Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Findlay’s Department of Occupational Therapy offers both a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) In both programs, you will learn alongside experts in the field and receive mentorship from faculty with extensive academic and clinical experience across the lifespan. Classroom learning emphasizes hands-on application with varied populations, and students actively engage in community-based learning experiences. The University of Findlay prioritizes student well-being and promotes a healthy life balance throughout the program. Students graduate with a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, theoretical frameworks, and intervention approaches that support confident and informed clinical decision-making. 

Both programs provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to be entry level practitioners. The MOT Program at the University of Findlay places a strong emphasis on both clinical practice and evidence-based practice. The OTD program places a strong emphasis on both clinical practice and research. Upon graduating, both MOT and OTD students are well prepared to analyze evidence and make decisions in practice based on sound evidence and create evidence-based interventions.  

The University of Findlay uses a free online tool called Transferology to help you determine how your previous coursework transfers and whether it meets our prerequisite requirements. Transferology allows you to evaluate courses you’ve already taken or explore options for completing any remaining requirements. A step-by-step guide for using this tool is available here: Transferology Guide. If you have questions about how a specific course transfers, you can use the “Request More Information” feature within Transferology and indicate the course(s) you’d like reviewed.

The OTD program begins in May and is designed to be completed in approximately 2.5 years. Students complete their coursework during the first year and a half. Three Level I Fieldwork experiences are integrated in coursework followed by two consecutive 12-week, full-time fieldwork experiences. The program concludes with a capstone experience and project in the final module, allowing students to apply what they have learned in a focused area of interest.

The MOT program begins in January and is designed to be completed in approximately 2 years. Students complete their coursework during the first year and a half. Three Level I Fieldwork experiences are integrated in coursework followed by two consecutive 12-week, full-time fieldwork experiences. 

Courses are scheduled year-round, with two 8-week modules in Fall, two 8- week modules in the spring and one 8-week module in the summer. The OTD program schedules didactic classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The MOT program schedules in person class days three to four Saturdays per module. This schedule is subject to change.

For the MOT program weekend courses are typically scheduled on designated Saturdays. Class times may vary by module but are typically held between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For the OTD program, there are no Saturday courses scheduled. Please note that specific schedules can change from module to module.

Yes. Both programs have online components within each module. The online components are important and will occupy a considerable amount of your time when you are not on campus. All modules have online/distance components as well as on-campus components. The OTD program is designed to have three days per week ( Tuesday-Thursday) on campus and one online course per module.  The MOT program is designed to have one to two courses online and three to four designated Saturdays on campus per module. 

 The credit load for both the MOT and OTD programs is rigorous and requires a significant time commitment. Students are encouraged to first determine the time needed for coursework and participation before adding additional responsibilities. Many students do choose to work in some capacity during the program; however, the feasibility of working depends on individual circumstances, life roles, and the flexibility of the position. Students should carefully consider their schedule and academic demands when making this decision.

For both programs, study time can vary based on the course, delivery method, and individual learning needs. However, students should plan to spend at least 20–25 hours per week (or more) studying and completing coursework outside of scheduled class time to be successful in the program.

For the MOT program, absolutely!  We have had students commute from different states for this program, as far away as California, and as close as neighboring states. Due to the nature of the OTD program having courses on campus three days per week, most students live within an hour of UF. 

Yes! MOT and OTD students complete three Level I clinical rotations, and two Level II clinical rotations. Level I rotations are 40 hours, and Level II rotations are 12 weeks. The UF OT department has over 800 fieldwork contracts at sites located in Ohio and across the U.S.

Estimated tuition and program costs for Occupational Therapy programs can be found here: https://www.findlay.edu/academics/health-professions/doctor-of-occupational-therapy/cost/. 

Financial aid is available to graduate students in the form of federal loans. Many University of Findlay scholarships and grants are designated for undergraduate students; however some graduate scholarships are available through the University and the Occupational Therapy Program, as well as external organizations.

In addition, the University of Findlay offers teaching and graduate assistantship opportunities that may help offset costs. For more information, please contact the Occupational Therapy Department at [occupationaltherapy@findlay.edu]. 

The Occupational Therapy Program provides opportunities for students to obtain funded teaching assistant positions for courses in the curriculum. The university offers funding to support conference attendance and professional development opportunities. However, first year OT students will not be eligible for traditional department TA funded positions. OT students may be eligible for other assistant positions offered throughout the university.

For post-baccalaureate students , there is a fee included with the OTCAS application.  

For further information on OTCAS visit:  https://help.liaisonedu.com/OTCAS_Applicant_Help_Center/Starting_Your_OTCAS_Application/Getting_Started_with_Your_OTCAS_Application/03_Application_Fees