. This research will be completed in a clinical practice or community setting and will represent a culmination of the student’s work in the MSOT program. Students will choose their project with the assistance of a faculty advisor based on an area of interest.

34. Are there any prerequisites for the MSOT program?

    The OTA program at NEIT serves as the starting point for the MSOT curriculum. Potential students who graduated from other ACOTE accredited OTA programs must submit an official transcript for review by the Program Director who will certify that all foundational courses are comparable to those of the NEIT OTA program. There may be professional course content at the AS level which must be completed prior to admission into the MSOT program. Students are advised to speak with the Program Director for additional details.

35. Do I need to have a Criminal Background check?

    All MSOT students are required to have a criminal background check. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires all healthcare facilities which they accredit to perform criminal background checks on students. Prior to entering fieldwork, students will be required to undergo a criminal background check. In addition to the criminal background check required by JCAHO, some clinical sites may also require a national criminal background check. It will be necessary for students to sign a Consent and Disclaimer permitting NEIT to perform a criminal background check and a Release and Authorization permitting NEIT to disclose the results of the criminal background check to a clinical site where the student is being considered for placement. If a background check reveals any criminal convictions, the student may be disqualified from a clinical placement or employment in the field. Students assume the cost for all background checks.

    Some facilities may also require a drug screen prior to accepting a student for Fieldwork.

    NEIT makes no guarantee that once a student is matriculated, the student will be able to attend any fieldwork training setting, sit for the national certification or gain licensure if the student has a prior criminal conviction. This is the student’s responsibility to discover what they must do to manage a positive criminal background investigation.

36. Do I need special computer skills?

    You’ll need basic familiarity with your computer, for example: emailing, using the Web, and downloading and attaching documents.

    You will need frequent and extended access to a computer to be successful in your course.

37. What are the hardware and software requirements for the program?
    

    	Recommended Minimum
    Operating System:	Windows 10 or Macintosh OS X (10.14)
    Processor:	2+ GHz
    Memory:	4GB
    Plug-ins:	Adobe PDF Reader, Flash Adobe PDF Reader, Flash and others as required by specific courses
    Players:	QuickTime, Java Player, Java
    Browser:	Chrome, IE, Safari, Edge, Firefox (all latest versions)
    Display:	1024×768
    Software:	Office 365 (2016)
    Internet Connection:	FiOS/DSL/CABLE DSL/CABLE
    Email Account:	New England Tech student email account
    Sound Card:	Required
    Other (some programs):	• A webcam (the one built into your laptop or iPad should be fine) • A microphone (built into the computer or headset is handy). • A digital camera (the one on a smart phone is fine).

    Online students must be capable of installing and maintaining their own computer’s hardware and software. New England Tech does not assist students with the setup of their computers.

    Information about obtaining the software (if any) will be made available to you at the start of each course.

    Note: Tablets and smartphones can be convenient for reading course materials and email but will not be sufficient for doing all of your course work.

Technical Standards

In addition to the acquisition of the appropriate knowledge in the sciences and humanities, the faculty of the New England Institute of Technology Occupational Therapy Program are committed to the education of all qualified individuals. The essential requirements for the successful completion of a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy are described below. The student needs to demonstrate the following skills and abilities, with or without reasonable accommodation. When a student’s ability to perform is compromised, the student must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to perform the essential functions of the occupational therapy student described below.

Frequency Key: O = Occasionally (1-33%); F = Frequently (34-66%); C = Constantly (67-100%)