May 29, 2024

SVSU to offer first dual entry MSOT program in the state

In a move to make it more convenient for people to attain a master’s degree in occupational therapy, Saginaw Valley State University is expanding access to its Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, enabling students to begin the program in either the fall semester or the winter semester. Previously, all MSOT students began the program during the spring term. SVSU is the first university in Michigan to offer two MSOT entry points.

“Occupational therapists are in high demand in Michigan and across the country,” said Marcia Ditmyer, dean of SVSU’s College of Health and Human Services. “We recognize that students may be ready to enter an MSOT program at different times of the year, so to meet the needs of students and help satisfy demand for occupational therapists, we have restructured our admission cycle to allow students to enter the program at two points during the year.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of occupational therapy is expected to grow 12% from 2022 to 2032 (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm). In Michigan, demand for occupational therapists remains strong, with projected 10-year employment growth (2018-2028) of 7.9%.

To practice, occupational therapists typically must hold a master’s degree, and all states require occupational therapists to be licensed. Saginaw Valley State University’s MSOT program prepares students for a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation clinics, mental health facilities, schools and more.

SVSU’s MSOT program offers three options for admission:

The 3+2 admit track is designed for college students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. In this track, students may be eligible to obtain a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation medicine after completion of their first year in the MSOT program.

The bachelor’s admit track is intended for adults who hold a bachelor’s degree and intend to earn a master’s degree so they can practice occupational therapy.

The freshman direct admit track is for high school students who will attend SVSU in pursuit of a career in occupational therapy. If selected, students automatically enter the MSOT program after completing prerequisite coursework at SVSU.

The application for SVSU’s MSOT program with a winter 2025 start is now open through June 21. Accepted students may begin the program in the winter 2025 term. Applications will be reviewed throughout the cycle each semester.

For more information on SVSU’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, visit https://www.svsu.edu/msot/.