FAQs

1. What is the application deadline for the program?
2. Is the Program Accredited?
3. Can you earn a combined BA in Healthcare Administration and Public Health and an MS in OT?
4. What is the difference between an entry-level program and a post-professional program?
5. How much will I make as an occupational therapist?
6. Can I complete fieldwork abroad?
7. Can I complete a Level II Fieldwork Placement at a site where no OT supervision exists?
8. Is there anything special about our occupational therapy resources at Husson University?
9. Are there any other costs to the program I should know about?
10. Is there a part-time option for this program?
11. How do I become certified?
12. How do I become licensed?

1. What is the application deadline for the program?
Husson University has rolling admissions for undergraduate studies. Because the plan of study for the occupational therapy major is very demanding and the curriculum design is sequential, fall semester start date for the professional phase of the program is required.

2. Is the Program Accredited? 
The School of Occupational Therapy has been accredited since 2003 and has been continuously accredited ever since.  Accreditation is provided by the American Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). ACOTE is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929; the telephone number, c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA.  ACOTE's website is www.acoteonline.org

3. Can you earn a combined baccalaureate degree in Healthcare Administration and Public Health and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy?
Yes! A combined bachelor's/master's program is an accredited program that accepts students without a bachelor's degree. Our program awards a baccalaureate degree in Healthcare Administration and Public Health and upon completion of the master's-level academic requirements awards an entry-level master's degree, an MS, in Occupational Therapy. Successful completion of the master's degree portion of the program is required for eligibility to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

4. What is the difference between an entry-level program and a post-professional program?
An entry-level program is for those students who want to engage in professional study to become an occupational therapist. Entry-level programs prepare generalist practitioners who are qualified to work in a range of settings. A post-professional program is for professionals who are already occupational therapists and who want to further their education, typically in an identified area of specialization.

5. How much will I make as an occupational therapist?
For the most recent salary information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Web.

6. Can I complete fieldwork abroad?
Requests for international clinical placements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to assure placements meet the mission of the School of Occupational Therapy and the accreditation requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Students can speak with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) to discuss interests and requirements. The School of Occupational Therapy only sends students to international sites where supervising occupational therapists are graduates of World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) approved programs.

7. Can I complete a Level II Fieldwork Placement at a site where no OT supervision exists?
The School of Occupational Therapy only sends students to Level II placements where a licensed occupational therapist is present to provide supervision.

8. Is there anything special about our occupational therapy resources at Husson University?
We have a wonderful campus and community-based resources that support learning. We are part of a College of Health and Education that offers a range of health-related electives and an opportunity to interact with students from other health disciplines. The faculty of the School of Occupational Therapy work closely with students to help each achieve his or her career goal. Towards that goal, we have a dedicated classroom and occupational therapy laboratory that reflects a variety of practice areas as well as access to a Gross Anatomy Laboratory for cadaver dissection opportunities. We also have excellent wireless technology throughout the classrooms and campus.

9. Are there any other costs to the program I should know about?
Yes, there will be costs related to Fieldwork experiences in clinical settings specifically Level II Fieldwork, as we have sites all over the United States and cannot guarantee sites near campus or your hometown. These include but are not limited to driving to and from your fieldwork placements, housing, and food. Students are also required to meet health and safety requirements such as immunizations, CPR, a background check and fingerprinting which are required to participate in fieldwork and cost money. 

10. Is there a part-time option for this program? How many years does it take to complete part-time?
Before the professional phase of occupational therapy coursework begins in the third year there is a part-time option available, and the number of years for completion depends upon the number of courses taken per semester. Once students are in the professional phase of occupational therapy courses we discourage part-time study as it may make successful completion of the national board exam administered by NBCOT much more difficult. If the student must enroll part-time during the professional phase the sequence of professional phase courses is prescribed and must be completed within 5 years.

11. How do I become certified?
Once you graduate, you will become eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Their address is: 800 S. Frederick Ave., Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150 (301) 990 7979. Click here to visit the NBCOT website http://www.nbcot.org. After successful completion of this exam, you will be an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR). Please be aware that a history of a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT examination or attain state licensure.

12. How do I become licensed?
All states require licensure in order to practice as an occupational therapist.  The ability to obtain a state license is contingent on passing the NBCOT certification examination. Please be aware that a history of a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT examination or attain state licensure. The following statement from ACOTE explains the relationship between program accreditation, certification and licensure:

“ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage.”