MOT Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for graduates from the MOT program?
I am interested in applying to the MOT program at the University of Florida. What should I do first?
Is the GRE required to apply to the program?
How do I find out what pre-requisites are needed to apply to the program?
What are the admission deadlines? When do classes start?
What types of clinical experiences are needed to apply to the program?
Does the MOT program have specific forms for recommendations and to log observation hours?
When does the MOT program begin?
What are the tuition and fees for the MOT program?
Are there student assistantships available for the MOT program?
What financial aid and scholarships am I eligible for?
What is Occupational Therapy and how do I find out more about the profession of Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all areas of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing the skills necessary for independent and satisfying lives. For more information visit the American Occupational Therapy Association.
What is the job outlook for graduates from the MOT program?
Occupational Therapy was listed in U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Careers for 2007. The job outlook was listed as excellent. For more information see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In survey of UF MOT students 95% of those students actively seeking employment had positions within 3 weeks of graduation.
I am interested in applying to the Master's in OT program. I have a bachelor's degree, but no pre-OT courses.
You are eligible for the conditional admission program. You can enter the MOT program with an undergraduate degree in any major. Students are admitted into the program and complete the 6 undergraduate pre-OT classes before beginning the MOT course work. These courses are taught in this college by OT faculty.
I am interested in applying to the MOT program at the University of Florida. What should I do first?
Look over this website to get an idea of our educational philosophy and the course work that you will study once in the program. You can also find admission requirements and download all department application materials from this site.
Is a Bachelor's degree required for admission to the program? What should I take as an undergraduate major?
Yes, an undergraduate or BS degree is required. Though many students will complete this college’s Health Science degree and the pre-OT track, you can enter the MOT program with an undergraduate degree in any major. Students with BS degrees in the applied sciences, psychology or social sciences will find it easier to fit the required pre-requisite courses into their degree.
I have an AA degree from a Florida community college, what is the best major at UF to enter to qualify for the MOT program?
Many students who enter the MOT program have completed the College of Public Health and Health Professions’ Health Science degree and the pre-OT track. This degree and track enables you to complete 21 hours toward the MOT program. After being admitted to the MOT program you can then complete the entire MOT program in 5 consecutive semesters.
I am interested in the MOT program, but I don’t know if my previous classes will count and if my grades would make me a competitive applicant.
We can analyze your transcripts to determine what pre-requisite course work is needed, and if your GPA average is competitive. Contact Dr. Foss to request a transcript analysis and have your transcripts sent to:
Joanne J. Foss, PhD, OTR
Department of Occupational Therapy
Box 100164
Gainesville, FL 32611
jfoss@phhp.ufl.edu
Is the GRE required to apply to the program?
Yes. A minimum score of 1000 on the GRE (verbal and math combined) is recommended, applicants with scores below a 1000 will be considered if their GPA sufficiently demonstrates a potential for success in graduate school.
How do I find out what pre-requisites are needed to apply to the program?
View the required pre-requisite table.
What are the admission deadlines? When do classes start?
If you have a BHS Degree and completed the pre-OT Track application deadline January 15th and classes begin Summer C.
Applicants with other Bachelor degrees have a February 15th application deadline, and MOT classes begin Fall semester.
What types of clinical experiences are needed to apply to the program?
Thirty (30) hours of observation in at least 2 diverse OT settings are required for application. Check the yellow pages or contact the facility directly for permission to observe. Students looking for volunteer or observational experiences at UF&Shands should start by checking their website.
Does the MOT program have specific forms for recommendations and to log observation hours?
Recommendation and observation documentation forms are located in the application packet 
.
When does the MOT program begin?
For students entering from the Health Science programs that have completed the pre-OT track coursework, the MOT classes begin Summer C.
For students entering with degrees from other programs and need to complete the pre-OT courses, those classes begin in the fall semester in the College of Public Health and Health Professions, Department of Occupational Therapy.
Can I substitute course work from other universities or programs for the Health Science pre-OT course work?
Students may transfer a limited number of upper division courses into the program. Students wishing to do so must include full course syllabi for each course with their admission packets. Course substitutions are reviewed by the admission committee and relevant members of the faculty.
What are the tuition and fees for the MOT program?
Annual cost estimates for graduate students.
Are there student assistantships available for the MOT program?
We do not offer assistantships through the MOT program.
What financial aid and scholarships am I eligible for?
You may be eligible for university administered financial aid and scholarships. Contact Student Financial Affairs for more information. Also, check the American Occupational Therapy Association for more scholarship information.
I am an international student with an undergraduate degree from a college outside the U.S. What do I have to do to be considered as an applicant for the program?
International applicants must have transcripts evaluated and translated by an education evaluation service prior to the submission of application materials. The UF Graduate School also requires the submission of TOFEL score. After completing these steps you are ready to submit materials to the Department of OT for review.
