A Dual Degree Program Leading to a
B.S. in Health Sciences
and
M.S. in Occupational Therapy

Outstanding educators preparing tomorrow's Occupational Therapy Professionals

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists use goal-specific, personally meaningful activities to help people of all ages prevent, lessen, or overcome disabilities. Those who work in occupational therapy use their personal and professional skills to help people to function in daily life.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists are important members of the health-care team working closely with physicians; psychologists; nurses; and physical, speech, and recreational therapists. Occupational therapists work in mental health, pediatrics, gerontology, physical disabilities, and many other areas such as hand rehabilitation, drug and alcohol abuse, and vocational rehabilitation.

Employment

Career opportunities abound for occupational therapists in hospitals, public and private schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health programs. Experienced therapists may also become private practitioners or choose to work in business and industrial settings. In addition to clinical practice, occupational therapists may choose to become involved in administration, education, or research. Occupational therapy is a diverse, interesting, and rewarding career!

The Occupational Therapy Program at Touro College

This program offers a three-year, upper division curriculum leading to a combined Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Health Sciences and Master of Science (MS) degree in Occupational Therapy. Classes at the Bay Shore, Long Island campus begin in the Fall of each year and are presented in six sequential academic semesters. Fieldwork is incorporated by way of three strategically placed full-time clinical experiences during the three-year commitment.

Classes at the New York City campus begin in February and follow the same six sequential academic semesters and fieldwork plan.

Admission Requirements

• A minimum of 60 credits in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a minimum grade point average of 2.8 is required. Prerequisites include:
  • 8 credits of Biology * with Lab
  • 4 credits of Chemistry*, Physics** or additional Biology*, (each with laboratories)
  • 9 credits of Psychology: General Psychology, Human Growth & Development, and Abnormal Psychology
  • 6 credits of English Composition or Composition & Literature
  • 3 credits of College Mathematics
  • 3 credits of Statistics
  • 3 credits of Sociology
  • 24 additional credits of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

  *  Designed for science major
  ** Preferred
  
  All prerequisite Liberal Arts and Sciences must be completed with "C" or better.

• Official SAT, ACT, or GRE scores
• TOEFL scores (if applicable)
• Current CPR Certification
• 100 hours of volunteer work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
• Two letters of recommendation; one from a licensed occupational therapist, one from a professional or academic source.
• Interview and on-site essay for qualified applicants

Curriculum

The curriculum has been designed to provide an education that begins with a strong foundation in anatomical and social sciences. The first year includes intensive study related to occupational therapy and psychosocial issues.

The second year of the curriculum builds on prior knowledge. In addition, it fosters critical thinking skills and clinical practice in pediatrics and adult physical disabilities.

The final year incorporates advanced theory and treatment/intervention courses which reflect the vast diversity of present-day occupational therapy practice. This year includes the completion of a research project.

Full-time Status

The occupational therapy curriculum is designed as an integrated, developmental process; courses must be taken in sequence. Completion of the program requires three years of full-time study.

Extended Study Program

Selected students may be approved to enroll in an extended study program for years 1 and 2 of the three year, full time curriculum. This requires a student to complete the BSHS/MSOT program over a 4 or 5 year period of time. Please note, extended study students must be full time students when completing year three (final year) of the curriculum.

Occupational Therapy Assistant to Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapy Program encourages Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA's) to advance their careers.

Applicants who are qualified Occupational Therapy Assistants applying for the BSHS/MSOT degree program may have their transcripts reviewed on an individualized basis and may receive credit for education or experience acquired as an OTA.

Campus Locations

Bay Shore: The Bay Shore campus is located on the south shore of Long Island. The campus is accessible by automobile and railroad.

Manhattan: The New York City campus is located in the Chelsea area of Manhattan and is accessible by automobile and public transportation.

Accreditation

The Touro College Occupational Therapy Program is registered with the Division of Professional Education of the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O.Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20814-3425, (301) 652-2682. Occupational Therapy Program graduates are eligible to apply for New York State licensure, and certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

According to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008 the BS in Health Sciences/MS in Occupational Therapy program (Bay Shore and Manhattan Campuses combined) had 86 students who passed the certification exam. 75 of the 86 students reportedly passed the examination on their first attempt resulting in a first time new graduate* pass rate of 87% over this specific three year period.

* Defined as individuals taking the test for the first time within 12 months of graduation.

Financial Aid

Touro College participates in Federal and New York State tuition assistance programs.

Policy of Non-Discrimination

Touro College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, disability, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admissions policies.

For Further Information & Application

Click Here To Download Application Form, OT Directives, SHS/MSOT Applicant Recommendation Form

For additional information about the profession of occupational therapy click on these links:
http://www.aota.org
http://www.nbcot.org
http://op.nysed.gov
http://nysota.org
http://www.promoteot.org/PG_FactSheet.html