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Seton Hall University Health and Medical Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to many common questions about the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program can be found on the following webpages:

Answers to a select number of other frequently asked questions are below:

  •  Do you have rolling admissions?
  • No, all applications will be reviewed after the deadline.
  • Can I apply with prerequisite courses in progress?
  • Yes, you can apply with courses in progress if you have a plan to complete them by the intended start of the program. 
  • Can I apply with observation hours in progress?
  • Yes, but hours should be completed before the intended start of the program. If you are unable to secure an observation experience because of COVID-19 restrictions on facilities, please check the admissions requirements page for the most recent guidance about alternate ways to complete this assignment. 
     
  • Are online courses or community college courses accepted?
  • Yes, online courses are fine if they are through an accredited institution of higher education. Anatomy and Physiology requirements must include a lab, either in-person or online. Community college courses are accepted.  
     
  • Am I required to find my own clinical placements? 
  • No, students work with the Director of Clinical Education who places students at sites affiliated with the University. 
     
  • How can I be sure if all my prerequisites will be accepted?
  • The OTCAS application will provide guidelines for acceptable coursework equivalencies. If you have specific questions about your prerequisite courses, please contact Patrick McDermott, M.A., Assistant Dean for Graduate Enrollment and Student Affairs, at shms@shu.edu or (973) 275-2062.
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  • Do you conduct interviews?
  • We reserve the right to conduct interviews for applicants.
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  • Can I schedule my classes according to what works best for me? Do you offer a part-time or weekend/evening program?
  • No, all of our schedules are fixed and program is full-time. Classes are generally held Monday-Friday during the day, with some classes in the evening. Schedules vary by semester and by year.
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  • What is the job outlook like for OTs?
  • Currently there is a strong demand for occupational therapists. Many of our students have job offers before they graduate. For the latest outlook, applicants are encouraged to consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do I need to take a licensing exam to be a certified occupational therapist?

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the national board for certification in occupational therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.