BS/MS in Occupational Therapy

Program Snapshot

Here are some quick facts about the program:

• Degrees awarded: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSHS/MSOT)
• Length: 3 years full-time (limited 4-year part-time option)
• Start terms: Fall and spring (part-time option has fall start only)
• Entry requirements: Minimum 60 undergraduate credits with required prerequisite coursework (15 credits can be in-process)
• Locations: Manhattan and Long Island

What You'll Do as an Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people of all ages build, regain, or maintain the skills they need for everyday life. They work with patients recovering from injury or illness, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and children with developmental needs to improve independence at home, school, work, and in the community.

OTs work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, community organizations, and private homes. They evaluate each person's unique needs and develop strategies, adaptive techniques, and therapeutic interventions that support long-term health, function, and participation in daily activities.

As an occupational therapist, you might:

• Recommend home modifications and assistive devices to help older adults live safely and independently
• Help children develop the fine motor and sensory skills they need to succeed in school
• Provide early intervention services that support developmental milestones through therapeutic play and everyday activities
• Guide adolescents recovering from injuries as they return to school and prepare for greater independence
• Teach patients recovering from illness or injury strategies to complete everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal care

Earn Your BS, MS, and ppOTD in Just 6 Years

Earn your MSOT at Touro and apply to enter the post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (ppOTD) program. A doctorate can prepare you for leadership, community-based program development, teaching, and research while deepening your understanding of clinical practice and the evolving role of occupational therapy in health care.

Credits earned during your final semester in the BS/MS program may be applied toward your doctorate degree, allowing you to complete the ppOTD in one year instead of the usual 16 months.

Students who enter the BS/MS program with 60 undergraduate credits and follow the standard full-time pathway can complete their BS, MS, and ppOTD in a total of just six years. Students approved for the limited part-time BS/MS option will follow a longer timeline.

Learn More About the ppOTD Program

 

FAQs

What is the pre-requisite coursework for the BS/MS in Occupational Therapy?

Applicants must complete a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits, including the required prerequisite coursework. You may apply after completing 45 credits if no more than 15 prerequisite credits remain in progress, including no more than 4 laboratory science credits. Visit our Admissions page for the full list of prerequisites.

What do I need to practice as an OT?

You’ll need to earn a master’s degree from an accredited program such as ours at Touro and to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam (see our NBCOT pass rates) to receive OTR® certification. The NBCOT exam also serves as the state licensing exam.

Can I complete the program part-time?

Yes. A limited number of students beginning in the fall semester may be approved to complete the same curriculum over four years through a part-time option. Visit the Admissions page for eligibility requirements and application details.