Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Curriculum

The program includes seven consecutive quarters of academic coursework, followed by two quarters of full-time clinical field work. In the first three quarters of the curriculum, students take courses in applied human sciences such as anatomy, exercise physiology, neuroscience, and kinesiology. They also learn about the foundations of occupational therapy, theoretical concepts and practice areas, occupation through the life span, and therapeutic communication skills.

During the last four academic quarters, students take courses focused on occupational therapy theory and practice. They complete Fieldwork I, a full-time experience in the field that is integrated into four courses in the curriculum for one week each. Students observe and participate in diverse practice settings, including physical rehabilitation, mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and community-based services, and have the chance to apply the information they are learning in class.

Students complete a written Master's Project and present this at a professional symposium to students, faculty, and practitioners in the community. After successful completion of all academic coursework, including Fieldwork I, students take 24 weeks of full-time Fieldwork II, typically in two different settings, where they apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in coursework, to practice with clinical supervision.

For more detail on the individual courses and curriculum requirements, please read the Division of Occupational Therapy Curriculum Plan

[to top]

Master's Project

The Master's Project provides a "capstone" learning experience. Students select topics of interest presented by OT faculty, then work in small groups over three quarters with a faculty advisor who guides and supervises them. Projects typically focus on community-based program development, research, education or advocacy.The Master's Project culminates in a scholarly written paper and is presented orally at a professional symposium attended by faculty, students, and community practitioners.

[to top]

Level I Fieldwork

Level I Fieldwork is integrated into four core courses in the curriculum, and is integral to the program's design and sequence. Each Level I Fieldwork is one week of full-time experience working under the supervision of an occupational therapist or other professional. Integrated classroom experiences include assessment reports, treatment planning, and documentation notes. Fieldwork I experiences are shared in class discussions with the instructor and fellow students.

[to top]

Level II Fieldwork

The goal of Level II Fieldwork is for the student to develop into a competent, entry-level occupational therapist. Fieldwork II provides in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients, focusing on purposeful and meaningful occupation. An equivalent of 24 weeks’ full-time experience in Fieldwork II is required and this must be successfully completed within two years of completion of program coursework.

The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator helps students select from more than 150 fieldwork centers to best meet their interests and skills. We work to make sure that each student is exposed to a variety of clients of different ages, and in various practice settings. After successful completion of Fieldwork II, students are eligible to graduate and to sit for the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapist, Registered.

[to top]

Scholastic and Graduation Requirements

The University of Washington Graduate School Requires that a minimum grade of 2.7 or a “credit” grade in non-graded courses must be attained in each required course. In any course with both didactic and clinical/laboratory components, the student must pass both the written and practical portions of the course. In order to be in good academic standing in the program, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the program. If this is not achieved, the student will be placed on probation in the program. In order to graduate, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and “credit” grades in the two required Level II Fieldwork placements.

Both of the two required Level II Fieldwork requirements must be passed in order to graduate from the program. If a placement is not passed, the student may petition to repeat the Level II Fieldwork placement. Only one repeat of a FW II failure is allowed, whether it be the first or second placement. Failure to pass the repeat Fieldwork II results in dismissal from the program.

Throughout the program, students must demonstrate they meet the essential requirements of the academic program. Follow the link for a detailed description of the Occupational Therapy Program's Scholastic & Graduation Requirements.

[to top]

To learn more about the Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Washington, please explore the links below:

• Program Description
• Diversity & Equal Opportunity
• Accreditation
• Applying
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Eligibility Requirements
• Selection Process
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• Practice Credentials
• Faculty Members
• News & Events
• Living in Seattle
• Photo Gallery
• Contact Information