Occupational Therapy (Bridge Program)

Keiser University’s occupational therapy program recognizes the strong clinical foundation you built during your occupational therapy assistant education and field experience. The curriculum expands your scope of practice through advanced coursework in evaluation skills, intervention planning, clinical reasoning, and professional development. You examine neuroanatomy and functional anatomy as they relate to functional movement, study occupation-based assessment tools for diverse populations, and develop expertise in addressing physical disabilities, mental health conditions, pediatric disorders, and older adults’ concerns.

The graduate program integrates evidence-based practice principles throughout, preparing you to critically analyze research literature, implement evidence-based interventions, and contribute to the occupational therapy profession’s scholarly foundation. The program emphasises clinical decision-making in varied clinical settings, preparing graduates to work as competent occupational therapists across the continuum of care.

Program Mission

The mission of the Keiser University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is to establish excellence in occupational therapy education, research, and scholarly activities. The MSOT Program will prepare graduates who will provide evidence-based occupational therapy services locally and globally to communities. The program prepares occupational therapy professionals as providers and leaders in the delivery of high-quality, accessible, competent care within a highly technological environment. The MSOT program promotes, expands, and validates scientific knowledge and evidence-based practice through interdisciplinary research. The MSOT program strives to meet the educational and support needs of a student population and provide opportunities for minority and non-traditional students.

Program Goals

• Engage in scholarly endeavors to promote continued competency and professional development in the field of occupational therapy.
• Demonstrate entry-level clinical competence to maximize functional outcomes of individuals, groups, and populations.
• Demonstrate leadership abilities that foster a collaborative perspective of client care, innovative practice and the all-encompassing roles of the occupational therapy practitioner.

Gain Job-Ready Skills for an Occupational Therapy Career:

• Advanced assessment techniques for diverse populations
• Evidence-based intervention planning across clinical settings
• Neuroanatomical and functional anatomy foundations of movement
• Pediatric occupational therapy developmental strategies
• Geriatric rehabilitation approaches for older adults
• Mental health intervention methods for mental health conditions
• Supervised fieldwork supervision and mentoring of occupational therapy assistants
• Healthcare program management for various practice settings
• Research literacy and application of evidence-based practice
• Treatment plan development for diverse patient needs
• Clinical decision-making using the occupational therapy process

Keiser University offers career-focused occupational therapy degrees designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their career goals at all levels of health professions education.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space. Applications for Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

Credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcript directly from the previous institution by the end of a student’s first semester. Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum one third of a program at any time through the University. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from all former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Keiser University does not make any blanket assurances or guarantees regarding the acceptance or transferability of credits from other institutions. Each credit evaluation is conducted on a caseby-case basis in accordance with university policy.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.

Qualified, accepted master’s degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 12 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements. Courses represented with a Pass or Satisfactory grade may be transferable at the discretion of the program chair and/or appropriate program Dean.

The Keiser University MSOT Bridge Program is a lockstep, cohort-based program with established student learning outcomes. Transfer credits are generally not accepted for MSOT major courses; however, requests may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine equivalency.

The MSOT program 16-week semesters are each comprised of two eight-week terms, exclusive of fieldwork semesters. In the first semester, students will take one (1) MSOT course per eight-week term. The on-line component of each course is asynchronous and synchronous in nature; however, students are required to attend scheduled practical laboratories on-campus approximately one (1) weekend per month (Fridays and Saturdays).

In semester IV, in conjunction with their academic coursework students will complete a variety of parttime Level I fieldwork assignments with adult/pediatric/mental health experiences. Semesters V and VI are 16-week semesters. In semesters V and VI, students will complete two (2) 12week full time clinical Level II rotations in addition to a required four (4) week fieldwork seminar in each of those semesters. During this time students have the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in their coursework and Level I fieldwork experiences.

The length of this program is approximately 96 weeks.

Keiser University publishes a cost of attendance for the MSOT Bridge Program covering both the undergraduate and the graduate portion of the curriculum. A $55 application fee and a $145 non-refundable registration fee apply.

Estimated Program Costs Published by Keiser University

Figures are Keiser University’s published 2026-2027 estimates for this program; Keiser University notes that fees are subject to change.

The U.S. Department of Education has determined that Keiser University is eligible to participate in Federal Title IV financial aid programs. Graduate and professional students may borrow a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan of up to $20,500 per year, and may apply for the Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loan up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance. Keiser University also offers institutional scholarships to students who meet the criteria set by the University. Grants are not available to graduate students.

Graduates of Keiser University’s occupational therapy master’s program qualify to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) national certification examination. After passing this certification exam and obtaining state licensure, you can practice as an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR). This advanced credential opens leadership positions within healthcare systems, opportunities to precept occupational therapy assistants during supervised fieldwork, and specialized clinical practice areas including hand therapy, neurorehabilitation, and pediatric occupational therapy intervention.

• Acute care hospitals providing evidence-based interventions
• Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
• Outpatient clinics specializing in various clinical practice areas
• Home health services for older adults
• Skilled nursing facilities focusing on geriatric care
• Pediatric occupational therapy developmental centres
• Mental health treatment centres addressing mental health conditions
• Community health programs
• Private clinical practice
• Therapy department management
• Program development roles in health professions

NBCOT®

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapists, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Upon passing the examination, individuals are granted the credential of Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). While national certification is a critical step, graduates must also apply for licensure in the state or jurisdiction where they plan to practice. Licensure is required in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and individuals must meet all jurisdiction-specific requirements before beginning practice. Eligibility to take the NBCOT exam and apply for licensure requires graduation from an accredited master’s-level occupational therapy program.

Certification and Licensure

The MSOT Program was developed to be in line with national standards for NBCOT® certification and state licensure. All states require occupational therapists to go through a licensing process; however, the specific rules and regulations vary by state.

In general, the following are required to obtain licensure as an occupational therapist: a Master Degree in Occupational Therapy including approved coursework and supervised fieldwork experiences, and passing scores on the NBCOT® examination.

The program prepares students for, but does not guarantee, licensure as a professional occupational therapist. Students are strongly encouraged to contact their state licensing board to determine the requirements needed in the state in which they are seeking licensure.

Keiser University’s occupational therapy program serves occupational therapy assistants ready to advance their clinical practice through graduate education in the health sciences. The hybrid format combines the flexibility needed by working professionals with the hands-on skill development essential for occupational therapy practice. You gain advanced assessment skills, evidence-based interventions, and leadership capabilities while maintaining your current employment. Whether you aspire to expand your clinical expertise, mentor future occupational therapy assistants, or influence program development within your organization, Keiser provides the occupational therapy education and credentials needed to make a lasting impact in the occupational therapy profession.