BS/MS in Occupational Therapy

Course Sequence

FIRST YEAR

FALL
OT 100	Introduction to Occupational Therapy	2 cr
OT 106	Therapeutic Skills 1: Interpersonal Skills	2 cr
OT 110	Human Development & Occupation 1: Pediatrics	3 cr
OT 140	Neuroscience	5 cr
OT 201	Professional Development 1: OT Student Academic Experience	2 cr
OT 301	Skills For Living 1: Play and Leisure	3 cr
		17 credits

SPRING
OT 111	Human Development & Occupation 2: Adolescence	2 cr
OT 119	Anatomy	5 cr
OT 120	Theory 1: Introduction	2 cr
OT 202	Professional Development 2: Communication Skills	1 cr
OT 203	Professional Development 3: Advocacy & Disability Perspectives	1 cr
OT 206	Therapeutic Skills 2: Group Process	3 cr
		14 credits

SUMMER
OT 112	Human Development & Occupation 2: Geriatrics	2 cr
OT 121	Medical Conditions 1: Physical Disabilities	3 cr
OT 129	Kinesiology	4 cr
OT 220	Theory 2: Learning Theories	2 cr
OT 302	Skills For Living 2: Work	3 cr
		14 credits

SECOND YEAR

FALL
OT 122	Medical Conditions 2: Mental Health	3 cr
OT 200	Fieldwork Level I: Geriatrics	1 cr
OT 303	Skills for Living 3: Self-Care	3 cr
OT 306	Therapeutic Skills 3: Teamwork & Leadership	2 cr
OT 320	Comprehensive Models/ Mental Health Practice Guidelines	4 cr
OT 420	Theory 4: Physical Disability Guidelines for Practice	5 cr
		18 credits

SPRING
OT 205	Professional Development 5: Health Promotion	1 cr
OT 210	Fieldwork Level I: Mental Health	1 cr
OT 215	Fieldwork Level I: Physical Disability	1 cr
OT 330	Practice 1: Mental Health	5 cr
OT 430	Practice 2: Neurorehabilitation	5 cr
OT 431	Practice 3: Ortho Rehab/Splint Fabrication	4 cr
		17 credits

SUMMER
OT 432	Practice 4: Medical and Surgical Rehabilitation	2 cr
OT 506	Therapeutic Skills 5: Technology	2 cr
OT 520	Theory 5: Research	3 cr
OT 533	Medical Conditions 3: Pediatrics	3 cr
OT 620	Theory 6: Research Proposal	2 cr
OT 720	Theory 7: Community Practice & Health Promotion	2 cr
		14 credits

THIRD YEAR

FALL
OT 507	Therapeutic Skills 6: Organization & Administration	3 cr
OT 510	Fieldwork Level II: Fieldwork 1	5 cr
OT 530	Practice 5: Pediatrics	5 cr
OT 535	Fieldwork Level I: Pediatrics	1 cr
OT 716	Professional Development 6: OT Student Clinical Experience	1 cr
		15 credits

SPRING
OT 511	Fieldwork Level II: Fieldwork 2	5 cr
OT 820	Theory 8: Capstone Research Project	4 cr
		9 credits

SUMMER
OT 512	Fieldwork Level II: Fieldwork 3	4 cr
OT 513	Elective Fieldwork Level II	2-4 cr
		6-8 credits

Curriculum

The occupational therapy program is a traditional three-year professional program offered on-campus, in-person with technology-enhanced resources. All OT courses are held on campus, promoting collaboration and interactive learning, with the University's LMS providing access to course materials, online discussions, and other resources. Some courses use a blended format, mixing on-campus sessions with online learning activities.

Clinical fieldwork takes place off campus in various healthcare settings, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world situations. Academic requirements for fieldwork may also include seminars, guest lecturers, reflection papers or journals, case studies, engaging in discussion forums or other related coursework.

First Year Course Sequence

FALL
OT 211	Occupational Therapy Service Learning	0 cr
OT 212	Introduction to Occupational Therapy	2 cr
OT 213	Therapeutic Skills 1: Interpersonal Skills (BL)	2 cr
OT 214	Human Development & Occupation 1: Pediatrics	3 cr
OT 251	Neuroscience	5 cr
OT 222	Professional Development 1: OT Student Academic Experience (BL)	2 cr
OT 230	Skills For Living 1: Play and Leisure (BL)	3 cr
		17 credits
SPRING
OT 211	Occupational Therapy Service Learning	0 cr
OT 216	Human Development & Occupation 2: Adolescence	2 cr
OT 218	Anatomy	5 cr
OT 219	Theory 1: Introduction (BL)	2 cr
OT 223	Professional Development 2: Communication Skills	1 cr
OT 224	Professional Development 3: Advocacy & Disability Perspectives	1 cr
OT 226	Therapeutic Skills 2: Group Process	3 cr
		14 credits
SUMMER
OT 211	Occupational Therapy Service Learning	0 cr
OT 217	Human Development & Occupation 2: Geriatrics	2 cr
OT 220	Medical Conditions 1: Physical Disabilities	3 cr
OT 236	Kinesiology	4 cr
OT 229	Theory 2: Learning Theories	2 cr
OT 231	Skills For Living 2: Work (BL)	3 cr
		14 credits

Note: Blended courses identified with (BL). All students must take OT 218 Anatomy cadaver dissection lab and OT 251 Neuroscience dissection lab. Students who are unable to attend cadaver and neuroscience lab for any reason must drop the course. This will affect your ability to progress through the program.

Second Year Course Sequence

FALL
OT 221	Medical Conditions 2: Mental Health	3 cr
OT 250	Fieldwork Level I: Geriatrics	1 cr
OT 232	Skills for Living 3: Self-Care	3 cr
OT 233	Therapeutic Skills 3: Teamwork & Leadership	2 cr
OT 234	Comprehensive Models/ Mental Health Practice Guidelines	4 cr
OT 242	Theory 4: Physical Disability Guidelines for Practice	5 cr
		18 credits
SPRING
OT 225	Professional Development 5: Health Promotion	1 cr
OT 227	Fieldwork Level I: Mental Health	1 cr
OT 228	Fieldwork Level I: Physical Disability	1 cr
OT 235	Practice 1: Mental Health	5 cr
OT 243	Practice 2: Neurorehabilitation	5 cr
OT 244	Practice 3: Ortho Rehab/Splint Fabrication	4 cr
		17 credits
SUMMER
OT 245	Practice 4: Medical and Surgical Rehabilitation	2 cr
OT 506	Therapeutic Skills 5: Technology	2 cr
OT 520	Theory 5: Research (BL)	3 cr
OT 533	Medical Conditions 3: Pediatrics	3 cr
OT 620	Theory 6: Research Proposal (BL)	2 cr
OT 720	Theory 7: Community Practice & Health Promotion	2 cr
		14 credits

Third Year Course Sequence

FALL
OT 507	Therapeutic Skills 6: Organization & Administration (BL)	3 cr
OT 510	Fieldwork Level II: Fieldwork 1	5 cr
OT 530	Practice 5: Pediatrics	5 cr
OT 535	Fieldwork Level I: Pediatrics	1 cr
OT 716	Professional Development 6: OT Student Clinical Experience	1 cr
		15 credits
SPRING
OT 511	Fieldwork Level II: Fieldwork 2	5 cr
OT 820	Theory 8: Capstone Research Project (BL)	4 cr
		9 credits
SUMMER
OT 512	Fieldwork Level II: Fieldwork 3	4 cr
OT 513	Elective Fieldwork Level II	2-4 cr
		4-8 credits

A complete list of course descriptions may be found in the LIU Brooklyn Academic Catalogs and individual course syllabi.

For a student to progress within the program, students must complete each OT course with a grade of “C” or better and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher throughout the program.

Admissions Requirements

Current LIU Students are required to apply for admission directly through the Department of Occupational Therapy at Long Island University, Brooklyn. To apply, email michael.gawronski@liu.edu for the 2024-2025 an application packet.

Transfer Students are required to apply for admission through a centralized application service, the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service. To apply, go to www.otcas.org and select Long Island University, Brooklyn as your program. Review and follow the instructions to complete the application process.

International Students must submit an international evaluation and translation for all international transcripts to OTCAS. These transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited organization and must be submitted by the application deadline. Students must also alert the department of such transcripts by emailing michael.gawronski@liu.edu.

Our program operates on a rolling admissions basis, applications are reviewed as they are submitted. While we continue to accept applications until the program is full, we strongly encourage prospective students to apply by our priority deadline for the best chance at securing a spot, as well as consideration for financial aid and scholarships. Applying early ensures your application receives prompt attention and maximizes your opportunities within the program.

Priority deadline is February 3, 2025.

Application Details
To be considered for admission you will need:

• A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all prerequisite courses.
• All science prerequisite coursework completed within the last 5 years.
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
• Completion of a minimum of 25 hours of observation in at least two different occupational therapy practice settings.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation - these should be written by individuals who know you well, such as college professors, academic advisors, or employers, and must include at least one letter from a licensed occupational therapist.
• A personal statement - explain why you seek admission to LIU’s OT program, your passion for occupational therapy, and what drives you to pursue a professional degree in this field. Describe any experiences you have had that might impact on your career as an occupational therapist, and outline how you plan to balance the demands of graduate education with your social, work, and family responsibilities.
• A up to date resume or curriculum vitae.

Due the competitive nature of the program an interview may be required.

Prerequisite Coursework
Applicants are encouraged to apply while they are finishing their prerequisite courses, but all prerequisites must be completed before starting the program.

Prerequisite courses for applicants without a degree
Biology (Bio 1 or 3, 2 or 4, General Biology 1 & 2)	8 cr
Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 137, A&P I)	4 cr
Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 138, A&P II)	4 cr
Statistics	3 cr
College Math (Math 16, Algebra or higher)	3 cr
General Psy (Psy 3)	3 cr
Developmental Psy (Psy 107)	3 cr
Abnormal Psy (Psy 110)	3 cr
English Composition (ENG 16)	3 cr
English Literature (ENG 61-64)	3 cr
History (HIS 1, 2)	3 cr
Philosophy (Phil 61, 62)	3 cr
Oral Communication (Spe 3)	3 cr
Introduction to Sociology/Anthropology	3 cr
Foreign Language	3 cr
Art, Dance, Music, or Media Arts	3 cr
Liberal Arts Credits	5 cr*
Total	60 credits

Prerequisite courses for applicants with a degree
Biology (Bio 1 or 3, 2 or 4, General Biology 1 & 2)	8 cr
Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 137, A&P I)	4 cr
Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 138, A&P II)	4 cr
Statistics	3 cr
College Math (Math 16, Algebra or higher)	3 cr
General Psy (Psy 3)	3 cr
Developmental Psy (Psy 107)	3 cr
Abnormal Psy (Psy 110)	3 cr
English Composition and/or Literature (Eng 16; Eng 61-64)	6 cr
Introduction to Sociology/Anthropology	3 cr
Liberal Arts Credits	20 cr
Total	60 credits

Accreditation and Outcomes

The combined Bachelor’s / Master’s of Science (BS/MS) program in occupational therapy at Long Island University, Brooklyn is fully approved and registered by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Applicants for the national certification examination will be asked to answer questions related to the topic of felony convictions. This may impact a graduate's eligibility for certification and credentialing. For further information, applicants are advised to contact the NBCOT at (301) 990-7979 or info@nbcot.org.

After successful completion of the NBCOT Certification Examination, an individual is entitled to use the designation "Occupational Therapist, Registered" (OTR). Most states require a passing score on the NBCOT Certification as the examination requirement for professional licensure.

Outcomes – NBCOT Certification Exam Results

Graduation year	Number of Graduates Testing	Number of Graduates Passing	NBCOT Pass Rates
2023	59	52	88%
2022	44	39	89%
2021	47	43	91%
2020	43	39	91%

Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance

Outcomes – Graduation Rates

Tuition and Fees

Earning an LIU B.S./M.S. degree in Occupational Therapy is an investment that offers lifelong rewards, not only for you but also for the patients and families you will serve.

Summary of Costs

Current Cost	Year 1 (Fall 2023, Spring, Summer 2024)	Year 2  (Fall 2024, Spring, Summer 2025)	Year 3  (Fall 2025, Spring 2026)	Total Cost of Program
Tuition	$58,386.00	$59,554.00	$45,024.00	$162,964.00
University Fee	$3,091.00	$3,111.00	$2,116.00	$8,318.00
Books and Supplies	$3,000.00	$3,000.00	$3,000.00	$9,000.00
Total				$180,282.00

Tuition and fees in years 2 and 3 include an estimated 2% increase; final rates are subject to change.

According to the US Department of Education, a student’s cost of attendance is defined as the total cost of attending the program, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, and transportation costs, as well as loan fees and costs associated with distance education.

Application Process (Transfer Student)

All applicants can submit their application for admissions while they are in the final stage of the completion of their prerequisite courses. All prerequisites must be completed prior to entering the professional phase of the program.

The Department of Occupational Therapy accepts transfer students with or without a degree. Transfer students need to apply to the program via:

The OTCAS system: www.otcas.org.
Application Deadline: January 19, 2024
Long Island University uses the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

Please visit https://portal.otcas.org/ to create your OTCAS account.

All official transcripts should be sent directly to OTCAS:
Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)
P.O. Box 9120
Watertown, MA 02471

Phone: 617–612–2860
Email: otcasinfo@otcas.org
Website: http://portal.otcas.org/

Where to Send Your Application:

OTCAS must receive the application, references, and transcripts well before the deadline listed above in order to be VERIFIED in time for consideration. Once your application is complete, OTCAS will verify your documents before releasing them to Long Island University. Please note that Long Island University cannot access unverified applications. Applicants should confirm their status as verified with OTCAS.

• For any questions about the receipt, processing, and verification of your application, please contact OTCAS Customer Service at 617-612-2860, otcasinfo@otcas.org.
• For other questions, please contact the Long Island University OT Program Director at michael.gawronski@liu.edu or 718-780-4508.

No supplemental application is required.

Please note, only verified OTCAS applications can be considered for interviews. Please allow 2-6 weeks (depending on time of year) for OTCAS and the respective institutions to send/review/verify your transcripts once they are received. In other words, applications need to be VERIFIED by the deadline listed above in order to have priority consideration. Any applications verified after the application deadline will be reviewed once all other applications have been reviewed and class seating permits.

International students must submit an international evaluation and translation for all international transcripts to OTCAS. These transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited organization and must be submitted by the application deadline. Students must also alert the OT department of such transcripts by emailing michael.gawronski@liu.edu. Incomplete applications will not be considered for an interview.

Students are required to provide the following items when submitting their application or your application cannot be processed. Incomplete applications will not be considered for an interview.

3 letters of recommendation

• Your application will not be considered complete until all three reference letters are on file with OTCAS by the deadline.
• We REQUEST that letters of recommendation be completed by people who know you well—for example, college professors, academic counselors, and/or employers and by at least one occupational therapist.

Personal statement

• In your personal statement explain your career goals, your interest in occupational therapy, past work/volunteer experience that is relevant, and if there is a specialized area of occupational therapy that interests you most. You may also wish to describe your experience with illness and disability—whether the experience is your own or that of a family member or close friend.

Verification of a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer work with a licensed occupational therapist (uploaded to OTCAS)

• 50 hours is the minimum requirement and should be completed by the application deadline for full consideration.
• It is recommended that candidates engage in more than the minimum hours and in more than one setting.
• We require that verification of these hours are provided. Please make sure documentation is submitted to OTCAS for all hours for consideration. A letter or a log of hours signed by the OTR is fine.
• In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, volunteer hours with an OT are NOT required for the 2020-2021 application cycle. However, we will consider non-OT volunteer experiences and community service in non-clinical venues.

Curriculum Vitae (uploaded to OTCAS)

INTERVIEW Due the competitive nature of the program unfortunately only eligible students will be invited for an interview. The following criteria will be considered to determine eligibility for an interview:
·  Meeting application deadline with a Verified Application
·  Cumulative GPA as well as Science GPA
·  Volunteer experience and extracurricular activities
·  Writing competency (personal statement, curriculum vitae)
·  Letters of recommendation
·  Leadership positions
·  Research Participation
·  Curriculum Vitae

About the Program

Located in Brooklyn, NY, LIU’s Department of Occupational Therapy was established in 1998 and achieved initial accreditation in 2000. The program is fully accredited through 2030, with the next accreditation review scheduled for 2031-2032. We offer a 122-credit combined B.S./M.S. degree in Occupational Therapy, allowing students to earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Master of Science (M.S.) in just five years, as opposed to the typical six or more years if pursued separately.

The program is available on the Brooklyn campus. Before advancing to the professional phase, students complete 60 credits of general education and foundational science courses, providing a solid grounding in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The professional phase consists of three years of full-time academic coursework and clinical training, incorporating various community service-learning experiences.

Mission

Our mission is to educate students from diverse backgrounds to become clinicians who promote occupation, health and wellness through the lifespan for individuals, communities and populations.

• We engage in reflective practice
• We facilitate experiential learning, leadership & advocacy skills
• We promote evidence-based practice and research
• We utilize current technology for student learning and client engagement

Emphasizing theory, scholarship, clinical skills, and professionalism, the programs foster competencies to meet the challenges of serving people in an ever-changing global environment.

Department Faculty and Staff

Dr. Michael Gawronski, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor | Program Director, Pratt 211, michael.gawronski@liu.edu, (718) 780-4510

Dr. Mechelle Collins-Faria OTD, OTR/L, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator | Assistant Professor, Pratt 212, mechelle.collins@liu.edu, (718) 246-6371

Dr. Ida Koraitem, OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor | PTK Advisor, Pratt 218, ida.koraitem@liu.edu, (718) 780-4508

Dr. Renee Ortega, PhD, BC-DMT, LCAT, COTA/L, Assistant Professor | Research Coordinator, Pratt 213, renee.ortega@liu.edu, (718) 780-4508

Dr. Keith Peterson, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor | SOTA Advisor, Pratt 221, keith.peterson@liu.edu, (718) 780-4508

Ms. Anna Torres, Administrative Support, anna.torres@liu.edu, (718) 780-6578

Background Check and Drug Testing

A criminal conviction and/or the use of illegal drugs may impede or bar your entry into the field of occupational therapy. Students desiring entrance into the LIU OT Program should be aware that the presence of a criminal record can result in the refusal of licensing/certification/registration agencies to issue the credential needed to practice in the field of study. Prospective students are urged to contact the pertinent state and/or federal licensing board to inquire whether a criminal record will have an impact on their eligibility to obtain licensure or certification. A criminal conviction and/or the use of illegal drugs may impede licensure in New York State. Students who have had a prior conviction are advised to contact NBCOT (www.nbcot.org) for clearance before beginning an academic program. For a fee, NBCOT will review the circumstances which led to a conviction and the individual’s personal record and render a decision concerning whether or not the individual would qualify to work as an occupational therapist

 
In addition, many of our clinical/field experience affiliates now require the completion of criminal background checks and/or drug testing for employees, volunteers and students affiliated with the site. LIU OT students are required to participate in multiple clinical/field experiences and may be asked to undergo a criminal background check and/or drug screen by the site. A criminal conviction and/or the use of illegal drugs may impede or bar your ability to participate in a clinical/field experience, delay graduation and/or prevent you from completing the program. Our clinical/field affiliates can reject or remove a student from the site if a criminal record is discovered or if a drug test is positive. If a student is rejected from a clinical/field site due to information contained in the criminal background check, or drug screen, you may be unable to complete a required clinical/field experience. If you are unable to complete program requirements, you may be advised to withdraw from the program.