Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you will find the answers to questions frequently asked about Occupational Therapy, Ithaca College, transferring in to the Occupational Therapy program, and living in Ithaca, NY.
How does the Occupational Therapy program work?
Students are typically accepted into the program as freshmen.
First two years: Students complete a set of pre-requisite courses in the first two years including two introductory courses in occupational therapy and occupational science, and a two course sequence in human development that emphasizes development of motor skills and occupations across the life span.
Junior year and summer: Course work in the junior year emphasizes knowledge that will be needed for a thorough understanding of the body, and the psychological needs of individuals. Students have the option of studying Human Anatomy with cadaver dissection at the University of Rochester or studying Functional Anatomy using digital media on the Ithaca College campus during the summer between junior and senior year. These courses are taught by Ithaca College faculty.
Senior year: The fall of the senior year focuses on adult assessment and intervention. The spring of the senior year focuses on pediatric assessment and intervention. Woven throughout the junior and senior year are courses in research and management.
Students graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Science at the end of the first four years of study.
Graduate year: The graduate year begins with a 3 month fieldwork at a site determined by the student and fieldwork coordinator. Students return to campus for the fall semester and work on advanced skills and research. Students begin the spring semester of the graduate year in early January and continue their research and take advanced courses until the middle of March. Students then complete a 3 month fieldwork from April to June, and an additional specialty fieldwork or elective internship for 2 months in July and August.
Provided that all coursework is completed, students graduate with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy in September, and are eligible to take the national registration examination to become a Registered Occupational Therapist.
Do I have to maintain a specific GPA?
There are two important GPA requirements. Students must have a 2.7 GPA prior to the end of the spring semester of the junior year in order to take Human Anatomy in the summer between the junior and senior year.
In order to move directly into the graduate year, a student must earn a GPA of 3.0 or better by the end of the senior year. If a student earns a GPA of between 2.7 and 3.0 they are required to take and pass a Graduate Entrance Examination administered by the department at the end of the senior year. Students who do not pass the Graduate Entrance Examination or students with a GPA of less than 2.7 are not offered the opportunity to continue study in the graduate year.
Who will be my student advisor?
All incoming students are assigned to an occupational therapy faculty member who will serve as advisor for the 5 years of study. This allows the student and advisor to know each other well, and makes it easier to problem solve if and when a serious problem arises.
What are tuition costs?
Tuition costs for occupational therapy students are clearly listed on the home page of the Bursar's office on the Ithaca College website.
How can I transfer into the Occupational Therapy program?
The Ithaca College Occupational Therapy Program accepts transfer students into the freshman and sophomore classes, and with careful planning, into the junior class. Our Program Director can provide you with detailed information to help you make your plans. Contact Dr. Diane Long (dlong@ithaca.edu) to discuss your plans.
I already have a Bachelor's Degree. Can I transfer into the master's level only?
Yes. Individuals who have earned a BS or BA in a field other than occupational therapy can apply to our Professional Entry-Level Master's program. The program is a full two-year program and begins in the summer. Specific pre-requisites must be completed prior to enrollment in the program. For more information about this option, please contact Dr. Melinda Cozzolino at otgrad@ithaca.edu
Can a student with an OTA degree transfer into the program?
Yes, but it is difficult to do so without "losing" time. Students may or may not be given credit for OT course work completed elsewhere. Each application is evaluated on a case by case basis. Typically, students in an OTA program do not have sufficient pre-requisites to enter the junior year.
What is available in the city of Ithaca?
Ithaca is a small city nestled in the Finger Lakes region of central New York. The city merchants work hard to create a lively downtown area for students from Ithaca College, Cornell University, and Tompkins Community College. There are many shops and restaurants downtown, and shopping malls on the north and south ends of the city. There are numerous cultural events during the year, and many opportunities for volunteering to work with local agencies. The natural beauty of the area is perfect for hiking, and outdoor sports.
If you have other questions or comments please contact us.
