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    Occupational Therapy, MOT

    Have Questions? Speak to an Admissions Coordinator

    Occupational Therapy Perks

    • On-campus and online hybrid format combines classroom learning, research assignments, lab work, and Fieldwork teaching formats in a six-semester, 24-month program.
    • Designed to provide graduates with the technical background, therapeutic interaction skills, and critical thinking needed to work as the main point of contact with clients in a variety of healthcare settings, including private residences.
    • Fieldwork assignments begin in the first semester. These experiences provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in rural and urban areas throughout the country.
    • Students must complete Level II fieldwork and experiential requirements within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.
    • Faculty possess a wide range of backgrounds and skills, with demonstrable experience in their chosen fields.
    • Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) examination. After certification through NBCOT, graduates must also meet the licensure requirements for the state in which they choose to practice.
    • Download the Inquiry Packet for more details

    Everyday abilities that most people take for granted can be a never-ending series of challenges for many individuals. Most environments simply aren't well-suited to persons who have been injured, diagnosed with a disability or seen their bodies undergo debilitating changes as they grow older.

    With a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree from Nebraska Methodist College, you'll be equipped to provide such persons with the tools they'll need to sustain a high quality of life despite the challenges they face.

    Most people you work with have the determination to overcome adversity, but it will be up to you to guide them on their path, helping them see that an injury or a disability doesn't have to be a hindrance to a long and healthy life.

    NMC's Occupational Therapy program is geared toward compassionate professionals who want to take a more individualized approach to healthcare. While persons in this field may work in settings as diverse as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics, you'll also have the chance to enter the homes and lives of the people you care for.

    This personal touch helps define both the Occupational Therapy program and NMC as a whole. A person is not defined by their health issues, and our classes take a holistic approach that emphasizes establishing a connection on a personal level.

    You'll learn how to implement effective occupational therapy programs designed with each client in mind, provide expert guidance for long-term healthy living and actively listen when having someone to talk to proves just as important to a client as making it to the next benchmark.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a 16% growth projection for the OT profession between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the average across all other occupations.

    This is due largely to increased insurance coverage of persons with chronic conditions and continued growth of the elderly population. Workplaces in which OTs will find particularly high demand include hospital, rehabilitation and orthopedic settings.  

    In 2019, the median salary for an occupational therapist was $84,950 per year or $40.84 per hour.

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    Accreditation & Licensure

    The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at

    6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200

    North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929

    ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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 individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Students must complete Level II fieldwork within 18 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

    Graduates must pass National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and meet license requirements in the state in which they choose to practice

    Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education

    Costs & Financial Aid

    Tuition for the Master of Occupational Therapy program is $719 per credit hour. NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

    In addition to tuition, students may have to pay out-of-pocket for such things as:

    • Fieldwork uniforms
    • Travel accommodations
    • Site-specific background checks
    • Textbooks and treatment guides above and beyond required texts
    • Site-specific project needs
    • Additional tuition fees and associated expenses if a Level I or Level II Fieldwork experience is extended or repeated
    • Site-specific fees

    NMC encourages students to apply for all types of assistance for which they are qualified.  Potential resources for this program include:

    Student Loans 

    Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about what's available and how to apply.

    Employee Education Benefits

    Contact your organization's human resources office to find out what's available.

    Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the MHS Intranet.  Under Human Resources select either MHS Benefits or MJE Benefits then scroll down to Pursuing Your Dreams.

    External Scholarships

    Visit our External Scholarships page to learn more.

    Financial Aid
    Cost Per Credit Hour $719

    Admissions

    Criteria

    Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

    • BA or BS degree (or higher) in a related field from an accredited university or college
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with minimum Math/Science GPA of 3.25 preferred
    • Fulfillment of program technical standards
    • Non-Nebraska residents or students planning to practice outside the state of Nebraska meet State Authorization requirements.
    • No GRE required for admission
    Deadlines
    Requirements

    To be considered for admission, the following items must be submitted to the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy:

    • OTCAS Application
    • Two Professional and/or Academic References
    • Sample of Written Work — Writing Prompts
    • Résumé
    • Official transcripts from all colleges attended
    • Observation hours highly recommended

    Select qualified applicants will be brought on campus for an interview.  All applicants will also be required to meet the Program's Technical Standards.

    Prerequisites

    Math/Sciences Required Courses:

    • Human Anatomy with Lab
    • Physiology with Lab (or combined Human Anatomy and Physiology Courses with lab)
    • One course of Biology or Physical Science with Lab
    • Statistics
    • One course of Kinesiology or Biomechanics
    Psychology and Social Sciences:
    • 3 Psychology courses (must include general, developmental/lifespan and abnormal psychology)
    • Sociology or Anthropology
    • Speaking/Speech/Communication Course

    General Courses:

    • Medical Terminology
    • Ethics, Theology or Philosophy

    Starting Term

    Standard Deadline

    • Fall (August) 2021
    • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until cohort reaches capacity.

    Curriculum

    The Master of Occupational Therapy program can be completed by a full-time student within two years (six semesters).

    Course listings and required curriculum are subject to change.

    A student must earn a minimum of 76 total credit hours to be eligible for the Master of Occupational Therapy degree.

    Beginning Fall 2020, a student must earn a minimum of 88 credit hours to be eligible for the Master of Occupational Therapy degree.

    Please note that Fieldwork II experiences may cross over semester timelines.

    Description of the hybrid format of NMC's Occupational Therapy program is noted below.

    OTH 500
    FOUNDATIONS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
    3 credit hours
    See Details
    The course examines Occupational Therapy theory, practice models and frames of reference. The influence of history, sociopolitical issues, healthcare policies, and ethical practice guidelines are examined. The delineation of professional roles in various practice settings is explored. The application of evidence based critical reasoning and occupation based services for diverse populations are applied. This course meets face-to-face weekly to promote the achievement of learning objectives, acclimate students to the college and develop faculty and peer relationships that are necessary for success in a cohort-based program. This course meets online.

    Prerequisites: Admission into NMC's MOT program.

    OTH 505
    ADVANCED ANATOMY AND APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
    4 credit hours
    See Details
    The course includes critical examination of anatomical structures and physiological functions of the human body as it relates to homeostasis. The course will emphasize a regional anatomical approach to provide clinical application of integrative physiology concepts pertaining to neuroanatomy. A guided cadaveric study will be a component to the course. This course meets face-to-face and includes an integrated face-to-face lab. 

    Prerequisites: Admission into NMC's MOT program.

    OTH 515
    EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL DYSFUNCTION + LAB
    3 credit hours
    See Details
    This course examines occupational therapy service delivery in private, community mental health settings and services. Individual and group leadership skills are developed for use in addressing psychosocial deficits encountered in practice. The implications of illness for the individual, within various cultures and society are analyzed. Individual and group services and the leadership and safe management of complex behaviors are included within the course. The role of OT and the use of evidence based assessments and interventions to promote occupational performance, participation and engagement are addressed within the lab. Lecture for this course is online and lab is face-to-face. 

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester one coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 520
    EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE FOR COMMUNITY-BASED PRACTICE + LAB
    3 credit hours
    See Details
    This course examines occupational therapy service delivery in community-based practice settings such as assisted living facilities, homeless shelters, and after-school programs. The role of OT in addressing population health needs is examined. The use of evidence based assessments and interventions to maximize the health and wellness and occupational performance of populations is addressed.  This course addresses the practice skill of planning for and developing programs within the scope of occupational therapy.  Students will develop the ability to complete a comprehensive needs assessment, program planning, and program design for an identified practice need. Grant writing as a means to support developing programs will be explored.  Lecture for this course is online and lab is face-to-face.

    Prerequisites: Admission into NMC's MOT program.

    OTH 529
    LEVEL IA FIELDWORK: COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH AND WELLNESS
    2 credit hours
    See Details
    This course is the first of four Level I fieldwork courses. Community-based Health and Wellness provides an in-depth exposure to community-based clinical OT practice. Foundation of clinical expectations such as professional behaviors, professional communication, therapeutic use of self, and giving and receiving feedback are developed. In conjunction with OTH 520 and community partners, students complete a community-based fieldwork experience as assigned.  

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester one coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 530
    THERAPEUTIC MEASUREMENT + LAB
    3 credit hours
    See Details
    This course introduces foundational knowledge regarding therapeutic measurement and assessment as part of the occupational therapy process. A variety of assessments will be introduced throughout the course with application strategies to address a variety of clinical conditions. Critical thinking skill opportunities will be outlined to improve decision-making capacities. This course will integrate knowledge of the human body and condition in order to distinguish best practice protocol for assessment delivery. Standardized, observational, informal, and self-report assessments are discussed. The lecture for this course is online, and the lab meets face-to-face.

    Prerequisites: Admission into NMC's MOT program.

    OTH 539
    LEVEL IB FIELDWORK: COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH
    2 credit hours
    See Details
    This course is the second of four Level I fieldwork courses. Community-based Mental Health provides an in-depth exposure to community-based clinical OT practice in a mental health setting.  In conjunction with OTH 515 and a community partner, students actively engage in the delivery of occupational therapy services in the mental health setting.  Clinical expectations are reinforced in addition to application of professional documentation for occupational therapy practice in mental health setting. 

    OTH 540
    CONTEMPORARY AND EMERGING PRACTICE
    2 credit hours
    See Details
    This course addresses occupational therapy's role within new and emerging practice settings to prepare the graduate for future opportunities in occupational therapy practice.  This course meets face-to-face.

    OTH 580
    CLINICAL CONDITIONS AND PATHOLOGY
    3 credit hours
    See Details
    This course examines diverse medical diagnoses, basic pharmacology and clinical pathology that the occupational therapist will encounter across the lifespan in different practice settings. Common medical terminology are introduced in relation to body systems, classification of prefixes, suffixes, root words and pronunciation of terminology. The etiology of conditions, differential diagnosis, prognosis, and anticipated occupational therapy affected outcomes are discussed. The course will offer guidelines, precautions, and contraindications for interventions with clients experiencing diverse medical conditions. The course will also explore health promotion and prevention strategies for educating different populations. This course meets online.

    OTH 585
    EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN NEUROREHABILITATION + LAB
    4 credit hours
    See Details
    The course examines current neuroscience evidence and implications for occupational therapy assessment and interventions for working with neurologically-impaired populations. Classroom and laboratory experiences critically examine principles of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurosensory systems, neurobehaviors, cognition, and motor control approaches and their application to occupational therapy practice. Applications of evidence-based neurorehabilitation models to therapeutic intervention for neurologically-impaired clients is included in the associated lab. Lecture for this course is online and lab is face-to-face.

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester one coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 590
    STRATEGIES FOR PRACTICE SUCCESS
    2 credit hours
    See Details
    A two part course focused on providing the student with tools to be a successful practitioner.   Through active engagement in Thought Patterns for High Performance® Mindsetting for Success and Well-Being in the Digital AgeTM students will be guided in developing a growth Mindset.  Course will challenge the student to reflect on past experiences while learning how to apply concepts to Fieldwork experiences and beyond graduation.   In addition to Mindset education, the second part of the course will focus on the development of documentation skills needed for practice success.  Active engagement in various documentation styles, formats, and methods will be completed.  This course is hybrid.

    OTH 610
    EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE FOR PRODUCTIVE AGING + LAB
    4 credit hours
    See Details
    The course includes a critical application of current evidence relevant to evidence based assessment and intervention strategies for productive aging.  Assessment techniques include evaluation of movement, functional mobility, and task analysis. A continuum of care model to determine the effectiveness of delivered services is implemented.  Legislation, liability, documentation, billing and reimbursement, advocacy, and ethical issues related to the aging population are critically examined. Lab experiences include assessment competence related to movement and task analysis. The lecture for this course is online. The lab meets face-to-face each week. 

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester one coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 620
    EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH + LAB
    4 credit hours
    See Details
    This course examines evidence-based literature, knowledge and clinical skills needed for the assessment and treatment of children and youth populations. Students will integrate foundational concepts and skills learned in previous coursework, to expand upon their ability to critically reason through selection and delivery of related assessment and interventions. Course will explore disability during critical times of human development through exploration of infant reflexes, gross motor, fine motor, sensory processing, feeding and swallowing, cognition, and vision. Multiple practice settings will be examined.

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester three coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 628
    LEVEL IC FIELDWORK: ADULT AND ELDERLY POPULATIONS
    1 credit hour
    See Details
    This course is the third in a series of four Level I fieldwork experiences. This course explores a continuum of care model for effective OT service delivery.   Services include promotion of relevant models of occupational intervention as well as the wellness, physical, mental, and neurocognitive aspects of aging.  Fieldwork settings may include but are not limited to private practice, adult day care centers, assistive living, long term care, home healthcare, private practice, rehabilitation settings, and hospice settings. This course meets online only. Students complete a minimum of 24 hours of fieldwork at their assigned site.

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester two coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 629
    LEVEL ID FIELDWORK: CHILDREN AND YOUTH POPULATIONS
    1 credit hour
    See Details
    This course is the fourth of four Level I fieldwork courses. Children and Youth Populations provides exposure to occupational therapy services in pediatric populations. Students will continue to expand on the application of their occupational therapy knowledge and skills developed in OTH 610, with completion of 24+ hours of Level I fieldwork at an assigned partner site. Clinical expectations of professionalism, communication, therapeutic use of self, ability to receive feedback, and documentation are integrated into the clinical experience.   

    OTH 630
    RESEARCH IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
    3 credit hours
    See Details
    The scholarship process for advancing professional theory, practice and application are examined. Critiques of existing research, use of literature to make evidence based decisions, and the understanding of descriptive, correlational, and inferential quantitative and qualitative studies are included. Research designs, methodologies, interpretation of statistics and the implications for practice are addressed. Expectations for conducting a graduate research capstone and a written scholarly report are initiated. This course meets online. 

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester three coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 635
    RESEARCH CAPSTONE I
    2 credit hours
    See Details
    This course is the first in a set of two courses related to the scholarly capstone project.  Within this course, students will begin the process of evaluating, designing, and implementing a scholarly study that aligns with current research priorities and advances knowledge translation, professional practice, service delivery, or professional issues (e.g., Scholarship of Integration, Scholarship of Application, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning).  This course meets online. 

    OTH 640
    CRITICAL REASONING IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
    2 credit hours
    See Details
    The course critically examines the use of models of reasoning for effective screening, assessment, goal setting, intervention processes and discharge planning across the lifespan and varied cultures. Standardized and non-standardized assessments are utilized to address occupational needs. Case based scenarios are used to explore critical thinking models to effectively address complex health care needs The role of OT related to occupational performance, access to care issues, language barriers, and ethical and cultural considerations are explored. Health care needs of various cultures are analyzed. This course is online with a face-to-face skills assessment. This course is hybrid.

    OTH 650
    EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE FOR MEDICAL MODEL PRACTICE + LAB
    4 credit hours
    See Details
    This course includes analysis of evidence-based models of practice addressing rehabilitation, disability and participation needs for the adult population. Course content includes introduction to complex medical conditions, occupational therapy interventions, chronic disease management and associated outcome performance measurements. Course topics will explore evaluation techniques, intervention strategies, documentation principles and specializations within the occupational therapy profession. Medical conditions evaluated in this course include but are not limited to burns, cardiovascular, medical-surgical, oncology, pulmonary, sexuality and women's health. Lecture for this course is online and lab is face-to-face.

    OTH 660
    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATIONS
    2 credit hours
    See Details
    Occupational Therapy's role in the design and use of assistive technologies, adaptations, and environmental modifications to enhance safety and occupational performance, participation and engagement across the life span is addressed. Learning experiences includes the assessment, design, selection, and use of technologies, adaptations and modifications. Client's needs, personal environments, communities, organizations, and practice settings are analyzed for accessibility, needed modifications, and compliance for accessibility regulations. This course is hybrid. 

    OTH 730
    ORTHOTICS, PROTHETICS, AND PHYSICAL AGENT MODALITIES
    2 credit hours
    See Details
    The therapeutic use of orthosis, prosthesis and physical agent modalities to address clients' needs to enhance participation and engagement in valued occupations are addressed. Current evidence and use of the adjunctive methods are analyzed including application protocols, contraindications, and safety procedures.  Skills in the design, fabrication, application, and prescriptions are addressed. The lecture for this course is online, and the lab meets face-to-face.

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester three coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 735
    RESEARCH CAPSTONE II
    2 credit hours
    See Details
    This course is the second in a set of two courses related to the scholarly capstone project.  Within this course, students will expand upon the progress made within Research Capstone I. The final outcome of this course will be the creation of scholarly reports appropriate for presentation or for publication in a peer reviewed journal that support skills of clinical practice. This course meets online. 

    OTH 740
    LEADERSHIP AND ETHICAL MANAGEMENT: PRACTICE AND HEALTHARE POLICY
    3 credit hours
    See Details
    The development and management of applied advocacy, supervision, marketing and leadership skills are included. A professional practice will be initiated including a mission, vision, strategic and business plans, budget, policies and procedures, job descriptions, performance benchmarks and appraisal methods.  Supervision and leadership models are addressed. Emerging trends in healthcare systems, policies, management expectations, promotion and marketing, liability, consultation, advocacy, and consulting roles are addressed. This course meets in blended format; some weeks are online, and some are face-to-face. 

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester four coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 750
    OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE COMPETENCIES
    3 credit hours
    See Details
    The course explores professional practice competencies needed for the occupational therapist.  Professional memberships, licensure, certifications, and advancing professional competencies are explored. The knowledge, skills, and values to successfully pursue life long professional development are explored. This course meets in blended format; some weeks are online, and some are face-to-face. 

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all semester four coursework and fieldwork.

    OTH 780
    LEVEL IIA FIELDWORK
    12 credit hours
    See Details
    This course is Level II fieldwork experience involving the full time application of the curriculum's didactic knowledge, skills, and values.  Service delivery of professional and client services are supervised and evaluated within a variety of practice settings.  Experiences are selected for the quality and compatibility with the institution's curriculum design. Students complete 480+ hours of fieldwork at their assigned site. Communication with the course instructor is online.

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic coursework, Level I fieldwork.

    OTH 785
    LEVEL IIB FIELDWORK
    12 credit hours
    See Details
    This course is the second in a series of two Level II fieldwork experiences involving the full time application of the curriculum's didactic knowledge, skills, and values.  Service delivery of professional and client services are supervised and evaluated within a variety of practice settings.  Experiences are selected for the quality and compatibility with the institution's curriculum design. Students complete 480+ hours of fieldwork at their assigned site. Communication with the course instructor is online.

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of all didactic coursework and fieldwork Level I and IIA requirements.

    Meet the Faculty

    Our occupational therapy faculty are highly experienced and credentialed, giving you constant real-world insight you can use.

    While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal experience. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.

    Meet the Faculty
    expand all \ collapse all

    Description of the hybrid format of NMC's Occupational Therapy program

    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 OccupatT 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.

    Program Outcomes

    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 decimination 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.

    Application Writing Prompts

     

    Nebraska Methodist College prides itself on producing a graduate that exemplifies "the meaning of care." We do this by focusing on three key pillars that contribute to the caring, excellent, holistic, respectful, lifelong-learner that enters the healthcare field after graduation.
     
    These pillars are 1) The Skillset needed for success in the field, 2) the Heartset needed to provide care according to guiding principles, and 3) the Mindset to overcome the inevitable challenges that go along with working in today's healthcare environment.
     
    Please answer the following questions to provide the Admissions Review Committee with more information on your Skillset, Heartset, and Mindset. These questions are a very important component of decision-making regarding the opportunity for an interview.
     
    When drafting your written statement, please cite any sources using APA format if applicable. Also know that instances of plagiarism within an applicant's essay will disqualify them for acceptance to Nebraska Methodist College due to the College's commitment to academic integrity and stringent plagiarism policies. Be sure to include your name and program on the document itself.
     
    Skillset Question: Success in occupational therapy school requires the student to employ logical thinking, critical analysis, problem-solving, and creativity in the pursuit of new learning. Name a time in which you utilized critical analysis, problem-solving, and creativity to explore potential solutions to a problem you encountered in your undergraduate education.
     
    Heartset Question: Occupational Therapists are often working with clients experiencing the worst thing they can ever have imagined; the birth of a child with an unexpected and life-changing disability, challenges related to the loss of function from a car accident, or the adjustments required from a progressive and chronic condition, as examples. What skills would an individual need in order to serve these clients well and wholeheartedly. Which of those skills do you possess? Which are you still developing?
     
    Mindset Question: Angela Duckworth (2016) in her book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” discusses grit as the ability to persevere and stick with a goal regardless of obstacles. Give us an example of a time in which you persevered or stuck with a goal regardless of the obstacles presented. What lessons did you learn from this experience? How has it changed the way you approach new challenges?

    Technical Standards

    NMC's MOT program has specified performance and behavioral criteria that outline expectations from the learner's admission into the OT program.   OT learners must be able to fulfill certain tasks and behaviors. The MOT curriculum requires the OT graduate student to be able to perform the following technical standard areas:

    Academic Skills

    • In a timely manner, employ logical thinking, critical analysis, problem solving, and creativity in a variety of settings and populations.
    • Accurately display the ability to cognitively process and retain new learning within a reasonable timeline.
    • Perform evidenced based reviews of the literature to guide informed decision making.
    • Perform critical reasoning to include appropriate screening, assessing, planning, providing care strategies, and formulate client and family centered education, and discharge preparations within a variety of settings and specified timelines.
    • Gather and measure relevant data and synthesize results within specified timelines.
    • Pose relevant questions and seek out appropriate responses in a timely manner.
    • Demonstrate the ability to multi-task and address complex needs and/or solve dynamic problems.
    • Generate graduate level papers, meet competency levels on exams, and replicate demonstrations.
    • Prioritize and organize multiple workload needs.

    • Demonstrate scholarly research skills appropriate for a graduate level program.

    Communication Skills

    • Demonstrate effective and respectful oral and written communication skills.

    • Document scholarly work for faculty and potential external reviewers.

    • Demonstrate computer competence in the use of word processing, computerized simulators, media software, databases and search engines.

    • Articulate effectively to consumers, supervisors, peers, reimbursement sources, other health care professionals, clients and their families, as well as general audiences to meet clients' needs.

    • Demonstrate the ability to teach others prevention, health maintenance restorative and compensation skills. 

    • Appropriately use non-verbal skills to analyze and communicate needs in a professionally acceptable manner.

    Therapeutic Skills

    • Possess sufficient motor function to elicit essential data from the manipulation of assessment materials and therapeutic technologies and equipment.
    • Safely move, handle, and transfer various clients independently (up to 150 pounds).
    • Perform manual dexterity tasks sufficient to fabricate orthotic devices, adapt equipment, and fabricate splints.
    • Use sufficient sensory systems to safely utilize thermal, auditory, and electrical modalities.
    • Safely perceive and navigate varied environments and communities.
    • Adjust personal posture, mobility, coordination, strength, and energy for the therapeutic process.
    • Modify environments for others' well being and performance abilities.
    • Provide recommendations and training in techniques to enhance mobility, including physical transfers, wheelchair management, community mobility, and driver rehabilitation issues.
    • Perform psychomotor skills in a timely manner for safety and competency considerations.

    Behavioral-Interpersonal and Professional Abilities

    • Demonstrate the ability to effectively work with others who may have a range of impairments, disabilities or perceptions.
    • Ability to place personal needs secondary to the needs of others.
    • Ability to respond and adjust actions or behaviors in response to supervision and client needs.
    • Ability to demonstrate sincere valuing, caring, empathy, integrity and concern for others.
    • Ability to display appropriate social and interpersonal skills and communication within a variety of settings and cultures.
    • Be motivated to seek out professional self-development opportunities.
    • Display flexibility and adaptation appropriate to the demands and the needs of clients and their families.
    • Value the importance of the use of self to motivate and assist others.
    • Display appropriate language, attire, and mannerisms in all professional environments including the classroom.
    • Articulate personal needs in an appropriate and professional manner.
    • Use sound judgment in regard to the safety of self and others and adheres to safety regulations within a variety of settings.
    • Value the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, spirituality, diversity factors, and lifestyle choices when interacting with others.
    • Demonstrate an awareness of the use of self including personality, insights, perceptions, and judgments as a part of individual and group interactions.
    • Demonstrate the ability to work well with others.
    • Accept life long learning and competence expectations as a personal value.
    • Display therapeutic use of self through honesty, integrity and personal and responsibilities for behavior consistent of ethical professional occupational therapists.

    Health Promotion and Holistic Practices

    • Display good health practices and hygiene for safe interaction with others.
    • For safety, timely update immunization records and adhere to all College or fieldwork site requirements for health screenings and immunizations.
    • Update certifications in HIPAA, CPR, and First Aid within appropriate timelines.
    • Understand and respect the importance of personal health, habits, and the prevention of disease/infection.
    • Display an awareness of personal issues and report issues that could interfere with the ability to competently care for others.

    Fieldwork Resources

    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 five 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.

    Professional Organizations

    Blog Posts

    Fieldwork Educator Resources

    Student Outcomes

    Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online here. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure.

    STUDENT OUTCOMES DATA AT GRADUATION

    Assessment/
    Measurement

    Program Enrollment
    Enrollment (At Start of Program)

    Total Number of Program Graduates
    By Cohort (Within 24 Months of Program Start)

    Graduation Rate
    By Cohort (Within 24 Months of Program Start)

    Total Number of Program Graduates
    By Cohort (Within 36 Months of Program Start)

    Graduation Rate
    By Cohort (Within 36 Months of Program Start)

    Benchmark

    2018

    2019

    2020

    23

    24

    20

    23

    24

    100%

    100%

    23

    24

    100%

    100%

    CERTIFICATION EXAM

    Assessment/
    Measurement

    Overall NBCOT Passrate

    Benchmark

    2018

    2019

    2020

    80%

    100%
    MOT Degree Guide

    Occupational Therapy Degree Guide

    Admissions Requirements, Example Plan of Study and More
    Download the Guide