A New Path to Occupational Therapy for Today’s Muskies

The University's new Occupational Science (OCSC) minor gives undergraduate students interested in occupational therapy the opportunity to begin preparing for Muskingum's Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program while completing their bachelor's degree.

The minor includes courses that students would otherwise need to complete before applying to Muskingum's Alternative Pathway to the MOT program. By taking them during their undergraduate years, students can make those courses part of their bachelor's degree, potentially use undergraduate financial aid toward them, and avoid spending up to an additional year completing prerequisites after graduation.

Kimberly Lawler, EdD, OTD, OTR/L, MOT Program Director, explained, "I worked with Tiffany Lough, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Exercise & Health Sciences department, to design this unique minor that removes barriers for undergraduate students to easily integrate Muskingum Adult Program (MAP) courses into an undergraduate minor. The Occupational Science minor addresses two of Muskingum's Value Statements by creating opportunity and providing access to Muskies who want to pursue their passion to become an occupational therapist by earning an MOT degree at Muskingum. It can be combined with any undergraduate major related to occupational therapy."

The OCSC minor also means students can start thinking about their next step earlier. Those whose goal is to continue into Muskingum's MOT program can apply to the Alternative Pathway during the summer between their junior and senior years.

For current Muskies considering a career in occupational therapy, the new minor creates a clearer and more efficient path from undergraduate study to graduate school and, ultimately, to becoming an occupational therapist. It also allows students to begin building their knowledge about occupational therapy while earning their bachelor's degree.

It's one more way Muskingum is helping students turn what they discover here into what comes next.

Visit the Occupational Science Minor website to learn more.