Occupational Therapy, MS

By enrolling in Pace University's occupational therapy master's program, you will learn the skills to become a competent and ethical occupational therapy (OT) practitioner who maximizes clients’ quality of life through technology, evidence-based, client-centered, and interprofessional practice.

Pace University OT students working with a standardized patient at the bedside.

Location

Westchester

Duration

76 Credits
28 Months, Full-Time

Modality

Hybrid

Start Date

Fall

F1 Visa

Yes

STEM Designated Program

No

Maximize Quality of Life of All Clients

Occupational Therapy is a growing field due to increased awareness of mental health, aging populations, and the demand for rehabilitation services. Through our OT master’s degree offered by Pace’s College of Health Professions, you’ll learn the skills essential to helping people improve their quality of life by assisting them in overcoming challenges in daily activities and become equipped to work in diverse environments including hospitals, schools, mental health centers, rehabilitation facilities, and even home healthcare.

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#4

Best Health Care Job
(Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

$96,370

Median Salary for Occupational Therapist
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

11%

Job growth from 2023–2033
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Curriculum

Our curriculum emphasizes four major themes: evidence-based practice and scholarship, occupation-centered and client-centered approach, ethics and interprofessional practice, and innovation and technology. You can complete the didactic coursework and clinical fieldwork education within 28 months.

Take Courses Like…

Learn the skills to be a successful occupational therapist 

  • Orthopedic and Neurorehabilitation techniques 
  • Mental-health focused interventions 
  • Pediatric and development-related treatment planning 
  • Creating and managing orthoses 
  • Analyzing health care literature 
  • Activity analysis 
  • Business planning 
  • Virtual Reality, Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology Applications 
  • …and much more 

MS in Occupational Therapy Program Features 

  • Two days per week, on-campus hybrid learning schedule which combines online and face-to-face instruction.
  • Offers a hybrid learning approach, combining online learning and face-to-face instruction.
  • Provides state of the art laboratories, including a model OT apartment and the Center for Excellence in Healthcare Simulation.
  • Prepares entry-level occupational therapists to work in both traditional and non-traditional practice settings.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities and Hands-On Experiences

Our program offers students opportunities to collaborate with other disciplines to learn inter-professionally and develop innovative projects. State-of-the-art laboratories, including a model OT apartment, provide students hands-on simulated living and valuable learning experiences.

There are opportunities for service learning within the local community and engaging in local and inter-professional clinical fieldwork, and as well collaboration with a faculty advisor for research projects. Additionally, students in this program have the opportunity to participate in a non-profit student-run association: Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), to increase awareness of the Pace OT program and the profession as well as enhance professional development.

Accreditation

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by: 

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E 
Bethesda, MD  20814 
Phone number: (301) 652-AOTA 

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) Website 

NBCOT Certification and Exam Pass Rates 

In 2023, 100% of students in the Pace OT program successfully completed the program. For reported details on NBCOT exam pass rates, visit our  Accreditation page on the MSOT website. 

Careers

Our graduates practice in a variety of settings, including long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, community mental health, home health, private practices, outpatient clinics, and early intervention programs.

Our graduates are prepared for jobs like:

Salaries below sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and ZipRecruiter.

  • Occupational Therapist (Average Salary: $65,000–$130,000)
  • School-Based Occupational Therapist (Average Salary: $65,000–$124,000)

Student Quote

Pace University College of Health Professions Occupational Therapy master's degree graduate Elias Fraija
Pace taught me to accept new challenges, be an evidence-based practitioner, and that learning never stops as a healthcare provider.

—Elias Fraija ’21

International Career Success Program

The INSPIRE Program (International Student Professional Readiness Program) is a badged internship and career success program exclusive to Pace. Year after year, this one-of-a-kind program empowers international students to achieve results in obtaining internships, jobs, and salary outcomes. Domestic students, we have an equivalent program for you called ASPIRE.

Where Pace Graduates are Employed

  • Andrus
  • HealthPRO Pediatrics
  • United Therapy Solutions
  • A. Harry Moore School
  • United Therapy Solutions
  • Therodynamics
  • Fox Rehabilitation

Your Learning Pathway

If your career goal is to become an occupational therapist, Pace University offers pathways for you. Whether you’re just beginning your educational journey, or ready to begin your graduate studies, Pace provides you the pathway. 

Explore our programs to see which may be the best fit for your career goals. 

Featured Faculty

Admission and Financial Aid

You're ready for a new level of success—whether it's advancing in your current field or launching a new career. Pace is with you every step of the way, providing a world-class education and the skills your industry will be looking for far into the future.

    • Applications must be submitted through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application System (OTCAS) website.
    • A personal statement explaining to the Graduate Admission Committee why you would like to pursue the program of graduate study you have chosen. Additional information regarding your academic performance, as well as professional experience, may also be included in the supplement.
    • A resume or outline describing at least the past five years of your employment history and any significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities.
    • Applicants need 2 letters of recommendation. Letters should be from academic or professional references that can knowledgeably comment on your ability to successfully complete graduate study. Include recognitions and achievements (e.g. licenses, publications, and awards).
    • All Official Transcripts: Transcripts from every accredited college or university attended (not just the degree granting institution) must be sent either to OTCAS directly from the academic institution electronically or by mail, or forwarded by the applicant in sealed envelopes from the academic institution.
    • Completion of all prerequisite requirements and observation hours.
  • Total cost of program: $96,900
    *Tuition based on current year and subject to change.

  • Open in July, close in May 

  • Make an appointment to meet with you admission counselor.

  • Pace has many internal scholarships and awards to help its students meet their college expenses. Some Pace assistance is meant specifically for College of Health Professions undergraduate and graduate students. 

    Learn more about CHP-specific scholarships and how to apply.

Contact Us

Admission Contact

Mickael Pollard
Graduate Admission Counselor
Phone: (914) 773-3096
Email: mpollard2@pace.edu