Master of Occupational Therapy Degree Program (MOT)

While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact definition of hybrid course design, most definitions include a discussion of "blending" face-to-face instruction with online activity. The difference lies in how this division occurs, and to what extent. The purpose of this material is to more effectively describe what hybrid means in relation to the Occupational Therapy program at Nebraska Methodist College.

There are many benefits to hybrid courses. Hybrid courses blend the best of both worlds, engaging learners in the active, autonomous learning that occurs in the online environment. In addition to the regularly scheduled learning activities in the online environment, students also continue to have the benefit of regular face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers on campus.

Hybrid courses in NMC's Occupational Therapy program are not self-paced. Assignments and due dates are detailed in each syllabus, and students are expected to complete all online activity before attending a face-to-face session. Face-to-face sessions do not "re-teach" online concepts; rather they further advance the learner's application of course content to occupational therapy practice.

Hybrid courses come with extra expectations of the graduate learner's ability to time manage. Students are able to enjoy the flexibility of the class structure and how it may fit into their busy lives, but must be committed to the self-direction required for hybrid program success.

The format of each course is specified in its description.

Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Program will:

1. Use critical reasoning to provide evidence-based occupational therapy services within a variety of service delivery models, health care settings and community-based systems.
2. Ensure that OT services will be delivered within a collaborative, client-centered, occupation-based foundation with effective consideration of underlying factors that influence the individual's ability to engage and participate in valued occupations.
3. Clearly articulate, document and apply professional leadership principles and ethics in the advocacy for clients' needs, the needs of the profession and the needs of society.
4. Provide direct and indirect OT services to promote and sustain health, facilitate typical growth and development, prevent deficits and maintain, restore or enhance function through remediation, compensation and adaptation services as needed.
5. Within the guidelines of the OT profession, demonstrate the ability to manage and evaluate the effectiveness of OT services including client care outcomes, departmental operations, documentation and reimbursement compliance.
6. Initiate and participate in collaborative and cooperative interactions with intra-professionals and inter-professionals, clients, caregivers and significant others to achieve desired occupational therapy outcomes.
7. Continue to assume the responsibility for self-directed personal and professional growth needed for professional and cultural competence, ethical practice and life-long learning.
8. Demonstrate skill in critiquing and applying research evidence with a working competence of scientific inquiry, research methodology and dissemination of knowledge.
9. Advocate for individuals, populations, organizations and society as well as the OT profession to ensure promotion of health and wellness, access to health care services and decrease incidences of healthcare disparity in our society.
10. Continue to participate in leadership, advocacy and promotion of occupational therapy through membership and active participation in professional organizations, government agencies, human service organizations and community outreach.
11. Demonstrate values and attitudes consistent with the mission of Nebraska Methodist College, its MOT program and the published guidelines of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., including its credentialing and regulatory agencies.
12. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of advancing technology in addressing client-centered occupational therapy outcomes.
13. Demonstrate the research and scholarship skills necessary to critique today's practice for tomorrow's needs.

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association (NOTA)

• The Best Baccalaureate Majors for Occupational Therapy Students
• Occupational Therapy Master's Program Welcomes Students
• Occupational Therapy Program Reaches Important Milestones
• 10 Things to Know About NMC's New Occupational Therapy Program
• A Graduation Story of Faith, Family, and Nebraska Methodist College's First MOTs
• Lessons from Lucy
• Top 10 Tips for a Successful OTCAS Application
• Nebraska Methodist College's New PTA/OT Labs Unveiled

At Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), we strive to provide high quality Fieldwork education for all students through our strong partnerships within the community and throughout the country.  At NMC, students participate in four Level I Fieldwork experiences and two Level II Fieldwork experiences which are embedded throughout the six semester hybrid program.

Students experience the profession of occupational therapy in a variety of practice settings throughout the lifespan.  These experiences are designed to enrich didactic content through supervised experiences and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education [ACOTE], 2007)*.

Two of the Level I Fieldworks are community-based which align with the mission of the institution: As a health professions institution, we provide educational experiences for the development of individuals in order that they may positively influence the health and well-being of the community.

Upon successful completion of all didactic course work and Level I Fieldwork, students complete two Level II Fieldwork experiences.  This educational component allows students to actively engage in occupation-based practice and further develop the skills to become competent, entry-level occupational therapists.

*American Occupational Therapy Association. (2007). Excellence in fieldwork. Retrieved from http://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Fieldwork/Supervisor/Excellence.aspx.

Resource links:

• Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Education: Value and Purpose
• Self-Assessment Tool for Fieldwork Educator Competency
• AOTA Fieldwork Educator Resources
• Fieldwork Site Interest Form
• Professional Development Course Access
• CORE Login Page

"One of the reasons I made the decision to attend Methodist’s OT program was the smaller cohort sizes when compared to other programs. The small cohort size allowed me to grow personal relationships with each of my professors. They are truly there for your academic, professional, and personal success. They will take time out of their schedule to meet with their students whenever needed. I love the faculty at Methodist!"

- Taylyn L., 2021 NMC Graduate

"The faculty at NMC are all so friendly and very willing to help. This has made me feel comfortable with going up and asking anyone for help with something. It is very much a family-like atmosphere at NMC and I have felt supported by the faculty throughout my time here. I am also very thankful for my professors of my occupational therapy program. They have made a huge impact on my education in the best ways. We had a lot of twist and turns during the COVID-19 pandemic and our professors did so much in order for us to be able to get the best education, even if it looked a bit different."

- Brenna C., 2021 NMC Graduate

"Every single NMC faculty I came into contact with or worked alongside was kind, caring, and a great example of professionalism. The faculty definitely make every single student feel welcome and at home."

- Lindsey S., 2021 NMC Graduate

NMC OT Alumni Directory