Why OT at Rockhurst?

Points of Acceptance into the Program
The Occupational Therapy Education Program accommodates multiple points of acceptance for interested students. Post-baccalaureate students may be accepted at any time during the year for the next occupational therapy class. For the Rockhurst undergraduate student, points of acceptance include Freshman Pre-Admission, the Occupational Therapy Scholars Program and regular acceptance during the final year of undergraduate coursework. Contact us to find out more about our curriculum options.

Five Year Master of Occupational Therapy for students attending Rockhurst for a bachelor's plus graduate degree
Rockhurst University undergraduate students seeking occupational therapy can complete their Master of Occupational Therapy Degree (MOT) in five years provided they are in touch with their Undergraduate Advisor and Pre-OT Advisor early on. Contact the Pre-OT Advisor.

Typical bachelor's degree majors for Pre-OT students include Biology, Psychology, or Exercise and Sports Science. A student can earn a bachelors degree in any area of interest and enter the OT program as long as they complete the required prerequisite courses for entrance into the program.

Graduation Rates

Rockhurst University's occupational therapy program consistently has a high graduation rate. The total number of graduates from Rockhurst University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period of 2017-2019 was 134, with an overall graduation rate of 99%.

*Total includes students who graduated from the part-time program

24 Month Master of Occupational Therapy for students entering with an undergraduate degree
Students with an undergraduate degree can complete the graduate program in 24 months.  Students must have a bachelors degree along with completion of the required prerequisite coursework. 

Rockhurst MOT Graduates have Excellent Job Opportunities
100% of the occupational therapy received employment offers within six months of graduation, some even beforehand. Find out more about the OT job market and the success of our graduates.

We Surpass National Registration Exam Scores
Rockhurst graduates always have exceeded the national average pass rate.

The Capstone Research Project is Collaborative
The capstone experience replaces the traditional master's thesis. It is an interactive and mentored research project.

Opportunities for International Fieldwork/Service Trips are offered
Rockhurst University offers opportunities to travel internationally for fieldwork. We have established relationships with Ecuador and St. Lucia. Additionally, OT students are invited to apply for any of the University sponsored service trips.

State and National Presentations are encouraged
Students submit their Capstone Research Project to local, national and international organizations for publication or presentation.

Service Learning is integrated into the curriculum so you learn hands-on
Throughout the program, you'll participate in service learning related to occupational therapy.

Mentoring is provided
After you graduate, you'll keep in touch with a faculty mentor while you transition from the classroom to fieldwork to your first job.

Student-Faculty Ratio is low
A low student-to-teacher ratio and university-wide commitment to learning, leadership and service help prepare students for national registration and clinical practice.

You Learn from Outstanding Faculty
You'll learn from outstanding faculty who have presented nationally and internationally, published articles and chapters, and received grants.

Graduate Student Positions are Available
As a graduate student, you'll have the opportunity to earn positions as lab, research and teaching assistants. These positions offer the convenience of on-campus employment, flexible scheduling and valuable mentoring opportunities with faculty.

RU Students find Community Positions 
Families are eager to hire OT students to work with family members who are disabled, and area agencies hire OT students to serve people with disabilities. Find out what is available from Career Services.

Coursework is Monday - Thursday
Your coursework is typically scheduled Monday through Thursday, which allows you extra time to work in community-based programs.

Local Service Opportunities
Engage in numerous local service opportunities.

International Service Trips are Offered Throughout the Year
Travel to Ecuador or St. Lucia with other OT, PT and SLP students for an interprofessional service trip to provide service and health care to those in need.

RU Students Learn by Teaching
You'll teach health and wellness to community members on a regular basis.

Clinical Rotations are Determined through Collaboration with Your Academic Fieldwork Coordinators
You'll complete 27 weeks of supervised clinical internships as part of the MOT program.