205
Graduate Programs
205.52
Occupational Therapy
205.52 Occupational Therapy
Department of Occupational Therapy
2-64 Corbett Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G4
mscot.info@rehabmed.ualberta.ca
205.52.1 General Information
The Department of Occupational Therapy offers graduate work leading to a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (MScOT). The MScOT program is designed to address practice and theoretical issues within a broad range of settings. Upon completion of their degree, students will be able to evaluate programs, participate in research, and critically appraise current assessment and intervention options.
An MScOT postprofessional stream for occupational therapists with a bachelor's entry level degree in occupational therapy provides clinicians with the research and leadership skills to enhance their abilities in various settings. An MScOT entry-level stream for students who hold an undergraduate degree in a variety of fields other than occupational therapy provides the academic and fieldwork education required for certification by provincial and national professional associations.
An Interprovincial Agreement between the Province of Alberta and the Province of Saskatchewan exists for the Department of Occupational Therapy. Contact the Department for further information.
Entrance Requirements
The deadline for receipt of applications for the entry-level stream is February 1 for September admission. Contact the Department for application deadline information on the postprofessional stream. Minimum requirements include a four-year baccalaureate degree (see Note) or equivalent from a recognized academic institution with a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the most recent 
60. Activity courses in Physical Education, studio courses in Fine Arts, and practicum courses are not considered part of the required 60 admission requirements and are not included in the calculation of the admission GPA. One Statistics course (3) and one human anatomy course (3) are required prerequisites. Students may find it to their advantage to have taken a human physiology course prior to entering the program. Where applicable, applicants should refer to the English language requirement of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (§203.2.4 of the University Calendar). Applicants who use the TOEFL examination to fulfill the English language proficiency requirement of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research must present a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 100 with a score of at least 25 on each of the individual skill areas (Internet-based).
Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae in a pre-set format (available for download with the Online Application for Graduate Admission), two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement letter describing the applicant’s knowledge of occupational therapy and how their academic studies and personal experiences have prepared them to become an occupational therapist.
The selection process is competitive and will be based on the GPA in the most recent 60 taken prior to January of the admission year. Applicants are initially rank ordered according to their Admission GPA. Applicants who have completed 30 over two consecutive terms will be ranked above those who have taken fewer than 30.
All aspects of a student's record, including failures and withdrawals, are considered by the Admissions Committee. Students who have received a failing grade in any postsecondary course or courses may submit a letter to the Admissions Committee explaining the extenuating circumstances which contributed to an unsatisfactory standing.
Students with a very competitive GPA will normally be recommended for acceptance or conditional acceptance by March 15 of the admission year. The remaining applicants will be advised of their status by June 30 of the admission year.
Applicants who are admitted into the program but wish to defer their admission due to extenuating circumstances may at the discretion of the Department be granted this request for a period of one academic year. A written request must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Chair by August 15 of the academic year in which they are admitted. For those applicants who are granted a deferral, they must also notify the Graduate Admissions Chair of their intention to confirm their admission by June 15 following the deferred year.
Note: Courses completed 10 or more years prior to application will be reviewed.
Aboriginal Applicants
Two positions in the occupational therapy program are available to applicants of aboriginal ancestry as defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, Part II, Section 35(2). Applicants must meet all entrance requirements as specified below. If suitable Aboriginal applicants cannot be found, these positions will be filled by applicants from the general pool.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available in the form of teaching or research assistantships. Other sources of funding may be sought as described at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca, from provincial bursaries, professional associations, private foundations, etc.
205.52.2 The Degree of MSc
Program Requirements
MSc postprofessional stream for students entering with an undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy: in addition to the capping exercise consisting of OCCTH 900 ( | |
MSc course-based entry-level stream
Year 1 Fall Term OCCTH 502 (39 hours Lec, 13 hours Lab) OCCTH 503 (39 hours) OCCTH 507 (39 hours) OCCTH 510 (13 hours) OCCTH 517 (39 hours) OCCTH 583 (52 hours Lec, 13 Lab hours) Year 1 Winter Term INT D 410 (39 hours) OCCTH 518 (39 hours) OCCTH 520 (13 hours) OCCTH 522 (39 hours) OCCTH 566 (39 hours) OCCTH 584 (52 hours Lec, 13 Lab hours) Year 1 Intersession OCCTH 525 (Fieldwork Placement 7 weeks) OCCTH 543 (13 hours) OCCTH 567 (39 hours) Year 2 Full Year OCCTH 557 (78 hours) Year 2 Term 1 OCCTH 519 (39 hours) OCCTH 530 (13 hours) OCCTH 559 (39 hours) OCCTH 585 (78 hours) Year 2 Term 2 OCCTH 526 (Fieldwork Placement 7 weeks) OCCTH 540 (13 hours) OCCTH 543 (13 hours) OCCTH 564 (39 hours) Year 2 Intersession OCCTH 527 (Fieldwork Placement 7 weeks) OCCTH 543 (13 hours) OCCTH 558 (39 hours) OCCTH 903 (variable hours) Year 3 Term 1 OCCTH 528 (Fieldwork Placement 7 weeks) |
Note: All students must complete and pass either a minimum of three distinct OCCTH 543 modules or one 3 Individual Study (OCCTH 599 or equivalent). The modules are designed to be intensive and interactive. It is imperative that registered students attend all listed hours of instruction. Students with absences will receive a grade of NC (failure, no grade point value assigned).
All costs associated with obtaining a professional degree are the responsibility of the student and this includes costs associated with the project.
Fieldwork Courses: Fieldwork courses are practical placements at approved facilities.
Policies and Procedures: The procedures governing fieldwork placements are binding and will be provided in a procedures manual.
Fieldwork Placement Sites: Students will attend required fieldwork placements at approved institutions and will follow the administrative procedures and regulations of the institutions. Placements may be located regionally and/or nationally. Opportunities for international placements will be determined on an individual basis. Students must travel in order to meet the fieldwork education component of the program. Students are responsible for the costs associated with fieldwork placements.
To be eligible for admission to fieldwork placements the students must meet the following requirements:
CPR Certification | |
Security Clearance Check | |
Medical Examination and Immunization Requirements | |
Fit testing for Respirator Mask, as required. |
Details on these fieldwork requirements are available in the fieldwork procedures manual. Please refer to the manual for details. Note that all fees and costs for these fieldwork requirements are the student's responsibility.
A student who fails a fieldwork placement may appeal that decision. Information regarding appeal procedures is available in the fieldwork placement procedures manual.
Practicum Intervention Policy: The Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, or supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions, or site of fieldwork practicum if the Dean or supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the public interest. Refer to §23.8.2 of the University Calendar, Practicum Intervention Policy, for additional information.
Length of Program
Normally a minimum of 26 months is required to complete the MSc programs. Students have a maximum of four calendar years to complete either route within this MSc program.
205.52.3 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the following subject headings:
Occupational Therapy (OCCTH)
Rehabilitation Medicine (REHAB)
