Welcome to the Department of Occupational Therapy
Welcome to the Department of Occupational Therapy in the UTEP College of Health Sciences. We offer a program of study leading to a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. We are no longer accepting applications for the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree. Our newly approved OTD curriculum can be completed in nine semesters (three years).
We believe in active learning and offer opportunities for students to learn in real community settings very early in the program. The final year of the OTD degree includes 2 twelve-week clinical fieldwork rotations, or internships, as well as a 14-week doctoral experience and capstone project.
Upon successful completion of the didactic coursework, clinical experiences, and doctoral capstone, students are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. After successful completion of the exam, students are eligible to apply for state licensure to practice occupational therapy.
The application deadline for anticipated fall 2024 admission is October 15, 2023. Please visit OTD Application Process and Tips for complete processes and procedures.
Explore Our Program

Application Process and Tips

Capstone Project & Experience

Curriculum

Fieldwork

Scholarships and Other Resources

Frequently Asked Questions
Graduation Rates
Graduation Year |
Number of graduates/admitted students |
Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
2022 |
21/25 |
80% |
2021 |
17/19* |
89% |
2020 |
20/21* |
95% |
Totals |
58/65 |
89% |
*This includes students completing graduation requirements one semester after the original graduation term.
Certification Exam Pass Rate
The UTEP MOT's 3-year pass rate for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam ranges from 90% to 95%.
The NBCOT pass rates can be found at: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
Graduates are encouraged to sit for the NBCOT certification exam as soon as possible to increase chances for successful attainment of certification. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT and/or attain a state license.
If you have any questions regarding the certification exam, please contact NBCOT at:
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
12 South Summit Ave. Suite 100
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
www.nbcot.org
Accreditation
The UTEP Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE): https://acoteonline.org/
The UTEP Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree (OTD) has received candidacy status from ACOTE.
You can contact ACOTE at: accred@aota.org
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
C/O American Occupational Therapy Association
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
(301) 652-AOTA (2682)
Cost of Program
The current cost of tuition for the duration of the degree program (105 credit hours/ 9 semesters) is approximately $50,000 for in-state students or $104,000 for out of state students. Visit Tuition and Mandatory Fees: Fall 2023 for more information. Be aware that the above estimates do NOT include other university fees, living expenses, clinical education expenses, books and supplies. Expenses are subject to change each year.