Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to the MSOT Program?

Create an account with OTCAS and supply the requested information

When is the application deadline?

Application open for the upcoming cohort are available mid-July through mid-January each year.

We have two application deadlines:

- Early admittance option: November 1; interviews mid-November.

- Second round admittance option: January 15; interviews early February.

How many students will be accepted?

Maximum of 24 students each year.

How many students will apply?

The MSOT Program uses a competitive admission process and we anticipate 175+ applicants each application cycle.

When will I hear if I’m accepted?

Seat offers will be extended for the early admission option by early-December and for the second round option by late February.

What is conditional acceptance?

In the event we have not received all of your information, you may be considered as a conditional admit. You will need to complete all prerequisites and coursework by the end of Murray State University’s Spring semester, meet GPA requirements, be accepted by Murray State Graduate School (you will be notified when to apply to the Graduate School), and have all additional documentation submitted prior to beginning graduate coursework.

What if I’m not accepted?

According to your application ranking, you may be invited to be placed on an alternate list. Your application will not roll over to the next application cycle and we encourage you to reapply during the next application cycle.

What are the prerequisites?

Human Anatomy (BIO 227/228) and Human Physiology (BIO 229/230), minimum of 4 credit hours each, both require lab. **Please note, Anatomy and Physiology I and II courses are acceptable, but not offered at MSU.
Psychology (PSY 180), minimum 3 credit hours
Lifespan/Developmental Psychology (PSY 260), minimum 3 credit hours
Abnormal Psychology (PSY 307), minimum 3 credit hours
Statistics (STA 135), minimum 3 credit hours
Medical Terminology (BIO 120 or 220), minimum 1 credit hour

Which bachelor’s degree should I have prior to acceptance?

You must earn a baccalaureate degree before enrolling into the program and can be in any field of your choice, as long as the prerequisites are met.

What is OTCAS?

Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) allows you to submit requested Occupational Therapy Program application documentation to one centralized service.

Is there a minimum GRE required?

The GRE is not required.

What type of health information will I need to provide if I’m accepted?

All of the health information items should be kept current and should cover the duration of the OT program.

Current Basic Life Support/CPR certification for the Health Professional-in person or online certification
Professional Liability Insurance (admitted students will be provided detailed requirements of coverage)
Proof of medical insurance coverage--annually and must cover the duration of the OT program
Physical examination--annually and must cover the duration of the OT program
Drug screen (will complete upon acceptance to OT program)
Immunization record (including Hepatitis B or signed HBV waiver, influenza, TB, MMR, varicella, TDAP, etc.)
Criminal background check (will complete upon acceptance to OT program)
Fingerprinting and/or Child and Family Service Review as requested

What are observation hours?

Using your own time sheet form, please provide documentation of at least 40 clock hours of observation, volunteer, or paid experience in at least two different occupational therapy settings (hospital, outpatient, nursing home, etc.). Your site supervisors should sign off on the time sheet and at least one of the supervisors should be an OT practitioner (OTR or COTA).

Do I need to apply to Murray State University Graduate Program?

DO NOT apply to the graduate program at Murray State until after you are invited and accepted into the OT cohort. Apply for Graduate School

How long is Fieldwork? Will I need to relocate for Fieldwork?

You will be assigned fieldwork settings based on multiple considerations including: your interest, site availability, your specific academic needs, etc. Fieldwork experiences are crucial to allow you the opportunity to apply knowledge you have gained within the education program to real-life situations with clients. The Fieldwork Coordinator will work closely with you to ascertain the highest degree of success possible. You must complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

There is a possibility that you may need to relocate for some portion of fieldwork and you are not guaranteed a certain geographical location for placements. There are two types of fieldwork for the occupational therapy program:

Level I: Shorter in length of time, focused on various populations and in conjunction with curriculum focus each semester, and with various settings/facilities,
Level II: Performed in various settings including hospitals, nursing homes, out patient facilities, school systems, psychiatric facilities, child & adult developmental care facilities, community based settings, wellness facilities, etc.

Where will classes be held?

Classes will be at Murray State University, Paducah Regional Campus, in Paducah KY

Are there additional costs and/or fees?

Refer to the cost of attendance for an estimate of the program's costs and fees.

Is the OT Program accredited?

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree 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. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is 301.652.AOTA and its Web address is acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

**Note: All states regulate occupational therapy practice and a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.