Occupational Therapy offers an integrated curriculum that highlights "hands on" applications and fundamental courses that prepare students in their roles in traditional and emerging areas of practice. Courses are delivered in an engaging manner that cultivates learning while stimulating creativity, critical reasoning and evidence-based practice. With access to patient simulation, virtual human cadaver software, well equipped laboratories, the latest technology, and a comprehensive library-resource system, our students become clinically, professionally, and culturally competent in their field. The academic experience is enhanced by clinical and doctoral prepared faculty who are experts in their respective field. Strong emphasis is placed on community engaged immersive experiences with diverse cultures and ethnic groups.
Program of Study
Community Engagement
At Winston-Salem State University, community engagement is a fundamental aspect of our teaching, research and faculty and student service. In the MSOT program at Winston-Salem State University, community engagement is a fundamental aspect of our teaching, research and faculty and student service. Ongoing community service-learning includes life skills programs at the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, local low-income housing facilities, Green Tree Peer Center, and The Enrichment Center to name just a few. We also train students to lead and participate in the CARFIT program for older drivers and Matter of Balance fall prevention classes.
Emphasizing Health Equity
Occupational therapy students and faculty provide rehab services to individuals with chronic diseases at the local free Community Care Center In an academic year, students provide over 150 hours of care and education to patients.
Technology & Innovation
Virtual Hospital offers students an opportunity to build clinical skills in a simulated acute hospital setting and to engage in coordinated inter-professional care with other health science disciplines.
The WSSU MSOT program has enjoyed a warm and close relationship with Senior Services, Inc in Forsyth County for over 6 years. This partnership, particularly through the Williams Adult Day Center, has provided students with the opportunity to learn and develop foundational skills for becoming competent occupational therapy practitioners while also providing service and assistance to the Center participants. The OT Department looks forward to continued collaborations with Senior Services, Inc. through our role in administering the TAP program as a part of the Memory Connections Initiative over the next two years.
Innovative Curriculum Model
An integrated curriculum that highlights practical skills and fundamental courses that prepares students in their role as practitioner, administrator, educator-learner and researcher in traditional and emerging areas of practice.
Engaging Coursework
MSOT courses are delivered by a diverse clinical and doctoral prepared faculty who are experts in their respective field. Courses are delivered in a manner that cultivates learning while stimulating creativity, critical reasoning and evidence-based practice. Learning experiences progressively reinforce assessment and intervention through "hands on" applications.
Culture, Diversity & Service
WSSU program attracts a diverse student body. Strong emphasis is placed on immersive experiences with diverse cultures, ethnic groups as well as opportunities for regional, community and international service learning and fieldwork affiliations. Professional service, student and faculty scholarship in state and national associations are expected and highly valued.
State of the Art Facilities
Accessibility to patient simulation, virtual human cadaver software and well equipped skill laboratories, wireless ready classrooms and a comprehensive library system across 16 campuses in the UNC University system.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this examination, the individual will be credentialed as an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Please note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Individuals wishing to determine if eligible to take certification exam should contact NBCOT prior to applying to the program. Information concerning state licensure can be obtained through the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy.
National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy
One Bank Street
Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
301-990-7979
301-869-8492 (f)
The total number of graduates from the Winston-Salem State University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program during the three years of 2021 - 2024 was 80, with an overall graduation rate of 95%.
| Graduation Year |
Students Entering |
Fall Graduates | Spring/Summer Graduates | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 28 | 26 | 2 | 100% |
| 2022-2023 | 28 | 27 | 0 | 96% |
| 2023-2024 | 28 | 25 | 0 | 89% |
| Totals | 84 | 78 | 2 | 95% |
The two and half year program begins during the fall term and ends fall term two years later. Spring and summer graduates are off sequence.
MSOT Tuition and Fees 2024-2025
| Fee | 1st Year Fall, Spring, Summer | 2nd Year Fall, Spring, Summer | 3rd Year Fall Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,807.99 | $5,162.66 | $1290.66 |
| University Fees | $3434.87 | $3,211.58 | $911.38 |
| OT Student Fee | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | $750.00 |
| Student Health Insurance (if applicable) | $2364.56 | $2364.56 | $1182.28 |
| Textbooks & Course Related Expenses* | $1,840.70 | $605.00 | $102.35 |
| Student Memberships & WSSU/OT Attire | $185.00 | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| Total | $15,133.12 | $12,963.80 | $4,356.67 |
| Fee | 1st Year Fall, Spring, Summer | 2nd Year Fall, Spring, Summer | 3rd Year Fall Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $21,610.33 | $19,209.22 | $4802.22 |
| University Fees | $3,434.87 | $3,211.58 | $911.38 |
| OT Student Fee | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | $750.00 |
| Student Health Insurance (if applicable) | $2364.56 | $2364.56 | $1182.28 |
| Textbooks & Course Related Expenses* | $1,840.70 | $605.00 | $102.35 |
| Student Memberships & WSSU/OT Attire | $185.00 | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| Total | $30,935.46 | $27,010.36 | $7,868.23 |
These prices are general estimates based on the academic year charges found in the Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Tuition and Fees. Prices are subject to change at any time. Students may acquire additional costs not printed on this list.
*Estimated Costs
This Mental Health Concentration Program in Occupational Therapy is to help address the challenges in behavioral/ mental health care in North Carolina and in the US. It is a concentration for degree-seeking graduate students enrolled in the Department of Occupational Therapy (OT). This program guides OT students to take a track of courses that will build competencies for practice in mental health while going through the OT curriculum. The concentration also offers an advantage for OT students to seek employment in behavioral health upon graduation and career advancement in their future practice.
For more information, please see our Mental Health Concentration Program in Occupational Therapy catalog page. For inquiries related to this concentration program, email Mrs. Allison Calhoun at calhounad@wssu.edu.
Networking Resources
While the WSSU OT program values the unique perspectives and experiences of all individuals, we also acknowledge the potential interest or benefit of connecting with peers who share similar backgrounds. Recognizing the historical homogeneity within OT, we aim to provide resources that facilitate networking and meaningful connections.
- American Occupational Therapy Association - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in Occupational Therapy (AAPIOT)
- brOT Movement - Cultural & Gender Diversity
- Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
- National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC)
- Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns in Occupational Therapy (The Network)
- Network of Occupational Therapy Practitioners With Disabilities and Their Supporters (NOTPD)
- North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee
- Occupational Therapy Network for Native Americans (OTNA)
- Orthodox Jewish Occupational Therapy Chavrusa (OJOTC)
- Terapia Occupational para Diversidad, Oportunidad, y Solidaridad (TODOS)
Network of Hispanic Practitioners
The Networking Groups are independent groups and are not officially affiliated with AOTA.
Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). ACOTE® accredited Occupational Therapy programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited Occupational Therapy educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure web page. The next accreditation self- study and onsite visit are scheduled in 2026/2027.
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-2682
www.acoteonline.org
