• UNM 2010-2011 Catalog
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• »Health Sciences Center
• »Occupational Therapy
• »Graduate Program

Graduate Program

Admission Requirements

Up to 24 students are admitted each year into the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program. A good academic record is essential, but it does not guarantee acceptance. The application deadline for Fall admissions is January 15. Students are admitted once a year, with classes beginning in the fall session. Students must have a baccalaureate degree and have at least a 3.0 on the last 50 credits or total of their bachelor degree program. Prerequisite courses must be completed within the past five years. Students may apply while enrolled in undergraduate courses to complete a baccalaureate degree or prerequisite courses if all courses will be completed by the end of the summer semester. Six basic areas are considered in the selection process:

1. Earned baccalaureate degree
2. The student’s academic record (prerequisite grade point average and grade point average of at least 50 credits completed)
3. Three letters of reference (one from a health professional)
4. Life experiences including volunteer/work experience and community involvement
5. Writing ability
6. Personal interview

The top candidates will be invited to the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program for an interview and an extemporaneous sample of their writing ability. The selection process does not discriminate against any student on the basis of gender, marital or parental status, race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. If you wish to apply, applications to the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program and The University of New Mexico Graduate School (Office of Graduate Studies) are available from the Occupational Therapy Program Office (Health Sciences and Services Building, first floor, suite 140) during fall semester. These forms can also be downloaded directly from their respective Web sites: Occupational Therapy Graduate Program http://hsc.unm.edu/som/ot/ and Office of Graduate Studies http://www.unm.edu/-ogshmpg/eforms/index.html. There is a $50.00 application fee for the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program and $50.00 for the Office of Graduate Studies.

Pre-Professional Curriculum

Applicants must complete prerequisite courses with a minimum 3.0 grade prior to enrolling in MOT courses. These prerequisites must be current, within the past five years. Students may substitute higher level courses and/or experience to waive the five year limit or increase the grade on a prerequisite course. Prerequisites provide a general foundation in behavioral sciences and are essential for success in the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program.

Professional Curriculum

Master of Occupational Therapy–82 credit hours

The Occupational Therapy Graduate Program offers the Master’s Degree under Plan I (Thesis) and Plan II (Project). The student must submit a written research document that is approved by their committee, and complete the Occupational Therapy Student Performance Assessment (OTSPA). The Occupational Therapy course work is taken in a designated sequence.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. There will be additional expenses including program and course fees. These fees range between approximately $200.00 to $450.00 each year. Tuition is determined by the Board of Regents each April for the following school year beginning in Fall. To verify current tuition, log onto http://www.unm.edu/~bursar/tuition.html. For financial aid information we encourage you to contact the financial aid department at (505) 272-2041.

Scheduling

The Occupational Therapy Graduate Program offers a traditional 2.5-year schedule which involves an intensive, full-time load taken in a designated sequence. It is not recommended that students work while in the traditional program. Students who choose to work part-time need to understand that work schedules cannot conflict with required courses or fieldwork assignments.

The Part-time track is designed to be completed in 8 consecutive semesters (not including summer, except in cases when Fieldwork Level II is scheduled in summer). A maximum of 10 semesters is allowable. The required 6 months of Fieldwork Level II is included in the 10-semester maximum. Please note that the third year of the part-time track is essentially full-time, and that Fieldwork Level II must be completed on a full-time basis.

* Plan I Master’s Thesis (6 credits, continuous enrollment in OCTH 599)
** Plan II Master’s Project (3 credits of OCTH 594, plus 3 credits Elective)

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of 82 credits including required didactic course work, assessments, and masters examinations. Students must complete all Office of Graduate Studies requirements including Plan I or Plan II requirements with a minimum 3.00 GPA.

• Plan I Masters Thesis (students will be required to complete 82 credits if they select this option)
52 Credits didactic course work
6 Credits Thesis OCTH 599

• Continuous enrollment.
• Masters Thesis must be completed prior to beginning Fieldwork Level II.
• Defense of the Masters Thesis will be the culminating event in the last semester.

24 Credits Fieldwork level II (two 12 week sessions)

• Additional Fieldwork Level II sessions may be taken up to 36 credits.
• All required FW II must be completed within 24 months of completion of the academic courses.
• Students are responsible for tuition, transportation to and from the fieldwork centers and living expenses while on fieldwork. Fieldwork opportunities will be available in New Mexico; however, students can travel to other states.

Masters Examination: Occupational Therapy Student Performance Assessment (OTSPA)

• Plan II Masters Project
52 Credits didactic course work
3 Credits Project OCTH 594 (Additional Project 594 credits may be taken as needed).

• Masters Project must be completed prior to beginning Fieldwork Level II (FWII).

3 Credit Graduate Level Elective
24 Credits Fieldwork level II (two 12 week sessions)

• Additional Fieldwork Level II sessions may be taken up to 36 credits.
• All required FW II must be completed within 24 months of completion of the academic courses.
• Each FW II placement is usually for three months (total of six months).
• Students are responsible for tuition, transportation to and from the fieldwork centers and living expenses while on fieldwork. Fieldwork opportunities will be available in New Mexico; however, students can travel to other states.

Masters Examination: Occupational Therapy Student Performance Assessment (OTSPA)

• Additional Information
Independent Study OCTH 690 may be taken any semester.
Fieldwork Level I and II is an important part of occupational therapy education. Short term fieldwork (FW I) is arranged in coordination with specific courses (OCTH 514L, 564L, 604L,614L, 664L, 674L). Full-time Fieldwork II (OCTH 675) follows successful completion of didactic course work, Thesis/Project, and the OTSPA.