Combined Bachelor and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy: for students with 2 years of college-level courses, including prerequisites.

Degree Requirements:

  2 years upper-division undergraduate and graduate coursework

  1 year graduate coursework, including 2 full-time Level II Fieldwork rotations 

Length of Program/Activities – 3 years full-time

  Year 1:
      September – May: Fall and Spring semester coursework
      May - June: Summer Session I coursework

  Year 2:
      September - May: Fall and Spring semester coursework
      May- June: Summer Session I coursework

  Year 3:
      July-December: two full-time Fieldwork Level II rotations and online coursework
      January – May: Spring semester coursework

 

  Prerequisites (see below)

  Curriculum

  Application

  Student Spotlight (under construction)

  Accreditation and Sitting for the National Certification Examination

  FAQ's 

 

For more information contact Dr. Kathleen Swenson-Miller at Kathleen.Swenson-Miller@jefferson.edu or 215-503-8012.

         *Strongly recommend Anatomy & Physiology. Other acceptable science courses include Kinesiology and
           Exercise Physiology.                    

In addition to meeting all the academic requirements, you must meet all technical standards for the program.  Refer to the online JSHP Catalog for details, http://jefferson.edu/jchp/studentlife/cat.cfm.

Frequently Asked Questions –

"When should I apply to the Combined BS/MSOT Program?"

As soon as you think you are interested in the Jefferson occupational therapy program, you should contact the Admissions Department -  Donald Sharples, Admissions Counselor, donald.sharples@jefferson.edu, (215) 503-1044.[link]  He will work with you regarding pre-requisite courses and address other questions you may have.

"Can I apply with courses still incomplete?"

Yes, the majority of our students are admitted with outstanding classes.  If you are admitted into the occupational therapy program, all prerequisite work must be finished prior to enrollment.

"Where can I take my prerequisite classes?"

Prerequisite classes can be taken at any accredited college, university and or community college.  We will accept online course work (for the non science classes) but only from accredited institutions.  In order to transfer credit, the grade must be a "C" or higher.  A "C-" will not transfer in to JSHP.  We also accept high school AP credits (if the first college accepts the credit), CLEP credits and Jefferson Challenge exam credits.

"What exactly counts as an 'elective'?"

Electives can be any 3 or 4 credit classes.  We require that they are 'theory-based'.  No 'gym' classes.  We can not accept 2 credit courses.

"Which electives do you recommend?"

Additional psychology courses, medical terminology, writing classes, counseling classes, foreign language classes or exercise science and kinesiology classes are all good choices. But electives are 'free' classes so students are encouraged to take whatever they like to round out their undergraduate education.

"Can I defer my acceptance for a year?"

We do grant deferrals for military, health and personal reasons.  Please contact the admissions office for procedure.

"When do I earn my bachelor's degree and what will it be in?"

You earn your bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees at the end of your Jefferson education.  Both degrees will be in Occupational Therapy.

"How many clinicals will I complete and how do I select the locations (link to Fieldwork section)?"

• The Department Fieldwork Coordinators work with you around selection of your fieldwork sites. 
• You will have five FWIs, beginning your first semester.  These are one-day a week experiences in the field.  These are typically completed in the Philadelphia region.
• You will have two FWIIs, which are full-time, three month rotations.  These can be taken in the Philadelphia area or various locations in the United States.
• You will also work with a client in their home as part of one of the intervention courses.
• In addition, you will work as part of a university interprofessional team throughout your education with a person with a chronic health condition.

"As a Combined BS/MSOT Student, am I eligible for a Graduate Assistant position?"

You are eligible for becoming a research assistant spring semester your second year.  You may also apply for a University work study position through Financial Aid your first semester of classes.

For more information and application, please contact the Office of Admissions or call 215.503.8890.