Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (BHS-OTA) Program will prepare students to practice as occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) who will then work under the supervision of occupational therapists (OTs) in their career. OTAs are skilled health professionals who provide services to individuals across the lifespan to maximize their independence in meaningful everyday activities. OTAs use research, scientific evidence, and a holistic approach to incorporate an individual's valued occupations into the intervention process. The BHS-OTA degree provides an additional degree option for students who wish to complete an undergraduate degree that allows for immediate employment in a health profession with high employment and entry-level salaries. In addition, graduates of the BHS-OTA program will have the opportunity to continue their education by pursuing a clinical doctorate degree in occupational therapy should they wish to practice at a higher practitioner level as an occupational therapist, and/or the option of completing a PhD to pursue a career in rehabilitation science, all while being able to work as a licensed OTA. The BHS-OTA will prepare students for entry-level practice in diverse practice settings including hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, early intervention programs, mental health programs, community agencies, and emerging areas of practice. At the completion of their education, MU OTA students will:
Utilize andintegrate evidence into professional practice to ensure high quality health care services and use of scientifically supported interventions. Use of research to make informed decisions for best practice.

Participate in'self-directedlifelong learning behaviors including self-reflection and clinical reasoning as expected in the healthcare environment.

Demonstrateclinical competence as an entry-level OTA with use of occupation-based principlesin order tomeet the demands of an ever-changing practice environment in rural and metropolitan areas and with a variety of client populations.

Address the occupational needs of individuals and communities to improvecommunity health outcomes.

Demonstrate high level professionalism behaviors and adherence to the Code of Ethics as they develop a professional identity through a baccalaureate projectin the area of clinical practice, administration, leadership, advocacy, or education.

Students must complete High School Coursework with 13 units (one unit = one year in class) of the following core coursework: Mathematics - Four units (algebra or higher), Science - Three units, Social Studies - Three units, Languages - Two units, Fine Arts - One unit.

High School grades

Your core coursework grades must meet one of the following requirements:

• GPA of 2.5 or higher on a U.S. 4.0 scale
• GPA of 3.5 or higher on a U.S. 5.0 scale
• Average grades of 80 or higher on a 100-point scale
• Average grades of 8 or higher on a 10-point scale
• IGCSE scores of C or higher in five or more subjects AND three A-level certificates with a C or higher

If your high school does not use one of the scales listed above, your grades will be converted to a U.S. 4.0 scale. Scores are determined by the AACRAO International Education Services.

English Language Requirements:

Duolingo English Test (DET): minimum DET score of 110 on the test with 3 of the 4 section scores at or above a 100.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum TOEFL score of 79 on the online test with no section score below 17.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no section score below a 6.

Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: a minimum overall Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency score of 180.

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): a minimum overall PTE score of 59.