Weekend MSOT Program
Weekend Master of Science Program
This Program is designed for individuals who are currently certified or licensed as health care practitioners (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Nurse, Physical Therapy Assistant, etc.) and have at least one year's experience in their respective profession. Graduates of the Program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination leading to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR). Other candidates should consider the OTD program that allows for additional clinical fieldwork and added curriculum to educate the student about occupational therapy. The weekend format is designed for those with work experience in occupational therapy. 
The early decision deadline for OTA applicants is January 1st and the regular decision deadline for OTA’s is March 15th. The early decision deadline is for OTAs who have everything complete including all prerequisites. Applications from OTAs not eligible for early decision will be reviewed after March 15th. The application deadline for non-OTA applicants is March 15th. Non-OTA applications will also be reviewed after March 15th.
A maximum of 32 students are admitted into the MSOT Weekend Program each year. It is in the best interest of prospective students to complete their application early because of the limited number of positions in the class. Applications completed by the application deadlines (January 1st and March 15th) will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and a written determination of their status wil be mailed to the student. Competitive applications completed by the deadlines but still in process of completing admission requirements (prerequisites, observation hours) may be eligible for conditional acceptance. However, the conditional acceptance will be rescinded if all requirements are not completed by August 1 prior to the fall semester for which the student is applying.
The MSOT Weekend Program consists of six consecutive semesters (including summers). Classes are conducted online through Blackboard and every third weekend on Belmont ’s campus. It involves the student in clinical practicum experiences directly linked to professional coursework in psychosocial, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neuro-rehabilitation, general rehabilitation, pediatrics and management. Our students may select from over 420 clinical sites. Dr. Ruth Ford is the Associate Dean of the School of Occupational Therapy and Dr. Lorry Kleinfeld is the MSOT Program Director.
Student Outcomes (Calendar Years: 2004 – 2007)
Belmont University and the School of Occupational Therapy are committed to the successful outcomes of each of the occupational therapy students and graduates. The process for measuring success is determined in a number of different methods. Program evaluation looks at student retention and graduation rates, pass rates on National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy, and employment placement.
NBCOT First Time Pass Rate (2005 – 2007)
The total number of graduates who passed the certification exam as first-time new graduate test takers in 2005-2007 was 107 out of 119, which is an 90% pass rate for all Belmont MSOT and OTD candidates*. During that 3-year time period, the program had 119 graduates.
*NBCOT pass rates have been separated by Master level and Doctorate level candidates for program evaluation starting in January 2007. The 3 year average by program is not available for individual reporting at this time from NBCOT.
Student Retention and Graduation Rates
MSOT 2004-2007: 90 graduates from a total of 91 students with a retention level of 99% overall
OTD 2004-2007: 57 graduates from 57 total students with a retention level of 100% overall
Employment Placement
The MSOT and OTD graduates typically have job offers at the time of graduation in the chosen Occupational Therapy field. Employment placements include hospitals, school system, rehabilitation centers, long term care facilities, out-patient clinics and other settings.
