The Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy (ASOT) offers two entry-level degree options for individuals seeking a career in occupational therapy. The entry-level degree required for occupational therapy practice is the master’s level as of 2007.

A combined BS/MSOT degree can be earned by individuals who have not completed an undergraduate degree in any area of study. Upon completion of ASOT prerequisites and University Studies requirements, the student can complete the professional phase of the program on a full time basis in 30 months. Part time study options are available on an individual basis. Upon successful completion of the BS portion of the program (126 semester hours), the student will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. After successful completion of the remaining courses (36 semester hours), the student will earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree (total of 162 semester hours).

Students with a completed bachelor’s degree in a field of study other than occupational therapy may directly enter the 30-month program (93 semester hours) at the graduate level and earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

ASOT prepares students to become outstanding occupational therapy practitioners in varied health, educational, and community settings. The academic curriculum includes a significant focus on practice and emphasizes reflective learning by actively doing. The faculty works collaboratively with each student to develop strategies which enhance the student’s learning and success in the profession. The MSOT provides the practitioner with the entry-level knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for practice, supervision, research, and/or teaching.

Learning By Doing

Core curriculum threads:

• Leadership and Communication Skills
• Professional Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes
• Analysis and Synthesis of Information, Ideas and Decisions
• Appreciation of roles of values and ethical principles

The faculty in the occupational therapy program at Spalding University is dedicated to providing a high quality educational experience that will lead to each student’s success as an occupational therapy practitioner and community citizen. The philosophy of occupational therapy is that we can create healing by doing. The educational philosophy for the curriculum in the occupational therapy program is based around the ideas of learning by doing.

Learning by doing is embodied in all of the educational experiences that the occupational therapy student participates in during his or her professional education. Examples of this type of learning include:

• Community educational programs
• Fieldwork experiences
• Lab experiences in the community
• Program development in community sites
• Use of multi-media technology to enhance instruction
• Service learning opportunities
• Study abroad programs