Helping others stay independent

As an occupational therapist, you'll help people regain and maintain their independence in all areas of their lives. Occupational therapy is needed when a person's ability to live independently, to care for personal needs, and to participate in work, school, family and community life is disrupted by illness or injury. Occupational therapists also provide education and training for wellness and prevention concerns. Occupational therapists work in schools, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and hospitals, as well as alternative service delivery models (e.g., prisons, community mental health agencies and business/industry).

Career outlook

Occupational Therapy (OT) remains a dual-entry degree profession, which allows the choice between earning an entry-level Master’s degree or an entry-level Doctorate. The entry-level Master’s degree program at St. Scholastica offers a well-established, rigorous pathway to becoming a practitioner through state-of-the-art facilities with faculty engaged in scholarship and service in diverse ways. The OT program at St. Scholastica is cost-effective and takes less time when compared with an entry-level Doctorate degree.

Because of the one-on-one attention students receive and the "early and often" approach to hands-on learning, our graduates are in high demand. Graduate surveys indicate between 97% and 100% of graduates are employed as occupational therapists after one year. Many students have employment offers before graduation.

Where do Occupational Therapists work?

• General, psychiatric, and pediatric hospitals
• Public and private schools
• Rehabilitation hospitals or centers
• Colleges and universities
• Home health agencies
• Skilled nursing homes
• Private practice

Growth projections

Occupational Therapy is consistently ranked as one of the best jobs across the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for occupational therapists is expected to grow by 16% over the next decade, a rate much faster than average.

The Health Science Center at BlueStone: A beautiful new place to learn

The M.S. Occupational Therapy program is located in the Health Science Center located in the BlueStone development about 1 mile from the Duluth main campus. BlueStone is a vibrant new retail and housing development featuring BlueStone Lofts and BlueStone Flats, premium on-site housing options for students. The Health Science Center at BlueStone includes state-of-the-art labs and classroom space, as well as study and lounge areas. It also features maurices Community Clinic, an interdisciplinary clinic where students receive supervised hands-on experience working with uninsured or underinsured individuals.