Master of Occupational Therapy Program

As Tennessee's leading provider of healthcare professionals, UTHSC's mission is to meet the state's workforce needs while maintaining a standard of academic excellence. The entry level Master's Program in Occupational Therapy has the unique opportunity to include health concerns of urban communities while providing cost-effective healthcare education. 

Our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree is the fastest path to licensure and clinical practice. The 24-month curriculum consists of 18 months of coursework and 6 months of fieldwork.  A bachelor's degree is required for entry.

The MOT Program's distinguishing features include:

• a bachelor’s degree is required;
• inter-professional education
• faculty expertise in pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, assistive technology, low vision, and neuroscience
• faculty with advanced degrees: the majority hold doctoral degrees
• over 500 fieldwork sites nationwide
• advanced classroom technologies, including simulation experience with live actors and lifelike mannequins
• small group learning experiences
• professional development opportunities
• emphasis on a welcoming learning environment, community involvement, and research
• immersed in the UTHSC Health Science Center with opportunities across the state
• advanced certification of faculty in assistive technology, sensory integration, low vision, parenting support, aging-in-place, manual therapy, and feeding.

Students will start their courses in the in the Fall Term (August). All students will graduate in the year in which all academic and fieldwork requirements have been met. The professional program consists of 18 months of coursework and six months of fieldwork. UTHSC graduates emerge as leaders who are competent, compassionate, community change agents prepared to improve healthcare throughout the delivery of quality care to all citizens.

The College of Health Professions strives to build a student body that reflects a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences. All qualified in-state and-out of-state individuals who meet the admissions requirements for the academic programs offered by the College are encouraged to apply and will be considered fully. However, as a state-supported institution, preference for admission will be given to residents of the state of Tennessee who have the same qualifications as non-resident applicants.

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.

Apply NowPrerequisite Coursework MOTMOT Curriculum