Master of Occupational Therapy
The Carroll University Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is an accelerated two-year, post-baccalaureate program that will prepare students to pursue one of the most rewarding and fastest growing health care careers in Wisconsin and nationwide.
About the Master of Occupational Therapy Program
The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is an accelerated program consisting of six consecutive semesters of full-time study in two calendar years. Specific modules, activities, and learning experiences within the MOT program are shared among graduate health science programs to support true inter-professional education and prepare students for collaboration in their clinical practice area. The MOT program is located at the Carroll University Center for Graduate Studies in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
MOT embraces the concept of healthy occupational engagement as a determinant of health. It acknowledges the essence of healthy life participation lies in meaningful occupation, which is an experience unique to each person and the context in which they exist. Diversity is an essential factor for humanity. There lies the link between one’s unique experiences and Occupational Therapy practice. This is the core philosophy and mission of the MOT program.
Students in this program dive directly into clinical settings by their second semester and can take advantage of a plethora of hands-on activities. MOT students are offered the opportunity to complete community driven experiences at Carroll University Health and Wellness OT clinic, LifeStriders and our annual handwriting camp. The cohort emits a supportive and “family” learning environment that allows for students to take their curiosity and passion to be prepared for the first day of their forever career.
MOT vs. OTD
Should you get your MOT (master’s) or OTD (doctorate) to start practicing?
- Both degrees earn the same pay.
- Both degrees require you to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam.
- Both degrees have the same continuing education requirements.
- The OTD degree is not mandated, but should it be in the future, you will be grandfathered in with an MOT degree.
- The MOT degree is shorter in length than the OTD degree and will save you time and money!
For more information on the differences between the MOT and OTD degrees, visit the links below!
Our Admission Counselors are here to help
Connect with a Counselor
"I chose Carroll because of the accelerated curriculum and the program’s emphasis on lifelong learning."
— Philip Maio
Read Philip's Story
Join us for an event! Speak one-on-one with faculty and our graduate admission counselor, Brian Ish.
Get your questions answered about the program and admission process.
Virtual Information Sessions - held on Microsoft Teams
- Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 3:00 PM - RSVP Here
Graduate Programs Open House: Thursday, March 21, 2024 - 6:00 PM - RSVP Here
Interested but unable to attend? Contact Brian Ish to learn more:
Email - ishb@mogrenlandscape.com | Call or text - 262-425-5696
Schedule an appointment: Bookings Link
"The level I fieldwork starts from the second semester. It offers me the opportunity to interact with real patients as early as possible. It also gives me the chance to observe and understand patients’ motivations, thoughts, and behavior; apply the knowledge and skills learned in the class right away; and practice patient-centered care all through the program."
Read Chun's Story
The Master of Occupational Therapy 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. Telephone number: 301-652-6611 - Website: www.acoteonline.org.
Carroll University is an approved institution in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, or SARA. You can find more information at www.nc-sara.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.
See ACOTE decision and discussion related to entry level practice requirement at http://www.aota.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). All states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licensure is 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.
The inaugural Master of Occupational Therapy class graduated in August 2017. Refer to the chart below for total number of program graduates and overall graduation rate.
Graduation Year
Students Entering / Graduating
Graduation Rate
Graduation Year:2019
Students Entering / Graduating:30 / 27
Graduation Rate:90%
Graduation Year:2020
Students Entering / Graduating:30 / 30
Graduation Rate:100%
Graduation Year:2021
Students Entering / Graduating:30 / 28
Graduation Rate:93%
Graduation Year:2022
Students Entering / Graduating:30 / 29
Graduation Rate:96%
Graduation Year:Total:
Students Entering / Graduating:90 / 87
Graduation Rate:97%
This chart represents the NBCOT pass rates for our first cohort of program graduates.
Graduation Year
Number of Graduates
Number Sitting for Certification Exam
NBCOT Pass Rate (within 1 year of Graduation)
Graduation Year:2019
Number Graduates:27
Number Student sitting for NBCOT exam:27
NBCOT Pass Rate (within 1 year of Graduation):100%
Graduation Year:2020
Number of Graduates:30
Number Student sitting for NBCOT exam:30
NBCOT Pass Rate (within 1 year of Graduation):100%
Graduation Year:2021
Number of Graduates:28
Number Student sitting for NBCOT exam:28
Pass Rate Within One Year of Graduation:100%
Graduation Year:2022
Number of Graduates:29
Number Student sitting for NBCOT exam:29
Pass Rate Within One Year of Graduation:100%
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at http://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.
See our handwriting camp featured on TMJ4 and CBS58!