Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Muskingum University's Master of Occupational Therapy Bridge Program?
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions.
How much does the program cost?
For students entering the Master of Occupational Therapy program in the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition will be $920 per semester hour of credit throughout the two-year curriculum.
Financial aid information is available through the Office of Student Financial Services.
How long will the MOT program take me to complete?
Muskingum’s University’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Bridge Program is a 2-year path for licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) to earn their master’s degree. On average the Alternative Pathway requirements take 9-12 months to complete prior to admission to the MOT program. Online instruction with 18 on-campus weekend learning experiences provides students the opportunity to continue working full-time while earning their degree.
Can the program really be completed while working?
As a full-time, lock-step graduate cohort, the MOT program will place significant demands on your time. Many students who are working full time (including those with young families) have found success in the program when they are able to commit time daily to their course work by building flexibility and support into their busy schedules. Some students do modify their work schedules in order to meet their preferences. Work schedules must be adjusted to meet class times for on-campus weekends.
Is the program fully accredited?
The Muskingum University MOT program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association,(7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814) ACOTE’s phone number is (301)-652-6611 and its website is www.acoteonline.org
What are the online classes like?
Online courses are similar in many ways to face-to-face classes. They incorporate a variety of learning activities to be consistent with different learning styles. Online courses require significant self direction. Online classes may include any/all of the following:
- Focused discussions
- Video or narrated lectures
- Online research
- Videos
- Readings
- Written assignments
- Projects
- Exams
Advantages to online courses include:
- Flexibility of schedule for completion of requirements
- Ongoing availability of lecture materials for review as needed
- Variety of learning materials help to match learning style
How often will labs meet, and what will the schedule of the weekends be like?
During the first 6 sessions, labs will be scheduled at the end of weeks 3, 6 and 9 (with some adjustments for holidays). Generally, classes will meet for about 4 hours on Friday evening, 8-10 hours on Saturday, and up to 4 hours Sunday as needed to meet learning objectives. To help facilitate planning, students receive an MOT specific academic calendar several months ahead of schedule.
During the weekends on campus students will be engaged in lab with faculty, working on projects and presentations, and will spend time in networking, service, and student-organized activities.
How will fieldwork be offered? Will I be able to do my fieldwork close to my home?
The MOT program is committed to providing quality fieldwork in a variety of geographic areas and practice settings across the lifespan. It is our expectation that Level II Fieldwork will be occur within a 90 mile radius from your home. We will always work to make the opportunity available as close as possible, however, factors such as number of students from one community, availability of sites, and time of year may affect options.
Students will have the opportunity to engage in four faculty-led Level I rotations focusing across the lifespan and population of mental health, pediatrics, adults and geriatrics.
Level II Fieldwork will be completed during traditional daytime hours, so plan ahead for work and financial resources during those final two terms.