Accelerated BS/MSOT in Occupational Therapy, East Falls

College

  • East Falls Campus
  • College of Rehabilitation Sciences

Degree Earned

  • Master of Science

Program Type

  • On Campus

The Accelerated BS/MSP+OT (3+2) is designed for high school students who know early on that they want to become occupational therapists

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences is no longer accepting applications for this program. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 215-951-2800 or enroll@jefferson.edu with questions.

Overview

The accelerated BS/MSOT-EF is for high school students who know early on that they want to become occupational therapists and allows students to seamlessly complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in less time than would be required to complete both of these degrees separately. Students are admitted as college freshman. Undergraduate courses and extra-curricular experiences provide students with a foundation to develop the knowledge, values, and interpersonal skills needed for success as an occupational therapist. During the first three years of undergraduate coursework, students complete major requirements for the bachelor degree, including the university’s college studies courses and occupational therapy prerequisites. Students who meet the Program progression criteria can matriculate into the master’s program by enrolling in first year occupational therapy graduate coursework during their fourth (senior) year of undergraduate studies. At the end of the fourth year, students are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon completion of graduate program requirements, students are awarded the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. This accelerated BS/MSOT program will  not accept new students as of Fall 2020.  The final cohort of BS students will enter the MSOT program in Fall 2022. Starting Fall 2020, freshman will  enter the accelerated BS to OTD program (3+3).

During the first three years of undergraduate coursework, students complete major requirements for the bachelor degree, including the university’s college studies courses and MSOT program prerequisites. Students who meet the MSOT Program progression criteria can matriculate into the master’s program by enrolling in first year MSOT graduate coursework during their fourth year of undergraduate studies. At the end of the fourth year, students are awarded the bachelor degree in either Health Sciences or Psychology, and upon completion of the OT program requirements, the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. The Accelerated BS/OTD is a cohort program that requires uninterrupted enrollment. Once accepted, students may not accelerate (i.e., take additional courses during the academic year or summer semesters to shorten program length) or decelerate (i.e., take a reduced course load in a semester and add another year to undergraduate study).  Students who are unable to meet progression criteria within three consecutive years are not eligible to enroll in OTD coursework. They must change their major to either Health Sciences or Psychology in order to complete the bachelor’s degree.

The Accelerated BS/MSOT is a cohort program that requires uninterrupted enrollment. Once accepted, students may not accelerate (i.e., take additional courses during the academic year or summer semesters to shorten program length) or decelerate (i.e., take a reduced course load in a semester and add another year to undergraduate study).  Students who are unable to meet progression criteria within three consecutive years are not eligible to enroll in MSOT coursework. They must change their major to either Health Sciences or Psychology in order to complete the bachelor’s degree.

Program Options

offered through Jefferson College of Health Professions

The BS in Health Sciences track includes multiple courses designed for students who are interested in becoming a health professional.  The curriculum includes courses in the natural sciences combined with human sciences, psychology, and unique practical and clinical experiences. Additionally, each student completes extensive volunteer and shadowing experiences with health practitioners as part of the major’s coursework. All OT Program prerequisites are completed within the undergraduate degree requirements. Although the course sequence is modified in the BS in Health Sciences/MS in Occupational Therapy program, you can learn more about it through the Health Sciences program.

offered through Jefferson College of Humanities and Science

The BS in Psychology offers extensive coursework and learning activities that focus on understanding human behavior, central to the success of health professionals. Students are thoroughly immersed into the Psychology discipline as this track includes eight core Psychology courses and eight Psychology electives (including two of the OT Program prerequisite course requirements). During their undergraduate study students participate in an advanced research project in a topic of their choosing. All OT Program prerequisites are completed within the undergraduate degree requirements. Although the course sequence is modified in the BS in Psychology/MS in Occupational Studies program, you can learn more about it through the Psychology program.