Saginaw Valley State University expands access to its Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program
Allowing entry into the program at two points during the school year instead of only in the spring will give more students the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree in occupational therapy.
Saginaw Valley State University is expecting a recent change in the schedule for its Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program will increase the number of students who enroll in the program and will have a positive impact on the number of licensed occupational therapists available in the area amid high demand.
According to an article on Saginaw Valley State University’s website, Marcia Ditmyer, who serves as the dean of the school’s College of Health and Human Services, was quoted as saying of her hopes for this change, “Occupational therapists are in high demand in Michigan and across the country. We recognize that students may be ready to enter an MSOT program at different times of the year, so to meet the needs of students and help satisfy demand for occupational therapists, we have restructured our admission cycle to allow students to enter the program at two points during the year.”
The demand for occupational therapists is high around the country, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and in the state of Michigan, the career is expected to grow nearly 9% over the period of 2018 to 2028. To keep up with these demands, Saginaw Valley State University is trying to make it easier for students to begin the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program by allowing more than one program start per year. Traditionally, students have only been able to start their program in the spring, but now, the program will offer start dates in both the Fall and Winter semesters.
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Saginaw Valley State University is the only program in the state that offers these dual entry points. There are currently three tracks toward a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the school. One option is the freshman direct admit track, which is for students entering their first year of college who intend to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Another option is the bachelor’s admit track, which is for students who already have a bachelor degree and want to pursue a career in occupational therapy. The third option is the 3+2 admit track, which is for students who do not yet have a bachelor degree. This gives students the opportunity to enter the MSOT program and earn a bachelor degree in Rehabilitation Medicine after their first year in the program.
The program is now enrolling for the Winter 2025 semester.
For more information about Saginaw Valley State University, visit the school’s website.