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Occupational Therapy

VALUABLE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION-READY INSTRUCTION

Make an impact by treating clients with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental issues or disabilities, helping them develop, recover, or enhance the skills they needed for daily living. The Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy at Hofstra University is a full-time, on-campus program that integrates laboratory experiences with classroom instruction. Graduate prepared to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Scholarships are available for qualified candidates.

Program Highlights

Program Details

Visit the Hofstra campus or connect with the graduate admission team. We will answer your questions and put you in touch with program faculty or degree candidates to learn more. Contact us at graduateadmission@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-4723.

To be considered for the MS in Occupational Therapy program, you must have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.

Prerequisite coursework includes:

  • Abnormal Psychology (or psychopathology or psychology of deviance): 3 s.h.
  • A course in developmental psychology (human development across the life span including theories of development): 3 s.h.
  • Human Anatomy (laboratory component required): 4 s.h.
  • Human Physiology (laboratory component required): 4 s.h.
  • Social Behavioral Science course (e.g. sociology, anthropology, political science, public health, epidemiology): 3 s.h.
  • Recommended: Elementary Statistics (can be online course)

Start your application using the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) and submit:

  • Transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Official transcripts must be received by OTCAS directly from prior institutions.
  • Documentation of at least 20 observation hours of occupational therapy related experience in at least two settings.
  • Three letters of recommendation, with at least one letter from a licensed Occupational Therapist
  • Essay stating your career goals, interests, and experiences

An interview with the program director or faculty member may be required.

Visit the Occupational Therapy program page to learn more.

International students: Please review additional admission requirements.

Apply to the MS in Occupational Therapy program by the deadline of February 1 for admission to the class that begins the following September. Applications verified by OTCAS prior to the deadline are given preference, with all others reviewed on a rolling space-available basis.

The MS in Occupational Therapy is awarded to students who successfully complete 68 semester hours.

Visit the Occupational Therapy program page to learn more.

Faculty Profiles

Vidya Pingale

Dr. Vidya Pingale is an assistant professor and program director of the occupational therapy program the Hofstra University. She has 25 years of experience in the field of occupational therapy with expertise in sensory processing issues. Her research interests include investigating the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions, the impact of disabilities on children and their families, and psychosocial interventions. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and national conferences. Dr. Pingale received her Ph.D. from Texas Woman’s University in Occupational Therapy, MS in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University, and BS in Occupational Therapy from Bombay University, India.

Meet Dr. Pingale

Yu-Pin Hsu

Dr. Hsu is an assistant professor of occupational therapy, and a senior occupational therapist at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. She has taught at the Manhattan School of Music and she has been a guest lecturer on topics associated with performing arts medicine. She holds an EdD from Columbia University Teachers College and an MS in occupational therapy from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Meet Dr. Hsu
Gioia Ciani
Yu-Pin Hsu

Take the Next Step

How to Apply

Earn the professional recognition and personal achievement you seek with a graduate degree from Hofstra University. Whether you study online or on campus, full or part time, you will benefit from small class settings with nationally recognized faculty and a community of peers all contributing to a transformative learning experience. Questions? Call 516-463-4723 or email our graduate admission team at graduateadmission@hofstra.edu.

The program has extended the application deadline to Friday, March 31, 2023. Click here to apply now!