Admissions
Admissions -
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
The MSOT program is designed for practicing occupational therapy assistants (OTA) and, as space is available, practicing physical therapist assistants (PTA). Applicants must have at least one year of work experience as a fully credentialed occupational therapy assistant or physical therapy assistant working with an occupational therapist (OTR).
A maximum of 32 students are admitted into the MSOT Weekend Program each year. It is in your best interest to complete you application as early as possible because of a limited number of positions in the class. Preference is given to applicants who have completed all prerequisites prior to application.
Application Procedures
Before you begin the application process, please review the Minimum Application Requirements page to be sure you meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for admission to the Weekend MSOT program. Applicants who do not meet these standards will not be considered for admission.
Also, before applying, please review the Distance Learning Model Self-Assessment to be certain you are prepared with the skill set required for this program.
Please check the Important Admission Dates page for the early admission deadline, regular admission deadline, and other dates that will help you as you apply for admission.
The School of Occupational Therapy receives applications for admission through an online application form. You do not need to complete the application in one sitting, but may access it as many times as you like prior to submission. The application fee is $50.
Among the information collected through the online application form is:
1. An application essay, written by you, that explains the following:
a) How becoming an occupational therapist will help you attain
your career goals
b) How your career goals are congruent with the philosophy and/or
core values and attitudes of the occupational therapy profession.
(These can be found on the AOTA website)
c) How your particular learning style and abilities are compatible with
the curriculum and format of Belmont's MSOT Program.
2. The names of two references, one who must be an occupational therapist, from whom
you will need to request references. You will have opportunity to forward the reference
form via email to your recommenders, if you so choose. Two references are required
with your application.
3. Academic information including prerequisite course details.
4. For PTA's, details of at least 50 hours of observation are required.
In addition, you must submit official transcripts from all universities and/or colleges attended. Applicants from colleges and universities abroad are also responsible for having their transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES).
Items should be sent to:
Office of Admissions
Belmont University
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
Interview Invitations
Eligible candidates will be invited for an interview with a faculty member. The admissions process is competitive and only a select number of applicants are invited to interview. Please see the Important Admission Dates page for when interview days are scheduled.
Required After Acceptance
If you are accepted in the MSOT program, you will be required to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR for infant, child and adult) and first aid training. You will also be required to submit results of a criminal background check. Background check information will be mailed to you in the summer preceding your first semester.
Students in the MSOT program must have a laptop computer that includes wireless connection to the internet. Access to local high-speed internet is strongly recommended since you must be able to download large files and view videos in this program. A distance learning platform, Blackboard, is used for on-line coursework. Since technology is constantly evolving, students should contact the program assistant for technology requirements needed to participate in the program before purchasing new computer software or hardware.
Questions?
We encourage you to first check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you need additional assistance, our admissions assistant, Lucy Davidson, will be happy to answer questions you may have. You can contact her by email at msot@belmont.edu, or by telephone at 615-460-6798.
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