Master of Occupational Therapy Bridge Degree Program
A profession where you can make a difference
Bay Path's ACOTE Accredited Master of Occupational Therapy Degree Programs:
- Helps students to prepare for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam
- Offers exceptional fieldwork experiences at the area’s most esteemed institutions
Occupational Therapy is one of the most in-demand professions. Bay Path University's Master of Occupational Therapy is a highly sought-after degree. Our MOT courses develop our students' awareness, knowledge, and skill. We structure our courses to foster the progression of student learning, while focusing on Ethics, Evidence Based Practices, Meaningful Occupation, Function, and Collaborative Learning.
Bay Path's ACOTE Accredited Master of Occupational Therapy OTA/PTA Bridge Program
Bay Path University's Master of Occupational Therapy Bridge Program is a path for licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) or Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) to earn a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree in a format that may allow for continued practice in the field. Our Bridge program provides heightened focus on evaluation, as well as intervention.
- Courses are offered in a blended format, pairing weekly online coursework with on-site participation one weekend per month during Fall and Spring semesters (Level II Fieldwork is completed full-time, requiring students to plan ahead)
- Lab spaces designed for hands-on learning at our Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center, in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
- Helps students to prepare for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam
- Offers exceptional fieldwork experiences at the area’s most esteemed institutions
Not an OTA or PTA but have a bachelor's degree?
Learn about our Master of Occupational Therapy Hybrid Program which is part-time and primarily online.
Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. ACOTE's telephone number is (301) 652-6611 and email address is accred@aota.org.
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Master of Occupational Therapy Bridge Program Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start the Master of Occupational Therapy Bridge Degree program?
Classes start every January.
Where are in-person labs held?
Lab spaces designed for hands-on learning at our Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center, in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
What is the structure of Bay Path’s hybrid OT bridge program?
Each week students will have access to new learning material for each course within the Canvas learning management system. This may include recorded lectures, readings, videos, online discussion forums, and homework assignments. Instructors offer weekend on-ground office hours and weekday virtual office hours via phone or video chat using platforms such as Zoom. Weekend on-sites focus on hands-on lab like experiences guided by your instructors.
How long is the Masters of Occupational Therapy (MS) Bridge Program?
The MOT Bridge program has two entries.
Track 1 is a 4 year program (start to finish) for those with an Associate’s Degree in OTA or PTA. This includes 2 traditional spring and fall semesters in the first year of coursework with all courses delivered online. Once students enter 500 level MOT coursework they will follow trimesters (Spring, Summer, and Fall). Spring and Fall semesters will be hybrid with onsite weekends while summers will be fully online. Under this format students have 7 semesters of 500 level OT coursework leading up to 6-months (24 weeks) of full-time level II fieldwork in 2 different clinical settings.
Track 2, or MOT 2, is a 3 year program (start to finish) for students entering with a Bachelor’s Degree in any field. MOT coursework will follow trimesters (Spring, Summer, and Fall). Spring and Fall semesters will be hybrid with onsite weekends while summers will be fully online. Under this format students have 7 semesters of 500 level OT coursework leading up to 6-months (24 weeks) of full-time level II fieldwork in 2 different clinical settings.
Can I focus my academics within the MOT program to specialize in an area of OT practice?
Consistent with ACOTE accreditation guidelines, the MOT programs at Bay Path University prepare entry-level occupational therapists to be generalist practitioners. Students will gain knowledge in all general areas of practice including mental health, physical disabilities, and pediatric settings. This knowledge will prepare students for fieldwork experiences and the NBCOT board exam.
Can I continue to work full-time while in the OTA/PTA to MOT Bridge program?
This is individual to each student. Some students are able to manage their time and assignments while working full-time while some students feel more comfortable reducing their work schedule in order to be successful with the academics of the program. While students might be able to complete the academic portion and continue to work, Level II fieldwork is full time (anywhere from 33 - 40+ hours/week) for 24 weeks and will follow the schedule of the clinical instructor. Students should plan ahead financially.
Can I get help paying for my Masters of Occupational Therapy (MS) Degree?
Yes, financial aid is available.
About Bay Path University
Our Mission and Vision
Since Bay Path opened its doors to students in 1897, its goal has been to provide a practical, affordable, and career oriented education to meet the needs of companies, organizations, and communities, while preparing students to realize their dreams, and to make a lasting difference in the world.
Accreditation
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education..
Flexible and Affordable
Bay Path was one of the first universities to pioneer online learning. Our courses are a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous, letting you study when it works for you, allowing you to continue with your work, family and other commitments.
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Program Coordinator Dr. Cheryl Boucakis, OTD, OTR/L, has been passionate about occupational therapy since high school when she discovered the field at a Bay Path open house and shadowed an OT therapist in home- and school-based pediatrics. During the past 11 years as a clinical therapist, she has focused on improving the quality of life of older adults through innovative protocols for preventing falls and for caring for those with dementia. By balancing teaching with per diem OT work at a local skilled nursing facility, Dr. Boucakis is able to share with Bay Path students the most current clinical practices and real-world challenges of providing client-centered care in today’s healthcare system.
Why choose Bay Path for graduate work in Occupational Therapy?
- For our 2-track system that allows students to enter the program with either a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree.
- For our hybrid format of online and onsite classes that may allow students to continue working as occupational or physical therapy assistants.
- For our exceptional fieldwork placements that allow students to put theory into practice.
- For our close-knit community developed virtually and onsite -- a peer support system that develops into lifelong friendships and professional relationships.
- For our dedicated faculty who provide consistent feedback and facilitate growth.
The Bay Path Advantage in Occupational Therapy
A Cutting Edge Curriculum
Our faculty draws from years of experience in the field as both academic experts and practitioners, and uses real world examples to teach the most current clinical practices and explore real-world challenges of providing client-centered care in today's healthcare system.
Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: (301) 652-6611, email: accred@aota.org
A Great ROI
Occupational therapists enjoy not only great job satisfaction but also great opportunity, security, and compensation! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OT's can expect a median salary of $96,370 and job growth of 12% from 2022-2032.
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