OTA to MOT Bridge Track

Radford University’s OTA to MOT Bridge Track of the MOT Program is a hybrid program and intentionally designed for the Occupational Therapy Assistant who:

  • Has completed all OTA coursework 
  • Has passed the NBCOT exam for OTAs 
  • Holds state licensure
  •  Has a minimum of one year of experience working as an OTA. 

The majority of coursework is completed online asynchronously. Students attend 3-4 weekends at the RUC campus location in Roanoke each semester for additional learning. One cohort is admitted to the OTA to MOT Bridge Track each year, with a fall semester start date.

We use a rolling application process until ALL seats are filled, with the final application deadline of April 1, 2024.

Radford University uses the OT centralized application service, OTCAS, for MOT application submissions. All applications are screened for accuracy and completeness before being reviewed by the Department of Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee.

The 2024 MOT OTCAS application portal will open for applications on July 21, 2023. The Bridge Track is awaiting final ACOTE approval; admission offers will commence once final accreditation approval is received.

In addition to submitting the required application materials and meeting all prerequisite requirements by the end of Spring semester of the year you wish to begin the MOT program, you may be selected to participate in a mandatory virtual interview with the MOT Interview Panel. Final admission decisions will be announced before the end of May.

It is not possible to transfer into the OTA to MOT Bridge Track program if you have completed partial coursework for another occupational therapy graduate program. This is due to differences in curriculum and course structures between programs.

Please direct all MOT program questions to the MOT Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Jason Browning. OTCAS portal questions should be directed to the OTCAS staff.

Admission Requirements

  • A minimum of one year work experience, documented by an employer, as an occupational therapy assistant, with current OTA licensure, in good standing;
  • A bachelor’s degree completed by the August start date of the fall semester classes;
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all undergraduate and/or graduate coursework;
  • A grade of B- or better in all prerequisite courses, completed by May of the year you plan to begin the program (please see the list below).

Prerequisites for Admission to the OTA to MOT Bridge Program

Prerequisite requirements for admission to Radford University's Master of Occupational Therapy Program encompass a strong foundation of undergraduate course work in the liberal arts and sciences (e.g. anthropology or sociology, anatomy, psychology).

A grade of B- or better is required in all prerequisite courses. We have no restrictions on the timeframe for when you took your prerequisite courses – there is no expiration date on the courses you’ve taken.

Prerequisite Course List:

  • Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
  • Introductory Sociology OR Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
  • Human Anatomy (3-4 credits)
  • Human Physiology (3-4 credits)
  • Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
  • Lifespan Growth and Development (3 credits)
  • Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

Note - we do not accept AP courses from high school to satisfy prerequisite requirements.

Required Application Materials

  • A completed application in OTCAS, the OT common application service (portal opens in late July 2023).
  • A completed Supplemental Application to the MOT program, submitted to the Radford University College of Graduate Studies and Research.
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work; transcripts are submitted to OTCAS.
  • A professional resume that documents your past and current educational and work/volunteer experiences with diverse populations and programs with individuals encountered in occupational therapy practice (e.g. children and/or adults with mental health concerns, physical disabilities, or other types of special populations); your resume can extend to 2-3 pages;
  • A typed Statement of Purpose: This is your opportunity to tell us why you want to earn the Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Radford University. In a two-page (double-spaced) essay, discuss the development of your interest in occupational therapy, how your education, fieldwork, and professional experiences as an occupational therapy assistant have informed your understanding of occupational therapy as a profession and the people occupational therapists work with, and your aspirations and goals for a continuing career as a health-care professional with the Master of Occupational Therapy degree;
  • Two letters of recommendation: Request letters from college professors, employers, or others who have worked with you in a professional capacity (no personal references, please). The letters should describe your academic skills, general work behaviors, and the personal qualities one needs to be a competent health-care professional;
  • A letter from an employer attesting to your credentialing in good standing as an occupational therapy assistant, with a minimum of one year of work experience.

Note - we do not require the GRE for application to our MOT program.

Campus Location

Radford University Carilion Campus - Roanoke

The Radford University Carilion campus is located downtown in the historic City of Roanoke in the Roanoke Valley, which is nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. It is easily accessed by car, Amtrack, and air travel.

The RUC campus is 46 miles from the Main campus of Radford University in Radford, VA, and connected by the Interstate 81 corridor. Graduation activities for MOT Bridge Track students take place at the RU Main campus upon completion of the MOT degree program.