Radford University
Occupational Therapy
- Degree Type
-
- Master of Occupational Therapy
- Location
-
- Main Campus in Radford, VA and Radford University at Carilion in Roanoke, VA
- Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
Overview
Occupational therapists work in diverse settings with people of all ages, helping them gain or regain the abilities to do the daily activities they need and want to do. Students earn the Master of Occupational Therapy degree, gaining eligibility to sit for the national board examination to become a credentialed occupational therapist.
Two MOT Tracks Designed to Fit Your Needs
We offer two pathways to obtain a Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Radford University across two campus locations. Both of our pathways lead to an entry-level degree in Occupational Therapy within 2 ½ years. We offer in-person, hybrid, part-time, and full-time options to study occupational therapy.
Traditional MOT Track (For those entering the profession)
Our in-person traditional track offers full-time and part-time study options at our
Radford and Roanoke sites for those seeking a degree in occupational therapy for the
first time. One cohort per campus location is admitted each fall. The MOT degree is
earned in 7 semesters.
OTA to MOT Track (For OTAs seeking an MOT degree)
Our hybrid OTA to MOT bridge track is designed for licensed occupational therapy assistants
to further their education and become occupational therapists. We offer a hybrid model
of instruction for OTAs with at least one year of experience and a B.S. or B.A degree
from an accredited institution. One cohort is admitted each fall and the MOT degree
is earned in 7 semesters. Credit for work experience is offered.
Why Study Occupational Therapy at Radford?
- Our students regularly participate in community-based practice
- Our faculty represent expertise across all major and several specialty practice areas
- Our students are offered travel-abroad opportunities to explore the world of health and health care in other countries
- Our two unique campuses provide distinct learning environments
- Our hybrid bridge track allows working professionals to advance their career
- Our interprofessional opportunities prepare our students to work in interdisciplinary teams
- Our student clubs, the student occupational therapy association and the coalition of occupational therapy advocates for diversity, provide meaningful engagement and leadership opportunities
Traditional Track Admissions Requirements
Admission Requirements:
- 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;
- Completion of all prerequisite courses by May of the year you plan to begin the program (please see the list below).
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).
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)
Required Application Materials
- Your application materials must include the following:
- A completed application in OTCAS, the OT common application service (portal opens in late July).
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work; transcripts are submitted to OTCAS.
- A professional resume of your past and current educational and work/volunteer experiences;
- Personal Statement (included in OTCAS requirements);
- 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;
- Observation hours with an occupational therapy practitioner (OTR or COTA). We do not have a specific minimum hour requirement. We feel observing in a variety of occupational therapy settings is beneficial. You may record your hours on the following form: Observation Hours [DOCX]. We will accept alternative forms documenting your observation hours, as long as all information is present (please no forms from other OT programs).
- We do not require the GRE for application to our MOT program.
Application Timeline
- Mid-July: Keep an eye out for the OTCAS Application Portal to open.
- November 1: The MOT at Radford University Application Submission Deadline.
- November 15: Deadline for all materials to be submitted to OTCAS (transcripts and letters of recommendation).
- December: First round of interviews.
- January: Final round of interviews.
- Late February: Admission offers finalized.
- March: Assignment of cohort location to Radford University Carilion or Radford University Main.
Campus Locations
We offer the MOT – Traditional Track Program at two campus locations, main campus in Radford, Virginia, and the Radford University Carilion location in Roanoke, Virginia. We admit one cohort to each location for a Fall start date. Full-time and part-time options are available at either location.
Applicants are asked to indicate a campus location preference upon submission of the OTCAS application, either the Roanoke location, the Radford location, or no preference. Every effort is made to assign admitted students to the location they have indicated as their preference.
OTA to MOT Bridge Track Admission Requirements
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 Radford University Carilion 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.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until ALL seats are filled, with a final deadline of April 1 each year. (Deadline for 2025 extended to June 20, 2025.)
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;
- Completion of all prerequisite courses by May of the year you plan to begin the program (please see the list below).
Prerequisite Requirements:
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).
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)
Required Application Materials:
- A completed application in OTCAS, the OT common application service (portal opens in late July).
- 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.
Accreditation & Outcomes
The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at our main campus campus in Radford, Virginia was approved in 2008 by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and initially accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) in 2011. Since that time, additional accreditation actions have been granted by ACOTE. In April of 2019, the MOT program at our Roanoke location (Radford University Carilion) was fully accredited by ACOTE and in 2023 the RU MOT program was granted permission to add a hybrid MOT track with an additional cohort.
ACOTE can be contacted by postal mail at 7501 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814 or by telephone at 301-652-AOTA.
|
Graduation Year |
Students entering/graduating |
Graduation Rate |
|
2022 |
44/40 |
91% |
|
2023 |
47/43 |
91% |
|
2024 |
41/43 |
95% |
| Total | 132/126 | 93% |
National Certification & Licensure
Graduates of our MOT program sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam following graduation and after confirmation of meeting all exam eligibility criteria, including successful completion of all level II fieldwork components.
Prospective students who have any criminal or professional records are encouraged to utilize NBCOT's early determination and associated character review in order to determine whether eligibility to take the exam at the end of the program may be in jeopardy. We highly recommend initiating this process before enrollment.
MOT Traditional Track Full-Time Tuition Class of 2026
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitors each May and are subject to change annually.
*An admission acceptance deposit of $500 is required within 2 weeks of accepting our admission offer.
MOT Traditional Track Full-Time In-State
| Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Total Cost |
| 1 | 15 | $6,270.00 | $1,050.00 | $2,595.00 | $75.00 | $9,990 |
| 2 | 14 | $5,852.00 | $980.00 | $2,422.00 | $70.00 | $9,324.00 |
| 3 | 6 | $2,508.00 | $420.00 | $1,038.00 | $30.00 | $3,996.00 |
| 4 | 15 | $6,270.00 | $1,050.00 | $2,595.00 | $75.00 | $9,990 |
| 5 | 15 | $6,270.00 | $1,050.00 | $2,595.00 | $75.00 | $9,990 |
| 6 | 9 | $3,762.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $5,994.00 |
| 7 | 9 | $3,762.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $5,994.00 |
| Total | $55,278 |
MOT Traditional Track Full-Time Out-of-State
| Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Capital Fee | Total Cost |
| 1 | 15 | $12,375.00 | $1,050.00 | $2,595.00 | $75.00 | $300.00 | $16,395 |
| 2 | 14 | $11,550.00 | $980.00 | $2,422.00 | $70.00 | $280.00 | $15,302.00 |
| 3 | 6 | $4,950.00 | $420.00 | $1,038.00 | $30.00 | $120.00 | $6,558.00 |
| 4 | 15 | $12,375.00 | $1,050.00 | $2,595.00 | $75.00 | $300.00 | $16,395 |
| 5 | 15 | $12,375.00 | $1,050.00 | $2,595.00 | $75.00 | $300.00 | $16,395 |
| 6 | 9 | $7,425.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $180.00 | $9,837.00 |
| 7 | 9 | $7,425.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $180.00 | $9,837.00 |
| Total | $90,719.00 |
MOT Traditional Track Full-Time Tuition Class of 2027 and Beyond
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitors each May and are subject to change annually.
*An admission acceptance deposit of $500 is required within 2 weeks of accepting our admission offer.
MOT Traditional Track In-State
| In-state | Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Total Cost |
| 1 | 14 | $5,852.00 | $980.00 | $2,422.00 | $70.00 | $9,324 | |
| 2 | 14 | $5,852.00 | $980.00 | $2,422.00 | $70.00 | $9,324.00 | |
| 3 | 9 | $3,762.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $5,994.00 | |
| 4 | 13 | $5,434.00 | $910.00 | $2,249.00 | $65.00 | $8,658 | |
| 5 | 16 | $6,688.00 | $1,120.00 | $2,768.00 | $80.00 | $10,656 | |
| 6 | 8 | $3,344.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $5,328.00 | |
| 7 | 9 | $3,762.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $5,994.00 | |
| Total | $55,278 |
MOT Traditional Track Out-of-State
| Out-of-state | Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Capital Fee | Total Cost |
| 1 | 14 | $11,550.00 | $980.00 | $2,422.00 | $70.00 | $ 280.00 | $15,302 | |
| 2 | 14 | $11,550.00 | $980.00 | $2,422.00 | $70.00 | $ 280.00 | $15,302.00 | |
| 3 | 9 | $7,425.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $ 180.00 | $9,837.00 | |
| 4 | 13 | $10,725.00 | $910.00 | $2,249.00 | $65.00 | $ 260.00 | $14,209 | |
| 5 | 16 | $13,200.00 | $1,120.00 | $2,768.00 | $80.00 | $320.00 | $17,488 | |
| 6 | 8 | $6,600.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $160.00 | $8,744.00 | |
| 7 | 9 | $7,425.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $ 180.00 | $9,837.00 | |
| Total | $90,719 |
MOT Traditional Track Part-Time Tuition
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitors each May and are subject to change annually.
*An admission acceptance deposit of $500 is required within 2 weeks of accepting our admission offer.
MOT Traditional Track Part-Time In-State
| Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Total Cost |
| 1 | 8 | $3,344.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $5,328.00 |
| 2 | 8 | $3,344.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $5,328.00 |
| 3 | 3 | $1,254.00 | $210.00 | $519.00 | $15.00 | $1,998.00 |
| 4 | 7 | $2,926.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $4,662.00 |
| 5 | 6 | $2,508.00 | $420.00 | $1,038.00 | $30.00 | $3,996.00 |
| 6 | 3 | $1,254.00 | $210.00 | $519.00 | $15.00 | $1,998.00 |
| 7 | 8 | $3,344.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $5,328.00 |
| 8 | 8 | $3,344.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $5,328.00 |
| 9 | 7 | $2,926.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $4,662.00 |
| 10 | 7 | $2,926.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $4,662.00 |
| 11 | 9 | $3,762.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $5,994.00 |
| 12 | 9 | $3,762.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $5,994.00 |
| Total | $55,278 |
MOT Traditional Track Part-Time Out-of-State
| Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Capital Fee | Total Cost |
| 1 | 8 | $6,600.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $160.00 | $8,744.00 |
| 2 | 8 | $6,600.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $160.00 | $8,744.00 |
| 3 | 3 | $2,475.00 | $210.00 | $519.00 | $15.00 | $60.00 | $3,279.00 |
| 4 | 7 | $5,775.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $140.00 | $7,651.00 |
| 5 | 6 | $4,950.00 | $420.00 | $1,038.00 | $30.00 | $120.00 | $6,558.00 |
| 6 | 3 | $2,475.00 | $210.00 | $519.00 | $15.00 | $60.00 | $3,279.00 |
| 7 | 8 | $6,600.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $160.00 | $8,744.00 |
| 8 | 8 | $6,600.00 | $560.00 | $1,384.00 | $40.00 | $160.00 | $8,744.00 |
| 9 | 7 | $5,775.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $140.00 | $7,651.00 |
| 10 | 7 | $5,775.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $140.00 | $7,651.00 |
| 11 | 9 | $7,425.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $180.00 | $9,837.00 |
| 12 | 9 | $7,425.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $180.00 | $9,837.00 |
| Total | $90,719 |
OTA to MOT Bridge Track Tuition Class of 2026
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitors each May and are subject to change annually.
*An admission acceptance deposit of $500 is required within 2 weeks of accepting our admission offer.
OTA to MOT Bridge Track In-State
| Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Total Cost |
| 1 | 10 | $4,180.00 | $700.00 | $1,730.00 | $50.00 | $6,660 |
| 2 | 12 | $5,016.00 | $840.00 | $2,076.00 | $60.00 | $7,992.00 |
| 3 | 11 | $4,598.00 | $770.00 | $1,903.00 | $55.00 | $7,326.00 |
| 4 | 11 | $4,598.00 | $770.00 | $1,903.00 | $55.00 | $7,326 |
| 5 | 14 | $5,852.00 | $980.00 | $2,422.00 | $70.00 | $9,324 |
| 6 | 7 | $2,926.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $4,662.00 |
| 7 | 9 | $3,762.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $5,994.00 |
| Total | $49,284 |
OTA to MOT Bridge Track Out-of-State
| Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Capital Fee | Total Cost |
| 1 | 10 | $8,250.00 | $700.00 | $1,730.00 | $50.00 | $200.00 | $10,930 |
| 2 | 12 | $9,900.00 | $840.00 | $2,076.00 | $60.00 | $240.00 | $13,116.00 |
| 3 | 11 | $9,075.00 | $770.00 | $1,903.00 | $55.00 | $220.00 | $12,023.00 |
| 4 | 11 | $9,075.00 | $770.00 | $1,903.00 | $55.00 | $220.00 | $12,023.00 |
| 5 | 14 | $11,550.00 | $980.00 | $2,422.00 | $70.00 | $280.00 | $15,302 |
| 6 | 7 | $5,775.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $140.00 | $7,651.00 |
| 7 | 9 | $7,425.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $180.00 | $9,837.00 |
| Total | $80,882.00 |
OTA to MOT Bridge Track Tuition Class of 2027 and Beyond
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitors each May and are subject to change annually.
*An admission acceptance deposit of $500 is required within 2 weeks of accepting our admission offer.
OTA to MOT Bridge Track In-State
| Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Total Cost | |
| 1 | 10 | $4,180.00 | $700.00 | $1,730.00 | $50.00 | $6,660.00 | |
| 2 | 11 | $4,598.00 | $770.00 | $1,903.00 | $55.00 | $7,326.00 | |
| 3 | 13 | $5,434.00 | $910.00 | $2,249.00 | $65.00 | $8,658.00 | |
| 4 | 12 | $5,016.00 | $840.00 | $2,076.00 | $60.00 | $7,992.00 | |
| 5 | 12 | $5,016.00 | $840.00 | $2,076.00 | $60.00 | $7,992.00 | |
| 6 | 7 | $2,926.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $4,662.00 | |
| 7 | 9 | $3,762.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $5,994.00 | |
| Total | $49,284.00 |
OTA to MOT Bridge Track Out-of-State
| Semester | Credit Hrs | Tuition | Program Fee | Comp Fee | Tech Fee | Capital Fee | Total Cost | |
| 1 | 10 | $8,250.00 | $700.00 | $1,730.00 | $50.00 | $200 | $10,930 | |
| 2 | 11 | $9,075.00 | $770.00 | $1,903.00 | $55.00 | $220 | $12,023.00 | |
| 3 | 13 | $10,725.00 | $910.00 | $2,249.00 | $65.00 | $260 | $14,209.00 | |
| 4 | 12 | $9,900.00 | $840.00 | $2,076.00 | $60.00 | $240 | $13,116 | |
| 5 | 12 | $9,900.00 | $840.00 | $2,076.00 | $60.00 | $240 | $13,116 | |
| 6 | 7 | $5,775.00 | $490.00 | $1,211.00 | $35.00 | $140 | $7,651.00 | |
| 7 | 9 | $7,425.00 | $630.00 | $1,557.00 | $45.00 | $180 | $9,837.00 | |
| Total | $80,882 |
Estimated Fees and Additional Program Costs
Outside Expenses May Include
Please note that tuition and fees are set by the University Board of Visitors each May and are subject to change annually.
| Track | Tuition and fees | Computer | Admission Deposit | Textbooks | OT-U | Fieldwork costs | AOTA membership | Health Insurance | MOT Direct and Indirect Program Totals |
| In-State Traditional Track | $55,278.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $2,500.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $240.00 | $1,500.00 | $61,518.00 |
| Out-of-State Traditional Track | $90,719.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $2,500.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $240.00 | $1,500.00 | $96,959.00 |
| In-State OTA to MOT Bridge | $49,284.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $2,500.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $240.00 | $1,500.00 | $55,524.00 |
| Out-of-State OTA to MOT Bridge | $80,922.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $2,500.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $240.00 | $1,500.00 | $87,162.00 |
| In-State Part-time Traditional Track | $55,278.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $2,500.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $320.00 | $1,500.00 | $61,598.00 |
| Out-of-State Part-time Traditional Track | $90,719.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $2,500.00 | $500.00 | $500.00 | $320.00 | $1,500.00 | $97,039.00 |
- Rent/Housing/Commute: $2,000-$4,000 per month
University Financial Services and Resources
-
Fully Accredited by the American Council of Occupational Therapy Education
Fully Accredited
by the American Council of Occupational Therapy Education
-
0-2 months average time to secure full-time employment
0-2 months
average time to secure full-time employment
What's it like to study Occupational Therapy?
“Radford provides all the support necessary for a student to excel on their educational path. From specialized labs and a fully-invested faculty to additional resources. Students in this program are provided with a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on their health studies in a diverse and inclusive environment.”
–Leidy Montoya '22
Ready to Study at Radford?
We want to get to know you better and we are excited that you are ready to take your next step and learn more about us. We are here to help you and look forward to working with you during your college search process.