FAQs for Department of Occupational Therapy
Q. If I don’t have a bachelor’s degree, what should I major in at the undergraduate level to apply to the MOT program?
The choice is personal. Examples of what other students have majored in at the undergraduate level include community health, biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts, and anatomy. It is important that you review the pre-requisite and application requirements found on the website www.govst.edu/mot to make sure you take the necessary pre-requisites for admission to the program. Please contact the MOT program if you have questions.
Q. If I already have a bachelor’s degree, am I ready to apply to the MOT Program?
Applicants must meet all pre-requisite course requirements. If a particular pre-requisite course was not part of your undergraduate studies, you must still take the course as a pre-requisite to application to the MOT program. It is important that you review the pre-requisite and application requirements found on the website to make sure you have taken the necessary prerequisites for admission to the program. Please contact the MOT program if you have questions.
Q. I am currently working in another profession. I am considering occupational therapy as a second career. Is this feasible?
A good number of students return to the university to become an occupational therapist. It is important that you review the pre-requisite and application requirements found on the website to make sure you have taken the necessary prerequisites for admission to the program. Please contact the MOT program if you have questions.
Q. When should I take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
A. The GRE score report must be included with your MOT application. Consult the GRE testing service to make sure you take the exam in sufficient time to receive the scores for inclusion with your application. It is important that you review the MOT application requirements found on the website so your application is complete prior to submission by the identified deadline.
Q. Is there an advantage to obtaining a bachelor's degree from GSU over a bachelor’s degree from another university?
A. Any undergraduate GSU student who notifies the MOT Program that their goal is application to the MOT program will be assigned an advisor from the MOT program. The MOT advisor will work with you and your GSU undergraduate program advisor regarding course selection and portfolio options.
Q. How long will the GSU undergraduate program take?
A. The amount of time depends upon the number of credits you must earn and the amount of time you can devote to studies while you balance work and other responsibilities. All efforts will be made to explore avenues for you to earn portfolio credit for your learning in practice. Because Governors State operates on a trimester system, you can earn your degree more quickly that at other institutions. Many courses are available in the evenings and/or on the Internet or TV.
Q. Is the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program disappearing or moving to the baccalaureate level?
A. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) continues to promote the OTA career choice. The OTA programs will remain at the associate degree level. Baccalaureate OTR programs have been phased out.
Q. Is it true I can get academic credit for my work as a COTA?
A. There are many ways of learning and GSU recognizes that some persons may have learned course content through their own life experiences. You may recognize your own learning when reading about a specific course. For more information, consult an advisor about portfolio options for a specific college or university course.
Q. How can I afford returning to school?
A. Consult the website: www.govst.edu for the latest information regarding tuition and financial aid. The GSU financial aid office is available for individual counseling; use www.easyfafsa.com as a first step in applying for any financial aid; talk to your employer about sponsoring your education; explore scholarship and loan information available to the general public.(always consult a university financial aid advisor if you are suspicious of a loan contract).
Q. How do I know which Occupational Therapy program is the best or has a higher ranking?
A. Neither AOTA nor American Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) ranks programs. Accreditation of a program indicates that the program is in substantial compliance with the Standards. Various programs may exceed the minimum standards, but they are not acknowledged as such by AOTA.
Q. Is the MOT program at Governors State accredited by ACOTE?
A. Yes, the Governors State University MOT program has been continuously accredited from its beginning in 1996.
