Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy at Salem State offers two unique, part-time evening options for adult learners seeking an entry-level master’s degree in occupational therapy.

  1. Combined BS/MS bridge program in occupational therapy for OT Assistants who have obtained an associate's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited OTA program Note: Only certified occupational therapy assistants with an associate's degree from an accredited institution may apply to this program.
  2. Direct-Entry MS program in occupational therapy for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in another field of study.

A Growing Career

National demand for occupational therapists is expected to grow by 27 percent over the next decade. Nationally, 96% of OT jobs require a master's degree. The average salary for an occupational therapist is over $81,000.

Graduates from Salem State's program achieve high pass rates on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. See our NBCOT Performance Exam Results.

Learn about our programs, facilities, fieldwork and more

 

Note: A felony conviction could affect eligibility to sit for the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination and make one ineligible for a license from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health Professionals.

ACOTE Contact Information

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
c/o Accreditation Department
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
accred@aota.org
301.652.6611, ext. 2914

Degree Programs

Undergraduate Degrees

  • Occupational Therapy

    BS/MS
    Combined Undergraduate + Graduate

    The focus of the occupational therapy program is to prepare the OTA adult learner for transition to a master's entry-level practitioner through a flexible, part-time evening program, which encompasses a philosophy of progressive education. This program will meet the standards, skills, values and ethics set forth by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

    Apply now
    Program Requirements

Graduate Degrees

  • Direct Entry Occupational Therapy

    MS
    Graduate

    This program is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree in another area of study and wish to become qualified as an occupational therapist. The focus of the direct entry master’s in occupational therapy is to prepare excellent practitioners who are dedicated to providing occupation-focused, client-centered, and evidence-based services and are committed to leadership in the field. The program’s design is a part-time evening cohort model. 

    The program meets the standards, skills, values, and ethics set forth by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Graduates from the direct entry program meeting all requirements will be eligible to sit for the Occupational Therapy Certification Examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Please note that any student who has been convicted of a prior felony may be considered ineligible by NBCOT to set for the NBCOT exam and may be unable to attain an OT license from the State Licensure Board. 

    Apply now
    Program Requirements
Title

Graduation Rates

Academic Year Students Entered/Students Graduated Graduation Rates
2017 BS/MS 12/10 83%
2018 BS/MS 13/11        DE 25/21 84%
2019 BS/MS 8/7           DE 21/18 86.2%
3-year Total 79/67 85%
Back to top