Make people's lives better as an occupational therapist
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy (78 credits)
Become an exceptional practitioner who helps others more fully participate in daily activities through the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û master’s in occupational therapy program in Michigan. This 78-credit occupational therapy schooling in Michigan, delivered in-person at Davenport’s Grand Rapids W.A. Lettinga campus, blends foundational and advanced coursework with extensive hands-on training to develop your mastery in occupational therapist practice. To assist with college expenses, Davenport offers the . This $2 million grant offers each student up to $10,000 toward clinical fieldwork rotations that promote mental health.
You can earn your occupational therapy degree in as little as 28 months, learning from highly credentialed and experienced faculty who will both teach and mentor you. You’ll receive the exceptional preparation that has given the Davenport graduate program for occupational therapy a 100% pass rate on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
Join up to 96% of Davenport's master’s program for occupational therapy graduates who are employed within six months of graduating. Positions in this field offer an $86,280 median annual income for an occupational therapist, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Davenport’s occupational therapy degree program in Michigan maintains the highest accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
What is a master’s of occupational therapy degree?
A master’s of occupational therapy degree focuses on practical, evidence-based ways to support people who need to make changes so they can more fully participate in their lives. For example, as an occupational therapist, you might help those with physical or cognitive challenges adapt to their surroundings so they can take part in school, work, social activities, sports, hobbies and more.
Graduates who have completed their master’s level schooling for occupational therapy and have passed the NBCOT exam can work as an occupational therapist in rehabilitation, mental health and wellness, autism, neurological science, schools, disease recovery, long-term care, diabetes education, acute care, home health care, psychiatric, substance abuse, assisted living, retirement communities and industrial occupational health.
Another reason to explore master’s in occupational therapy programs: This in-demand field is growing at a rate much higher than the national average and leads to $86,280 salary for an occupational therapist, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Explore classes for Davenport’s occupational therapy degree
Develop and deepen your occupational therapist skillset with classes in anatomy, sensory and motor disruption, research, mental health and more. Then practice what you’ve learned in your schooling for occupational therapy in our occupational therapy adaptive lab and through a variety of other hands-on opportunities on- and off-campus. You can also get involved in National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NAMIWalks, community-based projects and the student occupational therapy association (SOTA).
For your successful transition from student to entry-level occupational therapist, you’ll take Davenport’s unique Entering the Profession class. In it, you’ll reflect on your professional identity, prepare for the NBCOT exam and create a professional development plan for your future.
Which class should I take? When should I take it?
See our Recommended Program Sequences:
Why pursue a degree in occupational therapy program in Michigan?
Four educational threads run through Davenport’s master’s program for occupational therapy courses: professional identity, professional and social responsibility, effective and exemplary practice, and knowledge-driven clinical reasoning. These building blocks will inform and enhance your entire career. They’re what help make Davenport one of the best occupational therapy schools in Michigan.
With your Davenport occupational therapy degree, you will be exceptionally qualified in the skills, knowledge and experience needed to pass your board certification exam, just like 100% of recent occupational therapy degree graduates. Your Davenport occupational therapy degree will also help you develop a valuable perspective on your professional identity and the ways you want your occupational therapist career to effect positive change — in your patients and their communities.
Experience the Davenport difference:
![]() |
One-on-one attentionStrengthen your professional development with more one-on-one attention through a low student/faculty ratio and faculty mentors. |
![]() |
Extensive hands-on trainingApply your learning through our occupational therapist program’s on-campus activities and off-campus immersion experiences. |
![]() |
Award-winning student clubsConnect with peers in your graduate program for occupational therapy through our Active Minds and SOTA student clubs. |
![]() |
Unique professional preparation courseTake Davenport’s Entering the Profession course and experience mock exams and remediation practice after your final fieldwork. |
![]() |
Led by highly qualified facultyLearn from highly credentialed faculty-mentors who bring expert field experience to our master’s program for occupational program. |
![]() |
100% board certification exam pass ratePrepare to pass your NBCOT exam — just like 100% of Davenport’s recent master’s program for occupational therapy graduates. |
Get started on your Davenport occupational therapy degree
Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your occupational therapy degree at Davenport.
Talk to an admissions advisor
Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.
Apply now or request more information
Start on the road to your schooling for occupational therapy. or begin your application now.
Programs related to Davenport’s occupational therapy degree
About °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û
![Davenport Campus](/sites/default/files/2018-08/campuses.jpg)
Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.
Offering over 80 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û.*
Additional resources
The entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The program received 7-year accreditation approval which is granted to new programs that have demonstrated exceptional education quality. The next full accreditation review is scheduled to occur during the 2029/2030 academic year.
Graduates of the Davenport MSOT program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this examination, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.
The Occupational Therapy program at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û adheres to all ACOTE requirements including timely notifications to ACOTE of changes within the MSOT program and/or °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û. The members of the Occupational Therapy Department are responsible for demonstrating honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in all dealings with ACOTE consistent with policies and procedures for honest and ethical behavior.
For more information about accreditation contact:
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
7501 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
Web address:
Phone: 301.652.6611
Fax: 301.652.1417
At the time of application, students must have:
- Completed a baccalaureate degree or provide documentation that the baccalaureate degree will be completed prior to the start of occupational therapy classes
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
- A minimum of 40 hours of documented volunteer or shadow experience with an occupational therapist
- A personal statement (essay)
- Three completed letters of recommendation
- Completed all specific prerequisite courses (with a grade of 'C' or better) or provide documentation that the prerequisite classes will be successfully completed prior to the start of Occupational Therapy classes:
- Second Level English Composition and Technical Writing
- Introductory Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Introductory Sociology
- Development Across the Life Span
- Oral Communication/Speaking Skills
- Medical Terminology
- Introductory Statistics
- Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab)
- Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab)
Please see attached file for a description of the prerequisites for the OT Program. Click Here.
Note: Prerequisites will not be officially evaluated until applications are reviewed by the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee. At that time, course descriptions, copy of the syllabus and/or original transcripts may be requested.
Application for Admission 2024 is now open. To apply you must complete the application requirements at .
OCTAS includes:
- Sending transcripts
- Personal statement (essay)
- 3 professional references
- Employment/volunteer background
- Observation hours
- Licenses/certifications
Deadlines
Fall 2024 Deadlines: Complete applications are reviewed the first Friday of each month, beginning October 6, 2023, through June 7, 2024.
Statement of philosophy
The Occupational Therapy academic program at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û is founded on the Philosophical Base of Occupational Therapy that defines occupations as “activities that bring meaning to the daily lives of individual, families, communities, and populations and enables them to participate in society (AOTA, 2017). Occupational therapy is based on the belief that individuals have an innate need and right to engage in meaningful occupations and that participation in these occupations is a determinant to health for individuals, families, communities, and populations. Occupations occur in context throughout the lifespan. This participation in meaningful occupations throughout the lifespan leads to occupational adaptations that facilitate wellbeing and quality of life.
Fundamental beliefs about humans
Consistent with the Philosophical Base of Occupational Therapy (2017), the Philosophy of Occupational Therapy Education (AOTA, 2018) emphasizes the view of humans as occupational beings, occupation as health determinant, and participation in occupations as a fundamental human right but this official document specifically centers on beliefs about knowledge, learning and teaching. The philosophy of occupational therapy education believes that education (learning) is an ongoing process that shapes the occupational therapy student, their professional identity and their professional skills.
Humans are occupational beings with an innate drive to engage in meaningful occupations across the lifespan. The Occupational Therapy Program at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û is founded on the fundamental belief that for all humans, learning is facilitated by intrinsic motivation and by the teaching and learning environment (Orsini, Evans & Jerez, 2015). Educational programs that support intrinsic motivation embrace and facilitate student learning. For students who are intrinsically motivated, satisfaction is gained from setting learning and professional goals, self-evaluation and reflection. Students also gain satisfaction through participation in learning activities, successful completion of context-oriented assignments, and/or mastery of technical skills. Learning becomes a part of the natural educational environment and is fueled by student motivation rather than the drive for external rewards (Richlin, 2006). Being part of the learning environment is motivating in itself. The educational setting becomes a meaningful context for the students, influencing and facilitating their learning and performance. Richlin (2006) identified four factors essential for intrinsic motivation: success, curiosity, originality, and relationships.
The four factors identified by Richlin (2006) can be met within the structure of an occupational therapy education program. The Occupational Therapy Department at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û:
- promotes success by building on prior knowledge and experience and by valuing student accomplishments;
- arouses curiosity by incorporating authentic clinical issues and experiential learning into the curriculum;
- facilitates originality by providing opportunities for critical reasoning, self-directed learning, and self-reflection; and
- encourages relationships by modeling therapeutic use of self, building therapeutic alliances, and establishing a collaborative and inclusive educational environment.
Meeting the motivational needs of students must occur in conjunction with expectations associated with goals for the educational experience.
Beliefs about how humans learn
Fundamentally, the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û occupational therapy program reflects the philosophical base of the profession and the philosophy of occupational therapy education. The program believes that humans have an innate drive for occupation. The Occupational Therapy Department at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û is an academic program focused on student learning and achievement and adopts the educational philosophies of humanism and constructivism. The philosophy encourages the program’s curriculum design, course construction, and instructional approach reflect the belief that human learning is strongly influenced by intrinsic motivation to learn and that this motivation prompts the development of personal goals. Thus, motivational needs of students can be addressed through a thoughtfully constructed education program.
The Occupational Therapy Program’s teaching approach is founded on a hierarchical structure that builds on prior knowledge and guides students forward and upward through introduction, reinforcement, and mastery of concepts. This approach supports developmental growth in critical thinking, professional judgement and integration of core concepts of the profession. Implementation strategies include active engagement in classroom instruction, experiential learning, self-directed study, and selfreflection. This approach promotes habits of lifelong learning. The program aims to provide practice-based education that is knowledge-driven and prepares students to be teamoriented and client-centered clinicians who incorporate principles of human occupation into their practice.
Four concepts (curricular threads) are emphasized throughout the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Occupational Therapy program:
- Professional identity
- Professional and social responsibility
- Effective and exemplary practice
- Knowledge-driven clinical reasoning
The four curricular threads provide the foundation for the evaluation of student performance and overall success of the program. At the conclusion of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program graduates will:
- Interpret the importance of purposeful activity and meaningful occupation to consumers, colleagues, administrators, and policymakers;
- Integrate concepts of human occupation into evaluation, treatment, goals and documentation;
- Demonstrate professional and social responsibility through socially and culturally competent communication and interaction;
- Exemplify professionalism through ethical behavior, advocacy, and leadership supporting the diverse needs of individuals, communities, and society;
- Appraise and recommend effective interactive, adaptive, and technological approaches intended to facilitate communication, enhance function, and promote participation;
- Implement exemplary practice utilizing depth and breadth of knowledge, skills, and abilities in assessment and treatment;
- Evaluate options to address challenging issues in practice and the profession through clinical reasoning, creative problem solving, and critical thinking; and
- Advance best-practice in contemporary and emerging areas of practice by consistently seeking, critically reviewing, and utilizing information from the literature and credible sources.
Student Outcomes
Graduation Rates
The first cohort of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û graduated in 2016 - 2017 academic year.
Admission | Graduation Year | Students Admitted | Number of Graduates | Graduation rate |
2019 | 2021 | 29 | 29 | 100% |
2020 | 2022 | 27 | 25 | 93% |
2021 | 2023 | 29 | 28 | 97% |
Totals | 85 | 82 | 97% |
Certification Examination
Following successful completion of the MSOT program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination (NBCOT: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy). Successful completion of the NBCOT exam is required to practice as an occupational therapist.
The pass rate for Davenport graduates:
- 2020: 97%
- 2021: 93%
- 2022: 100%
°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Master of Science in Occupational Therapy examination results are available through the NBCOT website:
Department Chair: Theresa Leto, DHS, MOT, OTRL
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator: Susan Dee Owens, MS, OTR/L
Core Faculty:
Jennifer Bingman, OTD, OTR/L
Barbra Katerberg, OTD, OTR/L
Stephanie Tamminga, MS OTR, CHT
Kelly McCarron, Ed.D,OTR/L (Associate Dean of Academic Retention and Student Success - Global)
Administrative Assistant: Juliet Allen
Fieldwork experiences are important components of Occupational Therapy education. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Occupational Therapy students will participate in fieldwork experiences throughout the program. Some fieldwork will occur in combination with on-campus classes at locations close to Grand Rapids. Other fieldwork occurs as full-time immersion experiences where students leave campus for extended periods of time. The full-time fieldwork immersion experiences may occur nationwide. Students enrolled in the program cannot be guaranteed fieldwork placements in any specific location including the Grand Rapids area. Students are responsible for housing and transportation related to education experiences (including fieldwork). Also, students are expected to be familiar with and comply with fieldwork rules and regulations as outlined in the University Graduate Catalog, the College of Health Professions Handbook, and the Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Handbook.
Regional Accreditation
°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (30 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60602-2504).
As a student enrolled in Davenport’s HHS case management to OT program pathway, you’ll experience an easy transition from your undergrad studies in health and human services case management to the graduate OT program. Plus, you’re guaranteed a spot in the master’s OT program when you complete the undergraduate requirements — no additional applications needed.
Save time and money earning your degrees because this full-time program shaves 19 credits off your overall course load. Participate in the mentorship program early to develop a deep understanding of the field from the very start.
Effective July 1, 2024, the Department of Education requires all programs that prepare students for occupations requiring licensure to meet all licensing requirements for each State in which a new student is located if they are not enrolled in face-to-face instruction or in a State in which a student attests they intend to seek employment. Schools are required to disclose to students whether a program leading to licensure meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in a state.
This program leads to professional licensure. Graduates of the Davenport MSOT program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this examination, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).
If you have additional questions regarding licensure please contact Theresa Leto at tleto@davenport.edu.
Program mission statement
The mission of the Occupational Therapy Program at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û is to provide practice-based education that is knowledge-driven and prepares students to be client-centered practitioners who embody the principles of human occupation in their practice.
Length of program
The MSOT program (78 credits) is delivered as a full-time on-campus program. Students enter the occupational therapy program in the Fall Semester and progress through the program as a cohort. The typical program is 28 months in length and is conducted over 7 consecutive semesters (including summers).
Timely completion of the program
Students must successfully complete all Level-II Fieldwork requirements within 18 months of completion of academic coursework. Alterations to the fieldwork completion timelines, and any alterations to the program plan of study, must be approved by the Department Chair.
Evaluation criteria and selection of applicants
Entry into the Occupational Therapy program is a competitive process. Not all students who apply to the program will be selected for admission. Many factors are considered in the selection process including academic performance (cumulative grade point average, recent gpa, natural science gpa, and social science gpa); personal statement; the extent of occupational therapy observation; and letters of recommendation. Health-related experiences, volunteer/community enrichment, and past employment are not required but will be considered as part of the admission review. Strengths in these areas will strengthen the application.
Students who are completing their baccalaureate degree and/or course prerequisites after the application has been submitted can only be considered for provisional admission. Entry into the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Occupational Therapy Program is contingent upon successful completion of all requirements prior to the start of Occupational Therapy classes. Applicants will be notified by email of the Admissions Committee decision. It is the responsibility of the applicant to respond to an acceptance offer by the designated date of such offer. Decisions made by the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee are final.
Time commitment to the program
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program typically attend class 18 – 20 hours per week. Students can also expect to devote additional time to individual study, group study, and/or participation in fieldwork experiences. Optional opportunities are also available to students such as participating in student organizations, serving as representative to program/college events, and taking part in university events.
Work
The Occupational Therapy Curriculum is a full-time commitment. Even though many students work while going to graduate school, extensive work commitments may jeopardize academic performance and success in the program. During the main 15 week semesters, the typical number of hours of worked outside of the MSOT program is 8 - 12 hours.
Technology requirements
The Occupational Therapy program at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û frequently uses computers to support in-class learning. Therefore, students who are admitted to the program are required to have their own portable computing device cable of:
- sending and receiving email
- working with Microsoft processing programs (Word, Excel, and Power Point)
- working with Adobe Acrobat Reader
- navigating internet sites
- interfacing with Black Board (computer-based learning management service)
Information regarding can be found on the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û website.
For more information regarding technology requirements contact: °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Student Support Center (877-899-1499; ext 1200).
International students
Students with English as a second language must provide documentation of scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A Total Score of 89 (or greater) and a Speaking Score of 26 (or greater) on the TOEFL are required.
Rules and regulations
Students are expected to be familiar with and comply with rules and regulations as outlined in the University Graduate Catalog, the College of Health Professions Handbook, and the Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Handbook.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program are located on the DU Financial Aid, Tuition and Fees website. Click here for more information.
Felony Convictions (potential impact on eligibility for certification)
Persons who have been charged with or convicted of a felony may be barred from being certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). NBCOT certification must be successfully completed in order to apply for a state license to practice and work as an occupational therapist.
Students with criminal record concerns are encouraged to review their specific situation with NBCOT. Questions should be directed to: Credentialing Services at NBCOT, 12 S. Summit Avenue, Suite 100, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20877. Phone: (301) 990-7979; email: character.review.nbcot.org; web page:
Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
DU Graduate Survey, 2023
°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û, 2023/2024 Catalog
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, 2022