About The Program

Occupational Therapy Program

Established in 1988, the UTHSC program was the first accredited occupational therapy program in the state of Tennessee. The occupational therapy program is an entry-level master degree program that consists of 21 months on campus and six months in two separate fieldwork sites. Upon graduation, graduates are highly sought after by employers. Many even find jobs prior to graduation. Because of the high standards of the occupational therapy program, graduates have an excellent reputation: 99% have obtained national certification.

Where is the Program Located?

A Master of Occupational Therapy is offered at the Memphis campus.

Broad Based Educational Experiences

Entry-level therapists who graduate from the UTHSC occupational therapy program in Memphis are prepared to accept challenges and leadership in Tennessee and worldwide. The occupational therapy graduate has a generalist education, which provides the foundation for practice in a wide range of settings or the option for specialization through continued education and training. Past graduates have pursued specialization in work hardening, hippotherapy, pediatrics, hand therapy, gerontology, and neurorehabilitation.

Wide Variety of Fieldwork Opportunities

The occupational therapy Program has an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator who has developed relationships with fieldwork supervisors throughout the United States. After their on-campus courses students must complete two, three-month fieldwork experiences. Students must be prepared to complete at least one of their affiliations out of state.

Preparation for Professional Responsibilities

Developing a strong occupational therapy identity is the foundation for the professional responsibilities that the therapist will face in a changing and challenging healthcare environment. The experienced occupational faculty serve as role models and mentors. A low faculty-student ratio and opportunities for individual and small group interactions provide a supportive and active learning environment conducive to professional development.

Education in a Health Science Center

The UTHSC in Memphis is an urban setting with opportunities to expose the student to the professional culture of a medical center while reaching out to the community through collaborative partnerships. Lecturers from the College of Health Professions and from the other colleges on campus, such as medicine, nursing, and pharmacy are also a positive aspect of this program. Students often remark how different the professional environment is from other educational institutions they have attended. Although the academic demands of professional graduate programs are rigorous, students find opportunities to play intramural sports or participate in social events. While becoming an occupational therapy professional, the student also gains an understanding and appreciation of other professions and their contribution to health and wellness in our society.

Accreditation

The occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200,
Bethesda, MD 20814-3449
www.acoteonline.org

ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA

UTHSC MOT Program Graduation Rates 2012-2016

Updated 03/14/17
Graduation Year	Entering/Graduating Students	Graduation Rate
2016	36/33	92%
2015	27/26	96%
2014	49/46	94%
2013	22/22	100%
2012	35/35	100%
Total	169/162	96%

Graduate Employment

All graduates seeking employment had offers of employment within two months of graduation.

For additional information, please read our page of Frequently Asked Questions.

Additional Information

Scholarships and Added Expenses (including Fieldwork and State Authorization)
Program-Specific Policies (including Attendance Requirement and Grading Policy)
Progress, Promotion, and Graduation (including Requirements for Graduation, Awards, Certification Examination and Licensure, and Student Professional Organization Membership)

OT students smiling