The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at Florida A&M University’s
School of Allied Health Sciences is a dynamic and comprehensive graduate program designed
to prepare students for a rewarding career as licensed occupational therapists. Rooted
in evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program equips
students with the knowledge, clinical skills, and critical thinking abilities needed
to help individuals of all ages overcome physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges
that impact their ability to engage in daily activities.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the Florida Agricultural
and Mechanical University is to graduate competent practitioners who are committed
to providing evidence-based practice to promote meaningful participation in occupation
and that value community service, integrity, ethical behavior and respect for all
people.
Through rigorous coursework, hands-on fieldwork experiences, and research-driven interventions,
students develop expertise in client-centered care across diverse settings, including
hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community-based programs. The FAMU
MSOT program emphasizes culturally responsive care and innovative therapeutic approaches
to address health disparities and promote independence, well-being, and participation
in meaningful life activities. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible
to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam,
paving the way for a fulfilling career in this essential healthcare profession.
Empowering future occupational therapists with hands-on experience and evidence-based
practice to transform lives.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists play a critical role in assessing, developing, and implementing
interventions for individuals experiencing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges
that impact their ability to participate in daily activities.
Students in the MSOT program receive comprehensive academic training and hands-on
clinical experience, equipping them with the skills needed to collaborate with clients,
families, and interdisciplinary teams to promote independence, functional abilities,
and overall quality of life. The curriculum emphasizes research-driven interventions,
culturally responsive care, and innovative therapeutic approaches to ensure graduates
are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
The evidence-based practices within occupational therapy are grounded in research
to ensure effective and meaningful interventions.
Occupational Therapy Careers
Occupational therapists are trained to deliver client-centered care in diverse settings,
including:
Hospitals
Rehabilitation Centers
Schools
Pediatric Cinics
Community-based Programs
Mental Health Facilities
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Home Health Care
Private Practice
Emerging Practice Areas
Preparing compassionate, skilled professionals to support independence and improve
quality of life—one client at a time.
Occupational Therapy Employment Expectations
Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to
2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,800 openings for occupational
therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings
are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different
occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
In these environments, occupational therapists collaborate with clients to identify
goals, develop personalized intervention plans, and provide support to improve independence
and functional abilities.
Q. What is occupational therapy? A. Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals of all ages
engage in meaningful activities, or occupations, to improve their well-being and quality
of life. It focuses on addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that
may hinder participation in daily activities.
Q. What does an occupational therapist do? A. Occupational therapists work with individuals to assess their abilities and challenges,
develop personalized intervention plans, and provide support to improve independence
in daily activities. They may work in various settings such as hospitals, schools,
rehabilitation centers, and community clinics.
Q. In what settings do occupational therapists work? A. Occupational therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, schools, community clinics, and private practices. They collaborate with
clients to address specific goals related to daily life activities.
Q. What types of conditions do occupational therapists address? A. Occupational therapists work with individuals facing a range of conditions, including
physical injuries, developmental disorders, mental health issues, and neurological
conditions. They tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each client.
Q. How long does it take to become an occupational therapist? A. Becoming an occupational therapist typically involves completing a bachelor's degree,
followed by a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy. The entire educational
path can take around 6 to 7 years.
General biology and lab 2. Human growth and development or lifespan class 3. College physics and lab or kinesiology 4. Anatomy and physiology I and II 5. Introduction to psychology 6. Abnormal psychology 7. Research
FAMU OT will accept a minimum of 40 hours to fulfill the volunteer requirement hours.
The 40 hours can be fulfilled with a licensed OT or OTA in at least two different
settings and may be documented in the linked Volunteer Proposal Documentation. The
completed form should be printed and uploaded into the OTCAS application portal.
ACOTE® accredited Occupational Therapy programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements
in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Students graduating
from an ACOTE® accredited Occupational Therapy educational program are eligible to
take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification
exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto
Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements,
please refer to the AOTA State Licensure web page. The next accreditation self- study
and onsite visit are scheduled in 2029/2030.
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 652-2682 www.acoteonline.org
