Overview
Occupational therapists work in diverse settings with people of all ages, helping them gain or regain the abilities to do the daily activities they need and want to do. Students earn the Master of Occupational Therapy degree, gaining eligibility to sit for the national board examination to become a credentialed occupational therapist.
Two MOT Tracks Designed to Fit Your Needs
We offer two pathways to obtain a Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Radford University across two campus locations. Both of our pathways lead to an entry-level degree in Occupational Therapy within 2 ½ years. We offer in-person, hybrid, part-time, and full-time options to study occupational therapy.
Traditional MOT Track (For those entering the profession)
Our in-person traditional track offers full-time and part-time study options at our Radford and Roanoke sites for those seeking a degree in occupational therapy for the first time. One cohort per campus location is admitted each fall. The MOT degree is earned in 7 semesters.
OTA to MOT Track (For OTAs seeking an MOT degree)
Our hybrid OTA to MOT bridge track is designed for licensed occupational therapy assistants to further their education and become occupational therapists. We offer a hybrid model of instruction for OTAs with at least one year of experience and a B.S. or B.A degree from an accredited institution. One cohort is admitted each fall and the MOT degree is earned in 7 semesters. Credit for work experience is offered.
Why Study Occupational Therapy at Radford?
- Our students regularly participate in community-based practice
- Our faculty represent expertise across all major and several specialty practice areas
- Our students are offered travel-abroad opportunities to explore the world of health and health care in other countries
- Our two unique campuses provide distinct learning environments
- Our hybrid bridge track allows working professionals to advance their career
- Our interprofessional opportunities prepare our students to work in interdisciplinary teams
- Our student clubs, the student occupational therapy association and the coalition of occupational therapy advocates for diversity, provide meaningful engagement and leadership opportunities
Traditional Track Admissions Requirements
Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree completed by the August start date of the fall semester classes;
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all undergraduate and/or graduate coursework;
- A grade of B- or better in all prerequisite courses, completed by May of the year you plan to begin the program (please see the list below).
Prerequisite requirements for admission to Radford University's Master of Occupational Therapy Program encompass a strong foundation of undergraduate course work in the liberal arts and sciences (e.g. anthropology or sociology, anatomy, psychology).
Earning a grade of B- or better is required in all prerequisite courses. We have no restrictions on the timeframe for when you took your prerequisite courses – there is no expiration date on the courses you’ve taken.
Prerequisite Course List:
- Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
- Introductory Sociology OR Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
- Human Anatomy (3-4 credits)
- Human Physiology (3-4 credits)
- Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
- Lifespan Growth and Development (3 credits)
- Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
*Please note that we do not accept AP courses from high school to satisfy prerequisite requirements.
Required Application Materials
- Your application materials must include the following:
- A completed application in OTCAS, the OT common application service (portal opens in late July 2023).
- A completed Supplemental Application to the MOT program, submitted to the Radford University College of Graduate Studies and Research.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work; transcripts are submitted to OTCAS.
- A professional resume of your past and current educational and work/volunteer experiences;
- A typed Statement of Purpose: This is your opportunity to tell us why you want to earn the Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Radford University. In a two-page (double-spaced) essay, discuss the development of your interest in occupational therapy, how your observation experiences have informed your understanding of occupational therapy as a profession and the people occupational therapists work with, and your aspirations and goals for a career as a healthcare professional;
- Two letters of recommendation: Request letters from college professors, employers, or others who have worked with you in a professional capacity (no personal references, please). The letters should describe your academic skills, general work behaviors, and the personal qualities one needs to be a competent health-care professional;
- A minimum of 20 hours with an occupational therapy practitioner (OTR or COTA), 40 hours preferred; in at least two different practice settings. Experience with diverse populations and programs is highly recommended. (Observation Hours Summary Form [DOCX]) We will accept alternative forms documenting your observation hours, as long as all information is present (please no forms from other OT programs). If your observation hours have been disrupted by COVID-19, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for information on an alternative observation options. Dr. Jason Browning, 540-831-1672.
- We do not require the GRE for application to our MOT program.
- Application Timeline
- Mid-July:
Keep an eye out for the OTCAS Application Portal to open. - November 1:
The MOT at Radford University Application Submission Deadline (Supplemental Application also due). - November 15:
Deadline for all materials to be submitted to OTCAS (transcripts and letters of recommendation). - December:
First round of interviews. - January:
Final round of interviews. - Late February:
Admission offers finalized. - March:
Assignment of cohort location to Radford University Carilion or Radford University Main.
Campus Locations
We offer the MOT – Traditional Track Program at two campus locations, main campus in Radford, Virginia, and the Radford University Carilion location in Roanoke, Virginia. We admit one cohort to each location for a Fall start date. Full-time and part-time options are available at either location.
Applicants are asked to indicate a campus location preference upon submission of the OTCAS application, either the Roanoke location, the Radford location, or no preference. Every effort is made to assign admitted students to the location they have indicated as their preference.
OTA to MOT Track Admission Requirements
Radford University’s OTA to MOT Bridge Track of the MOT Program is a hybrid program and intentionally designed for the Occupational Therapy Assistant who:
- Has completed all OTA coursework
- Has passed the NBCOT exam for OTAs
- Holds state licensure
- Has a minimum of one year of experience working as an OTA.
The majority of coursework is completed online asynchronously. Students attend 3-4 weekends at the Radford University Carilion location in Roanoke each semester for additional learning. One cohort is admitted to the OTA to MOT Bridge Track each year, with a fall semester start date.
We use a rolling application process until ALL seats are filled, with the final application deadline of April 1, 2024.
Admission Requirements:
- A minimum of one year work experience, documented by an employer, as an occupational therapy assistant, with current OTA licensure, in good standing;
- A bachelor’s degree completed by the August start date of the fall semester classes;
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all undergraduate and/or graduate coursework;
- A grade of B- or better in all prerequisite courses, completed by May of the year you plan to begin the program (please see the list below).
Prerequisite Requirements:
Prerequisite requirements for admission to Radford University's Master of Occupational Therapy Program encompass a strong foundation of undergraduate course work in the liberal arts and sciences (e.g. anthropology or sociology, anatomy, psychology).
A grade of B- or better is required in all prerequisite courses. We have no restrictions on the timeframe for when you took your prerequisite courses – there is no expiration date on the courses you’ve taken.
Prerequisite Course List:
- Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
- Introductory Sociology OR Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
- Human Anatomy (3-4 credits)
- Human Physiology (3-4 credits)
- Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
- Lifespan Growth and Development (3 credits)
- Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
Note - we do not accept AP courses from high school to satisfy prerequisite requirements.
Required Application Materials:
- A completed application in OTCAS, the OT common application service (portal opens in late July 2023).
- A completed Supplemental Application to the MOT program, submitted to the Radford University College of Graduate Studies and Research.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work; transcripts are submitted to OTCAS.
- A professional resume that documents your past and current educational and work/volunteer experiences with diverse populations and programs with individuals encountered in occupational therapy practice (e.g. children and/or adults with mental health concerns, physical disabilities, or other types of special populations); your resume can extend to 2-3 pages;
- A typed Statement of Purpose: This is your opportunity to tell us why you want to earn the Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Radford University. In a two-page (double-spaced) essay, discuss the development of your interest in occupational therapy, how your education, fieldwork, and professional experiences as an occupational therapy assistant have informed your understanding of occupational therapy as a profession and the people occupational therapists work with, and your aspirations and goals for a continuing career as a health-care professional with the Master of Occupational Therapy degree;
- Two letters of recommendation: Request letters from college professors, employers, or others who have worked with you in a professional capacity (no personal references, please). The letters should describe your academic skills, general work behaviors, and the personal qualities one needs to be a competent health-care professional;
- A letter from an employer attesting to your credentialing in good standing as an occupational therapy assistant, with a minimum of one year of work experience.
Note - we do not require the GRE for application to our MOT program.
Accreditation & Outcomes
The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at our main campus campus in Radford, Virginia was approved in 2008 by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and initially accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) in 2011. Since that time, additional accreditation actions have been granted by ACOTE. In April of 2019, the MOT program at our Roanoke location (Radford University Carilion) was fully accredited by ACOTE and in 2023 the RU MOT program was granted permission to add a hybrid MOT track with an additional cohort.
ACOTE can be contacted by postal mail at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852-4929, or by telephone at 301-652-AOTA.
Graduation Year | Students entering/graduating | Graduation Rate |
2021 May | 41/39 | 95% |
2021 Dec | 40/38 | 95% |
2022 | 44/40 | 91% |
2023 | 47/43 | 91% |
| Total | 172/160 | 93% |
National Certification & Licensure
Graduates of our MOT program sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam following graduation and after confirmation of meeting all exam eligibility criteria, including successful completion of all level II fieldwork components.
Prospective students who have any criminal or professional records are encouraged to utilize NBCOT's early determination and associated character review in order to determine whether eligibility to take the exam at the end of the program may be in jeopardy. We highly recommend initiating this process before enrollment.
MOT Traditional Track Full-Time Tuition
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitor each May and are subject to change annually.
*An admission acceptance deposit of $500 is required within 2 weeks of accepting our admission offer.
MOT Traditional Track Full-Time In-State
| Semester | Credit Hours | Tuition | Program Fee | Comprehensive Fee | Technology Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | $5,805.00 | $945.00 | $2,355.00 | $75.00 | $9,180.00 |
| 2 | 14 | $5,418.00 | $882.00 | $2,198.00 | $70.00 | $8,568.00 |
| 3 | 6 | $2,322.00 | $378.00 | $942.00 | $30.00 | $3,672.00 |
| 4 | 15 | $5,805.00 | $945.00 | $2,355.00 | $75.00 | $9,180.00 |
| 5 | 15 | $5,805.00 | $945.00 | $2,355.00 | $75.00 | $9,180.00 |
| 6 | 9 | $3,483.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $5,508.00 |
| 7 | 9 | $3,483.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $5,508.00 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $50,796.00 | |||||
MOT Traditional Track Full-Time Out-of-State
| Semester | Credit Hours | Tuition | Program Fee | Comprehensive Fee | Technology Fee | Capital Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | $9,075.00 | $945.00 | $2,355.00 | $75.00 | $285.00 | $12,735.00 |
| 2 | 14 | $8,470.00 | $882.00 | $2,198.00 | $70.00 | $266.00 | $11,886.00 |
| 3 | 6 | $3,630.00 | $378.00 | $942.00 | $30.00 | $114.00 | $5,094.00 |
| 4 | 15 | $9,075.00 | $945.00 | $2,355.00 | $75.00 | $285.00 | $12,735.00 |
| 5 | 15 | $9,075.00 | $945.00 | $2,355.00 | $75.00 | $285.00 | $12,735.00 |
| 6 | 9 | $5,445.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $171.00 | $7,641.00 |
| 7 | 9 | $5,445.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $171.00 | $7,641.00 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $70,467.00 | ||||||
MOT Traditional Track Part-Time Tuition
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitor each May and are subject to change annually.
*An admission acceptance deposit of $500 is required within 2 weeks of accepting our admission offer.
MOT Traditional Track Part-Time In-State
| Semester | Credit Hours | Tuition | Program Fee | Comprehensive Fee | Technology Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | $3,096.00 | $504.00 | $1,256.00 | $40.00 | $4,896.00 |
| 2 | 8 | $3,096.00 | $504.00 | $1,256.00 | $40.00 | $4,896.00 |
| 3 | 3 | $1,161.00 | $189.00 | $471.00 | $15.00 | $1,836.00 |
| 4 | 7 | $2,709.00 | $441.00 | $1,099.00 | $35.00 | $4,284.00 |
| 5 | 6 | $2,322.00 | $378.00 | $942.00 | $30.00 | $3,672.00 |
| 6 | 3 | $1,161.00 | $189.00 | $471.00 | $15.00 | $1,836.00 |
| 7 | 8 | $3,096.00 | $504.00 | $1,256.00 | $40.00 | $4,896.00 |
| 8 | 8 | $3,096.00 | $504.00 | $1,256.00 | $40.00 | $4,896.00 |
| 9 | 7 | $2,709.00 | $441.00 | $1,099.00 | $35.00 | $4,284.00 |
| 10 | 7 | $2,709.00 | $441.00 | $1,099.00 | $35.00 | $4,284.00 |
| 11 | 9 | $3,483.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $5,508.00 |
| 12 | 9 | $3,483.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $5,508.00 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $50,796.00 | |||||
MOT Traditional Track Part-Time Out-of-State
| Semester | Credit Hours | Tuition | Program Fee | Comprehensive Fee | Technology Fee | Capital Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | $4,840.00 | $504.00 | $1,256.00 | $40.00 | $152.00 | $6,792.00 |
| 2 | 8 | $4,840.00 | $504.00 | $1,256.00 | $40.00 | $152.00 | $6,792.00 |
| 3 | 3 | $1,815.00 | $189.00 | $471.00 | $15.00 | $57.00 | $2,547.00 |
| 4 | 7 | $4,235.00 | $441.00 | $1,099.00 | $35.00 | $133.00 | $5,943.00 |
| 5 | 6 | $3,630.00 | $378.00 | $942.00 | $30.00 | $114.00 | $5,094.00 |
| 6 | 3 | $1,815.00 | $189.00 | $471.00 | $15.00 | $57.00 | $2,547.00 |
| 7 | 8 | $4,840.00 | $504.00 | $1,256.00 | $40.00 | $152.00 | $6,792.00 |
| 8 | 8 | $4,840.00 | $504.00 | $1,256.00 | $40.00 | $152.00 | $6,792.00 |
| 9 | 7 | $4,235.00 | $441.00 | $1,099.00 | $35.00 | $133.00 | $5,943.00 |
| 10 | 7 | $4,235.00 | $441.00 | $1,099.00 | $35.00 | $133.00 | $5,943.00 |
| 11 | 9 | $5,445.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $171.00 | $7,641.00 |
| 12 | 9 | $5,445.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $171.00 | $7,641.00 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $70,467.00 | ||||||
OTA to MOT Bridge Track Tuition
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitor each May and are subject to change annually.
*An admission acceptance deposit of $500 is required within 2 weeks of accepting our admission offer.
OTA to MOT Bridge Track In-State
| Semester | Credit Hours | Tuition | Program Fee | Comprehensive Fee | Technology Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | $3,870.00 | $630.00 | $1,570.00 | $50.00 | $6,120.00 |
| 2 | 12 | $4,644.00 | $756.00 | $1,884.00 | $60.00 | $7,344.00 |
| 3 | 11 | $4,257.00 | $693.00 | $1,727.00 | $55.00 | $6,732.00 |
| 4 | 11 | $4,257.00 | $693.00 | $1,727.00 | $55.00 | $6,732.00 |
| 5 | 14 | $5,418.00 | $882.00 | $2,198.00 | $70.00 | $8,568.00 |
| 6 | 7 | $2,709.00 | $441.00 | $1,099.00 | $35.00 | $4,284.00 |
| 7 | 9 | $3,483.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $5,508.00 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $45,288.00 | |||||
OTA to MOT Bridge Track Out-of-State
| Semester | Credit Hours | Tuition | Program Fee | Comprehensive Fee | Technology Fee | Capital Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | $6,050.00 | $630.00 | $1,570.00 | $50.00 | $190.00 | $8,490.00 |
| 2 | 12 | $7,260.00 | $756.00 | $1,884.00 | $60.00 | $228.00 | $10,188.00 |
| 3 | 11 | $6,655.00 | $693.00 | $1,727.00 | $55.00 | $209.00 | $9,339.00 |
| 4 | 11 | $6,655.00 | $693.00 | $1,727.00 | $55.00 | $209.00 | $9,339.00 |
| 5 | 14 | $8,470.00 | $882.00 | $2,198.00 | $70.00 | $266.00 | $11,886.00 |
| 6 | 7 | $4,235.00 | $441.00 | $1,099.00 | $35.00 | $133.00 | $5,943.00 |
| 7 | 9 | $5,445.00 | $567.00 | $1,413.00 | $45.00 | $171.00 | $7,641.00 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $62,826.00 | ||||||
Estimated Fees and Campus Resources
MOT Deposit
An admission acceptance deposit of $500 is required within 2 weeks of accepting our admission offer.
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitor each May and are subject to change annually. Changes in the estimated indirect costs are largely related to external factors; your OT faculty remain very conscientious of costs and set these requirements accordingly.
Estimated Indirect Costs
There are several additional costs beyond tuition and fees associated with obtaining the MOT degree. You will need to budget for the following as well:
Textbooks and learning resources: You can expect to pay $400-$500 dollars for textbooks each semester; several textbooks are used in multiple courses. The textbook cost is minimal during the Level II fieldwork semesters. We also require a 3-year subscription to the learning portal OT-U; this currently costs approximately $500; this resource is used across the curriculum.
Professional association memberships: Certain courses will require regional or national (AOTA) association memberships.
Housing and living expenses will vary depending on where you choose to live but need to be considered for all 7 semesters of the program. Housing costs during Level II fieldwork (the last two terms in the program) could be different due the geographic location of your assigned fieldwork experience.
Transportation/travel/lodging costs: students enrolled in the in-person MOT track need to budget for gas and vehicle maintenance, as a reliable car is considered necessary to get to class (depending on where you live), get to fieldwork, and attend occasional fieldtrips. A fee-based parking permit is required to park on main campus, but not at the Radford University Carilion (RUC) location. Students enrolled in the hybrid OTA to MOT track need to budget for transportation costs to attend in-person classes four times per semester, which may involve flights, overnight accommodations, gas, food, etc.
Computer-related expenses: Students should be prepared for costs associated with having a reliable computer or laptop for the duration of the program, including Level II fieldwork. Our University encourages a paperless classroom independent of instructional delivery method and we keep any printouts to a minimum. In addition, costs associated with high-speed internet access need to be considered for the purpose of engaging with the program's learning management platform, using email, etc. Office 365 is free to all Radford University students, which adequately meets the software needs of MOT students.
Fieldwork: Costs vary depending on individual circumstances; however you should be prepared for approximately $450 in this area. Costs related to this area include CPR certification, immunizations and/or titers, TB testing, criminal background checks, drug screens, and a Castle Branch subscription (portal for managing clinical clearance requirements).
Health Insurance: MOT students are required to be covered by a health insurance policy for the duration of the program. Premiums will vary depending on choice of coverage. If need be, students are encouraged to check for competitive pricing through Heathcare.gov.
Professional attire: No specific clothing is needed for general classes; however students need to stay mindful that MOT lab activities necessitate clothing that will be conservative and modest. Business casual clothing is required for certain class experiences and clinical fieldwork. Some Level II fieldwork sites may require scrubs or a certain color of pants/shirts. The MOT program provides any specialized PPE required by fieldwork sites.
Credentialing fees upon graduation: Credentialing fees upon graduation include the cost of registration for the NBCOT examination – this gives you your ‘R’. Every state in the US licenses OT practitioners – this gives you your ‘L’. The registration fee for the NBCOT exam is currently $515; state licensure fees vary by state. (Note that all OTs pay for renewal of certification, licensure, and professional memberships – it is part of enjoying the status of being a health professional!)
University Financial Services and Resources
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Fully Accredited by the American Council of Occupational Therapy Education
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0-2 months average time to secure full-time employment
What's it like to study Occupational Therapy?
“Radford provides all the support necessary for a student to excel on their educational path. From specialized labs and a fully-invested faculty to additional resources. Students in this program are provided with a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on their health studies in a diverse and inclusive environment.”
–Leidy Montoya '22
