BS/MS in Occupational Therapy

Admissions Requirements

Pathways to LIU’s BS/MS Occupational Therapy Program
Students begin their journey to earn a BS/MS degree in Occupational Therapy as:

• A LIU student (Brooklyn or Post), where your success coach will help create an academic plan for you to complete your required prerequisites, and near completion, you'll apply directly to the department and complete the BS/MS OT degree in 3 years.
• A transfer student, upon completing all required prerequisites, you’ll apply through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) at www.otcas.org, and complete the BS/MS OT degree in 3 years.

Our program is a 3 professional BS/MS program requiring 122 credits, where students apply after completing undergraduate coursework (60 credits) focused on general education and foundational science courses, followed by three years of professional, clinical and graduate-level coursework in occupational therapy.

Current LIU Students are required to apply for admission directly through the Department of Occupational Therapy at Long Island University, Brooklyn. To apply, email michael.gawronski@liu.edu for an application packet.

Transfer Students are required to apply for admission through a centralized application service, the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service. To apply, go to www.otcas.org and select Long Island University, Brooklyn as your program. Review and follow the instructions to complete the application process.

International Students must submit an international evaluation and translation for all international transcripts to OTCAS. These transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited organization and must be submitted by the application deadline. Students must also alert the department of such transcripts by emailing michael.gawronski@liu.edu.

Our program operates on a rolling admissions basis, applications are reviewed as they are submitted. While we continue to accept applications until the program is full, we strongly encourage prospective students to apply by our priority deadline for the best chance at securing a spot, as well as consideration for financial aid and scholarships. Applying early ensures your application receives prompt attention and maximizes your opportunities within the program.

Application Details
To be considered for admission you will need:

• A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all prerequisite courses.
• All science prerequisite coursework completed within the last 5 years.
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
• Completion of a minimum of 25 hours of observation in at least two different occupational therapy practice settings.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation - these should be written by individuals who know you well, such as college professors, academic advisors, or employers, and must include at least one letter from a licensed occupational therapist.
• A personal statement - explain why you seek admission to LIU’s OT program, your passion for occupational therapy, and what drives you to pursue a professional degree in this field. Describe any experiences you have had that might impact on your career as an occupational therapist, and outline how you plan to balance the demands of graduate education with your social, work, and family responsibilities.
• A up to date resume or curriculum vitae.

Due the competitive nature of the program an interview may be required.

Prerequisite Coursework
Applicants are encouraged to apply while they are finishing their prerequisite courses, but all prerequisites must be completed before starting the program.

Prerequisite courses for applicants without a degree
Biology (Bio 1 or 3, 2 or 4, General Biology 1 & 2)	8 cr
Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 137, A&P I)	4 cr
Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 138, A&P II)	4 cr
Statistics	3 cr
College Math (Math 16, Algebra or higher)	3 cr
General Psy (Psy 3)	3 cr
Developmental Psy (Psy 107)	3 cr
Abnormal Psy (Psy 110)	3 cr
English Composition (ENG 16)	3 cr
English Literature (ENG 61-64)	3 cr
History (HIS 1, 2)	3 cr
Philosophy (Phil 61, 62)	3 cr
Oral Communication (Spe 3)	3 cr
Introduction to Sociology/Anthropology	3 cr
Foreign Language	3 cr
Art, Dance, Music, or Media Arts	3 cr
Liberal Arts Credits	5 cr*
Total	60 credits

Prerequisite courses for applicants with a degree
Biology (Bio 1 or 3, 2 or 4, General Biology 1 & 2)	8 cr
Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 137, A&P I)	4 cr
Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 138, A&P II)	4 cr
Statistics	3 cr
College Math (Math 16, Algebra or higher)	3 cr
General Psy (Psy 3)	3 cr
Developmental Psy (Psy 107)	3 cr
Abnormal Psy (Psy 110)	3 cr
English Composition and/or Literature (Eng 16; Eng 61-64)	6 cr
Introduction to Sociology/Anthropology	3 cr
Liberal Arts Credits	20 cr
Total	60 credits

Accreditation and Outcomes

Accreditation Status

LIU’s Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-AOTA (2682) or (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Applicants for the national certification examination will be asked to answer questions related to the topic of felony convictions. This may impact a graduate's eligibility for certification and credentialing. For further information, applicants are advised to contact the NBCOT at (301) 990-7979 or info@nbcot.org.

After successful completion of the NBCOT Certification Examination, an individual is entitled to use the designation "Occupational Therapist, Registered" (OTR). Most states require a passing score on the NBCOT Certification as the examination requirement for professional licensure.

LIU’s program in occupational therapy was initially accredited by ACOTE in 2000. In December of 2021, the program received ACOTE re-accreditation for 10 years: 2021–2022 through 2031–2032.

This program is approved by the New York State Education Department.

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rates

The total number of graduates from LIU’s Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period 2023-2025 was 113, with an overall graduation rate of 93%.

Graduation Year	Students Entering	Students who withdrew, or did not graduate with the entering cohort, for reasons other than academic performance	Students Graduating	Graduation Rate
2025	35	3	32	100%
2024	34	1	32	97%
2023	52	0	49	94%
Total	121	4	113	93%

NBCOT Pass Rates

Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found here.

Tuition and Fees

Earning an LIU B.S./M.S. degree in Occupational Therapy is an investment that offers lifelong rewards, not only for you but also for the patients and families you will serve.

Summary of Estimated Costs

Items	Year 1 (Fall 2025 - Summer 2026)	Year 2  (Fall 2026 - Summer 2027)	Year 3  (Fall 2027 - Summer 2028)	Total Cost of Program*
Tuition*	$58,986.00	$60,170.00	$45,925.00	$165,081.00
University Fee*	$3,111.00	$3,171.00	$2,116.00	$8,398.00
Books and Supplies*	$3,000.00	$3,000.00	$3,000.00	$9,000.00
Total*	$65,097.00	$66,341.00	$51,041.00	$182,479.00

*Estimated costs; Illustration based on a 2% increase annually, however tuition and fees are subject to change.

According to FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), cost of attendance is defined as total amount of attending the program, which includes tuition and fees, books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, as well as fees associated with distance education.

Application Process (Transfer Student)

All applicants can submit their application for admissions while they are in the final stage of the completion of their prerequisite courses. All prerequisites must be completed prior to entering the professional phase of the program.

The Department of Occupational Therapy accepts transfer students with or without a degree. Transfer students need to apply to the program via:

The OTCAS system: www.otcas.org.
Application Deadline: January 19, 2024
Long Island University uses the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

Please visit https://portal.otcas.org/ to create your OTCAS account.

All official transcripts should be sent directly to OTCAS:
Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)
P.O. Box 9120
Watertown, MA 02471

Phone: 617–612–2860
Email: otcasinfo@otcas.org
Website: http://portal.otcas.org/

Where to Send Your Application:

OTCAS must receive the application, references, and transcripts well before the deadline listed above in order to be VERIFIED in time for consideration. Once your application is complete, OTCAS will verify your documents before releasing them to Long Island University. Please note that Long Island University cannot access unverified applications. Applicants should confirm their status as verified with OTCAS.

• For any questions about the receipt, processing, and verification of your application, please contact OTCAS Customer Service at 617-612-2860, otcasinfo@otcas.org.
• For other questions, please contact the Long Island University OT Program Director at michael.gawronski@liu.edu or 718-780-4508.

No supplemental application is required.

Please note, only verified OTCAS applications can be considered for interviews. Please allow 2-6 weeks (depending on time of year) for OTCAS and the respective institutions to send/review/verify your transcripts once they are received. In other words, applications need to be VERIFIED by the deadline listed above in order to have priority consideration. Any applications verified after the application deadline will be reviewed once all other applications have been reviewed and class seating permits.

International students must submit an international evaluation and translation for all international transcripts to OTCAS. These transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited organization and must be submitted by the application deadline. Students must also alert the OT department of such transcripts by emailing michael.gawronski@liu.edu. Incomplete applications will not be considered for an interview.

Students are required to provide the following items when submitting their application or your application cannot be processed. Incomplete applications will not be considered for an interview.

3 letters of recommendation

• Your application will not be considered complete until all three reference letters are on file with OTCAS by the deadline.
• We REQUEST that letters of recommendation be completed by people who know you well—for example, college professors, academic counselors, and/or employers and by at least one occupational therapist.

Personal statement

• In your personal statement explain your career goals, your interest in occupational therapy, past work/volunteer experience that is relevant, and if there is a specialized area of occupational therapy that interests you most. You may also wish to describe your experience with illness and disability—whether the experience is your own or that of a family member or close friend.

Verification of a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer work with a licensed occupational therapist (uploaded to OTCAS)

• 50 hours is the minimum requirement and should be completed by the application deadline for full consideration.
• It is recommended that candidates engage in more than the minimum hours and in more than one setting.
• We require that verification of these hours are provided. Please make sure documentation is submitted to OTCAS for all hours for consideration. A letter or a log of hours signed by the OTR is fine.
• In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, volunteer hours with an OT are NOT required for the 2020-2021 application cycle. However, we will consider non-OT volunteer experiences and community service in non-clinical venues.

Curriculum Vitae (uploaded to OTCAS)

INTERVIEW Due the competitive nature of the program unfortunately only eligible students will be invited for an interview. The following criteria will be considered to determine eligibility for an interview:
·  Meeting application deadline with a Verified Application
·  Cumulative GPA as well as Science GPA
·  Volunteer experience and extracurricular activities
·  Writing competency (personal statement, curriculum vitae)
·  Letters of recommendation
·  Leadership positions
·  Research Participation
·  Curriculum Vitae

About the Program

Located in Brooklyn, NY, LIU’s Department of Occupational Therapy was established in 1998 and achieved initial accreditation in 2000. The program is fully accredited through 2030, with the next accreditation review scheduled for 2031-2032. We offer a 122-credit combined B.S./M.S. degree in Occupational Therapy, allowing students to earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Master of Science (M.S.) in just five years, as opposed to the typical six or more years if pursued separately.

The program is available on the Brooklyn campus. Before advancing to the professional phase, students complete 60 credits of general education and foundational science courses, providing a solid grounding in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The professional phase consists of three years of full-time academic coursework and clinical training, incorporating various community service-learning experiences.

Mission

Our mission is to educate students from diverse backgrounds to become clinicians who promote occupation, health and wellness through the lifespan for individuals, communities and populations.

• We engage in reflective practice
• We facilitate experiential learning, leadership & advocacy skills
• We promote evidence-based practice and research
• We utilize current technology for student learning and client engagement

Emphasizing theory, scholarship, clinical skills, and professionalism, the programs foster competencies to meet the challenges of serving people in an ever-changing global environment.

Department Faculty and Staff

Dr. Michael Gawronski, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor | Program Director, Pratt 211, michael.gawronski@liu.edu, (718) 780-4510

Dr. Mechelle Collins-Faria OTD, OTR/L, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator | Assistant Professor, Pratt 212, mechelle.collins@liu.edu, (718) 246-6371

Dr. Ida Koraitem, OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor | PTK Advisor, Pratt 218, ida.koraitem@liu.edu, (718) 780-4508

Dr. Krystal Brewington, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM, CHT | Assistant Professor, Pratt 212-A, Krystal.Brewington@liu.edu

Ms. Anna Torres, Administrative Support, anna.torres@liu.edu, (718) 780-6578

Virtual Information Sessions

Virtual Information Sessions

Discover more about the Occupational Therapy Program at Long Island University by attending a virtual information session. This session provides an overview of our program, including curriculum highlights, fieldwork opportunities, and admissions information.

How to Attend: Sessions are offered regularly, and we’re happy to work around your schedule. To reserve your spot or request a session at a convenient time, please email michael.gawronski@liu.edu.

We look forward to connecting with you and helping you take the first step toward an exciting future in Occupational Therapy at Long Island University!

Background Check and Drug Testing

A criminal conviction and/or the use of illegal drugs may impede or bar your entry into the field of occupational therapy. Students desiring entrance into the LIU OT Program should be aware that the presence of a criminal record can result in the refusal of licensing/certification/registration agencies to issue the credential needed to practice in the field of study. Prospective students are urged to contact the pertinent state and/or federal licensing board to inquire whether a criminal record will have an impact on their eligibility to obtain licensure or certification. A criminal conviction and/or the use of illegal drugs may impede licensure in New York State. Students who have had a prior conviction are advised to contact NBCOT (www.nbcot.org) for clearance before beginning an academic program. For a fee, NBCOT will review the circumstances which led to a conviction and the individual’s personal record and render a decision concerning whether or not the individual would qualify to work as an occupational therapist

 
In addition, many of our clinical/field experience affiliates now require the completion of criminal background checks and/or drug testing for employees, volunteers and students affiliated with the site. LIU OT students are required to participate in multiple clinical/field experiences and may be asked to undergo a criminal background check and/or drug screen by the site. A criminal conviction and/or the use of illegal drugs may impede or bar your ability to participate in a clinical/field experience, delay graduation and/or prevent you from completing the program. Our clinical/field affiliates can reject or remove a student from the site if a criminal record is discovered or if a drug test is positive. If a student is rejected from a clinical/field site due to information contained in the criminal background check, or drug screen, you may be unable to complete a required clinical/field experience. If you are unable to complete program requirements, you may be advised to withdraw from the program.