Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to the MSOT Program?
Create an account with www.OTCAS.org and supply the requested information

What is the application deadline?
Applications are OPEN for the 2020 cohort. Applications for the upcoming cohort are available mid-July 2019 through mid-January 2020 .

How many students will be accepted?
Maximum of 24 students each year.

How many students will apply?
The new MSOT Program uses a competitive admission process and we anticipate 200+ applicants during the upcoming application cycle.

When will I hear if I’m accepted?
If qualified, you will be invited for an interview in February, after applications close mid January.

What is conditional acceptance?
You must complete all prerequisites and coursework by the end of Murray State University’s Spring semester, must 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 applicant rankings, you may be invited to be placed on an alternate list. Your application will not roll over to the next application cycle—you must apply each year to be considered.

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.
College Chemistry (CHE 111 or 201) or Physics with lab (no introduction courses); minimum of 4 credit hours
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 & 220), minimum 2 credit hours

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 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.

How do I submit GRE scores to OTCAS?
The report/score you receive from GRE will be your ‘unofficial’ submission to OTCAS. Click here to access OTCAS: https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login

Is there a minimum GRE required?
You are not required to meet a minimum GRE score, but scores will be utilized to assess eligibility, along with GPA, references, and other required information.

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

Current Basic Life Support certification for Health Professionals
Professional Liability Insurance (admitted students will be provided detailed requirements of coverage)
Physical examination
Drug screen
Immunization record (including Hepatitis B or signed HBV waiver, influenza, and TB)
Criminal background check
Child and Family Service Review

What are observation hours?
You must provide documentation of at least 80 clock hours of observation, volunteer, or paid experience in two or more occupational therapy settings. At least half of the required hours must be under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

Do I need to apply to Murray State University Graduate Program?
Yes, please apply after you are invited and accepted into a 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 everyone 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. 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, various facilities, likely will be within a reasonable geographical area from Paducah Regional Campus
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, nationwide

Where will classes be held?
Classes will be at Murray State University, Paducah Regional Campus, in Paducah KY

Are there additional fees?
Graduate application fee; membership to American Occupational Therapy Association ($75.00 year); membership to Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA) $30.00 year; membership to Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA); additional supplies required for clinical practice (i.e. goniometers, gait belts, splinting kits, etc.)

Is the new OT Program accredited?
The entry-level MSOT program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a pre accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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).