Small boy with ball in occupational therapy setting

Occupational Therapy (3+2 Dual-Degree)

Our partnership with Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, Missouri) provides you with an opportunity to obtain both a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, or sport and exercise science from WLC and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.) from Washington University in just five years instead of the usual six.

You’ll complete three years of coursework at WLC - or, if you prefer, the traditional four years - then transition to Washington University for your last two years.

This accelerated program is designed for students who want to pursue a career as an occupational therapist, allowing you to complete your master's degree in occupational therapy a year earlier than typical, saving you tuition expenses and allowing you to enter the workforce with an advanced degree and begin earning income sooner.

What is occupational therapy?

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) provides the following description of occupational therapy: Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people participate in their desired occupations (the activities people of all ages need and want to do) with the therapeutic use of everyday activities, based on the client's personal interests and needs.

Examples of OT interventions include:

  • helping a child with a disability to participate fully in school and social situations,

  • assisting an injured worker to regain skills they need to function in their job, or

  • providing supports to older adults experiencing cognitive or physical changes.

We've Partnered with Washington University School of Medicine

Ranked in the top three best occupational therapy programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Washington University School of Medicine’s M.S.O.T. degree prepares generalist clinicians with the knowledge and skills to work as direct care providers, consultants, educators, managers, and advocates for clients.

For students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in the future, the M.S.O.T. degree program also includes the option for students to study with faculty scientists. Students have exposure to topics in participation, public health, aging, children and youth, mental health, work and industry, and neurorehabilitation.

An experiential portion of the curriculum — six months of full-time fieldwork supervised by experienced clinicians — follows the two years of academic coursework for a total of 80 credit hours. The degree program is a 28-month, full-time program.

Explore Washington University's M.S.O.T. Program

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for occupational therapists is expected to grow much faster than average during the next ten years (14% growth rate, adding 18,600 new positions).

Washington University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and its Program in Occupational Therapy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

With the M.S.O.T. degree, you will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination to become a practicing occupational therapist. 100% of program graduates have passed the exam in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Occupational Therapy Advising Resources

Connect with Sport and Exercise Science Faculty

Hannah Bartels
Hannah Bartels Biology, Sport and Exercise Science Assistant Professor 414.443.8697 hannah.bartels@weareastonesthrow.com
Rachel Kuehl
Rachel Kuehl Sport and Exercise Science Associate Lecturer/Head of Sport & Exercise Science 414.443.8885 rachel.kuehl@weareastonesthrow.com
Lukas Ryan
Lukas Ryan Sport and Exercise Science Assistant Professor 414.443.8677 lukas.ryan@weareastonesthrow.com
Kate Schoen
Kate Schoen Sport and Exercise Science Assistant Lecturer 414.443.8874 katelynn.schoen@weareastonesthrow.com