STUDENTS
If you would like to apply to the our program, visit the program page to view application deadlines and requirements. To view programs offered, visit our Academics & Admissions page to see the full list.
Financial Aid Information
Financial aid is available to qualified students through a variety of means including federal grants and loans,scholarships from professional associations, and a limited number of graduate assistantships. For moreinformation on federal assistance contact the Georgia State University office of Financial Aid at 404-413-2400 or online at http://sfs.gsu.edu/the-financial-aid-process/
Additional information regarding scholarships and financial aid may be found at: http://www.fastweb.com/
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of assistantships are available. Students are generally not eligible for assistantships during thesummer semesters. The awards are competitive and based on the match of student’s skills and expertise withthe faculty member’s particular needs. Half and Full Assistantships are available. Students are responsible for paying all fees. Please see the Policy on Student Employment at XI for further details.
Policy for Fee Payment
All matriculation, tuition, and other mandatory student fees must be paid by the last day of registration at the beginning of each semester. The registration period typically ends a few days before the first day of classes and is published in GoSOLAR and PAW S. The Department reserves the right at any time during the semester to drop any student pleading ignorance of the regulation, or who asserts that he or she was not informed of the policy. Students will be sent a list of courses with appropriate CRN numbers prior to registering for each semester. Students are required to register for all listed courses each semester, including laboratory credits. Students receiving financial aid are responsible for assuring that all fees are paid. All questions regarding fees should be directed to the office of Student Accounts.
Each quarter beginning in Q1 2020, EduMed will award four $500 scholarships to students in healthcare or medical programs who have standout academic and career drive, financial need, and personal circumstances that make their situation unique. We hope that, by giving back, more and more talented students will find their way to classrooms, year-end graduations, and to rewarding healthcare careers across the U.S. One scholarship will be awarded in each of the following categories: Undergraduate, Graduate, Diversity, and Military.
We've listed 50 of the top available scholarships across 7 different healthcare fields, including dental, nursing, medical assisting, and healthcare leadership. More details about EduMed scholarships (including application forms and deadlines) and our full list of third-party scholarships can be found here. Students are encouraged to apply for both: EduMed Medical and Healthcare Scholarships.
Please contact Wes Harris if you have any further questions related to EduMed at [email protected].
What is the difference between an entry-level master’s and an entry-level doctoral degree?
Currently, there are dual points of entry to the profession - you can enter the field at either the master’s or doctoral level. Both are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Both degree levels prepare graduates to be entry-level practitioners; however, students must hold a baccalaureate degree for admission into the doctoral program. The doctoral degree offers additional semesters of study focusing on clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development. Both degree levels require Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences. Also, doctoral students must complete an experiential component (16 weeks) and a culminating capstone project.
What is the difference between the various kinds of master’s ( OT/M, MOT, MA, MS ) and doctoral (OTD, DOT, DrOT) degrees awarded after my degree program?
These are all appropriate degrees to award at the completion of an entry-level occupational therapy educational program. The degree awarded is an institutional prerogative based on consistency with the mission and structure of the college or university. All are entry-level degrees.
What should I major in at the undergraduate level if I apply to an entry-level master’s or an entry-level doctoral program?
You may major in any subject, as long as you are able to take prerequisite classes for admission. Students have majored in a variety of subjects, including, but not limited to: biology, kinesiology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts, and anatomy at the undergraduate level. Note that OT programs have different prerequisites for admission into their programs. Contact the OT programs to which you are applying to make sure you have taken the prerequisites for admission into their programs.
I want to specialize in a specific area of practice (e.g., environmental modifications, pediatrics). How do I find a program with this specialty?
All entry-level educational programs prepare you to be a generalist. You may pursue a specialization in one area of practice after you graduate and successfully pass the national certification examination.
What is fieldwork education?
Fieldwork education is a crucial part of your preparation to become an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. It provides you an opportunity to carry out practice and other professional responsibilities under supervision and role modeling by an experienced practitioner.
Some programs require that I have observation or volunteer experience. Who do I contact to set this up?
Contact local facilities that employ occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or school systems). These requests are made quite frequently, and you will find most facilities accommodating. Be prepared to discuss your reason for the request and your availability.
Career Planning
I am currently working in another profession. I am considering occupational therapy as a second career. Is this feasible?
Many students go back to school to become an occupational therapist. You would need to contact the individual OT programs to which you are interested in applying to determine what prerequisites you would need to take.
How much will I make as an occupational therapist?
For the most recent salary information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Where can I find financial aid information for Georgia State?
Here. For other schools, you should first start with the Financial Aid offices at the schools to which you have applied.
I know that I need to take a national certification exam (NBCOT) when I graduate. Do I have to take this exam in each state that I would like to practice?
The exam is a national exam. You can take it anywhere in the U.S. and have your exam results reported to the state regulatory bodies that you indicate. Once you successfully pass the national certification examination, you will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition to the national certification exam, all states require licensure to practice. State licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. After successful completion of the NBCOTyou can apply for a license in individual state(s).
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
For further information about studying to become an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, send inquiries to [email protected]. To ask questions of an OT or OTA student, send inquiries to [email protected].
See more at http://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Considering-OT-Career/FAQs/Planning.aspx#sthash.AIJzoC8K.dpuf
Georgia State is a public research university; therefore, research is embedded in the curriculum and scientific inquiry as a significant thread of the curriculum. Research and peer-reviewed research literature analysis are components of all courses in the curriculum.
Each student, as a part of a group research project, takes part in scholarly inquiry collaboratively mentored by research faculty. Students take OT 7500 Doctoral Seminar II – Advanced Statistics for Health Professions, OT 7600 Doctoral Seminar III – Quantitative Research, OT 7700 Doctoral Seminar IV – Qualitative Research and Research Project I, II, and III (add) to conduct an original, meaningful, valid research relevant to occupational therapy. Students must present their work in regional and national conferences and write a peer-reviewed article as the culmination of their projects.
Contact Us
Location
Urban Life Building
404-413-1451
[email protected]
Mailing Address
Georgia State University
Occupational Therapy
P.O. Box 3995
Atlanta, GA 30302-3995
Advisement
Jamelle Funches
Academic Advisor III
[email protected]
404-413-1007