Bridge Master of Occupational Therapy
Why pursue a Bridge Master of Occupational Therapy degree at North Central?
North Central’s Bridge Master of Occupational Therapy program is designed for certified OTA professionals with a bachelor’s degree* who are looking to become a licensed OT. While this program offers curriculum and learning experiences similar to our traditional Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, the Bridge MOT program structure is meant to accommodate a working adult schedule. Our OT program links education, research, and practice; enabling you to grow throughout your career while providing occupation-based services to clients across the lifespan.
*Admission to this program requires students to be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and hold a bachelor’s degree. If you are a COTA interested in this program who does not hold a bachelor’s, please visit our Bachelor of Applied Health Science (BAS) program page to learn more about our BAS to OT track.
How It Works
- Program takes 24 continuous months to complete
- Total of 77 credit hours
- Enrollment begins in the fall of each year and students complete the degree in August of their second year
- Course structure
- 58% of the courses are residential
- Residential classes will be offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to allow the OTA to continue working in the field
- 35% of courses are online
- 7% of courses are blended
- 58% of the courses are residential
- Fieldwork placements will be in and around where the student lives
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
Upon graduation, students access the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and review requirements for completing the OT certification examination.
Accreditation Statement
The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
The Bridge Master of Occupational Therapy is a two-year program, including two summer terms. All courses in the program are required and sequential. The program requires completion of 77 credit hours through courses offered online, traditional and blended, as well as two 12-week Level II Fieldwork experiences.
Degree Requirements & Academic Calendar
Occupational Therapy courses are offered in 16-week sessions. The master's degree program is a continuous, 24-month program beginning in the fall semester.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Number of Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCT500 | Introduction to Occupational Therapy | 3 | 7.5 |
| MOCT501 | Theories in Occupational Therapy (online) | 1 | 4 |
| MOCT502 | Documentation/Reimbursement/Appeals (online) | 1 | 4 |
| MOCT520 | Assessment Theory (online) | 1 | 4 |
| MOCT503 | Health, Wellness, Literacy | 3 | 7.5 |
| MOCT530 | Assessment Application | 2 | 7.5 |
| Total: | 11 | 15 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hour | Number of Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCT521 | Pediatric Theory | 3 | 7.5 |
| MOCT531 | Pediatric Assessment and Intervention | 3 | 7.5 |
| MOCT524 | Neurological Dysfunction Theory (online) | 3 | 7.5 |
| MOCT534 | Neurological Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention | 3 | 7.5 |
| MOCT600 | Evidenced Based Practice and Application (online) | 3 | 15 |
| MOCT620 | Level I Fieldwork –Pediatrics | 1 | 4 |
| Total: | 16 | 16 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Number of Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCT523P | Physical Dysfunction Theory (online) | 3 | 6 |
| MOCT533 | Physical Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention | 3 | 6 |
| MOCT522 | Mental Health Theory (online) | 3 | 6 |
| MOCT532 | Mental Health Assessment and Intervention | 3 | 6 |
| MOCT622 | Level I Fieldwork –Mental Health | 1 | 4 |
| Total: | 13 | 12 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Number of Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCT525 | Geriatric Theory (online) | 3 | 7.5 |
| MOCT535 | Geriatric Assessment and Intervention | 3 | 7.5 |
| MOCT602 | Management (online) | 1 | 5 |
| MOCT604 | Preparation for Academic Work (online) | 1 | 5 |
| MOCT603 | Specialty Interventions (online) | 2 | 7.5 |
| MOCT621 | Level I Fieldwork –Adult | 1 | 4 |
| Total: | 11 | 16 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Number of Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCT630 | Level II Fieldwork | 12 | 12 |
| MOCT695 | Capstone: Research Project and Grant Writing (online) | 2 | 4 |
| Total: | 14 | 16 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Number of Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCT640 | Level II Fieldwork | 12 | 12 |
| Total: | 12 | 12 |
How To Apply
Students can apply directly to the Master of Occupational Therapy portion of the bridge program if they:
- Graduated from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) OTA program
- Hold a current license as an OTA
- Have a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution*
- Achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 from their bachelor’s program
*Admission to this program requires students to be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and hold a bachelor’s degree. If you are a COTA interested in this program who does not hold a bachelor’s, please visit our Bachelor of Applied Health Science (BAS) program page to learn more about BAS to OT track.
Important Dates
July 21, 2025 - Deadline to apply
August 20, 2025 - First day of class
Application Process
1. Start Your Application: A username and password will be generated and sent to the email you provide. You will have 30 days to complete the online application. Separately from the application, you will need to submit additional items depending on your program. In order to submit the online application, you will be required to upload the following:
- Statement of purpose that discusses long range goals, interest in the chosen discipline, and the reason(s) for applying to this program.
- A current resume that includes educational and employment history, college extracurricular activities, community activities, honors and leadership roles, hobbies and nonacademic interests
2. Submit Official Transcripts: Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Official transcripts must be submitted directly to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Official transcripts can be sent by mail or electronically.
- We give careful consideration to all credentials in an application. The minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 credit hours of coursework is required.
- The School of Graduate and Professional Studies uses a holistic approach giving careful consideration to all credentials in an application. Applicants who do not meet the minimum grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale may be considered for conditional admission which could require frequent contact by advisors. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or lower will not be considered for conditional admission.
- Official transcripts must be submitted directly to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Official transcripts can be sent by mail or electronically from verified services.
School of Graduate and Professional Studies
30 N. Brainard St.
Naperville, IL 605403
3. Letter of Recommendation: One professional or academic letter of recommendation from an employer, professor, or another person who is able to judge your potential for graduate study. Letters can be emailed to grad@noctrl.edu.
Admissions Interview
Applicants may be invited to an admissions interview if deemed necessary by the School of Graduate & Professional Studies.
Cost of Attendance
When considering the financial cost of attending college, one number doesn't tell the whole story. Cost of Attendance (CoA) provides a more complete picture of total direct and indirect costs of one academic year at North Central College.
2024-2026 Cohort Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs
Direct costs are expenses that will be included on your semester bill, such as tuition and fees.
| | Year One (Fall/Spring Semesters) | Year Two (Summer/Fall/Spring Semesters) | Year Three (Summer Semester) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $25,920.00 | $36,480.00 | $11,520.00 |
| Program Fee | $130.00 | $130.00 | - |
| Wellness Fee | $100.00 | $100.00 | - |
| Yearly Total | $26,150.00 | $36,710.00 | $11,520.00 |
| Total Direct Costs of Program: | $74,380.00 |
Indirect Costs
Indirect costs are expenses that will not appear on your semester bill but should be considered. Examples of indirect costs include housing, supplies, and personal expenses. Indirect costs vary by student lifestyle, living arrangements, and educational choices. Below are estimated indirect costs for students enrolled in graduate programs at North Central College. It is encouraged that students consider opportunities to minimize other costs and borrowing.
| Year One (Fall/Spring Semester) | Year Two (Summer/Fall/Spring Semesters) | Year Three (Summer Semester) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing and Food | $14,067.00 | $21,114.00 | $7,038.00 |
| Transportation | $2,224.00 | $3,336.00 | $1,112.00 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,134.00 | $3,201.00 | $1,067.00 |
| Books and Supplies | $900.00 | $1,350.00 | $450.00 |
| Student Loan Fees | $216.00 | $324.00 | $108.00 |
| Yearly Total | $19,541.00 | $29,325.00 | $9,775.00 |
Total Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance will be used by the Office of Financial Aid to determine the maximum amount of financial aid you can receive within the specified year. Note: If your actual cost differs from what is listed under indirect cost that is okay. We encourage you to explore budgeting tools that will help you manage your expenses.
| Year One (Fall/Spring Semester) | Year Two (Summer/Fall/Spring Semesters) | Year Three (Summer Semester) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance | $45,691 | $66,035 | $21,295 |
Please visit Financial Aid to learn more about the financial aid process and resources available.
The Office of Financial Aid can be reached at 630-637-5600 or by emailing finaid@noctrl.edu.
Matriculation Process
The matriculation process for occupational therapy schools in Illinois begins after a student receives the notification of acceptance. If a student either fails to satisfy the below matriculation requirements or omits/falsifies information required on official admission documents, the student automatically forfeits his/her seat in North Central College’s Master of Occupational Therapy program.
Required Documentation
To complete the matriculation process for the master's program, the student must return the signed matriculation agreement and submit the following:
- Nonrefundable deposit fees of $500. The entire deposit is applied toward the student’s tuition if the student enrolls.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Signed technical standards form.
- Complete medical file that includes proof of immunization/immunity will need to be submitted within one month of starting the program. You will receive further information on the process as you get closer to the start of the program.
- Physical – complete within 2 months of starting the program
- Vaccines needed:
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- Tdap
- Meningococcal
- Covid 19
- Influenza
- TB Test – two-step
- Proof of medical and disability insurance coverage.
- Access to computer and acknowledgement of technology requirements.
- Students requesting a F1 visa must submit a Declaration of Financial support, a bank letter certifying the amount of funding for the first year of studies, a photocopy of passport identification page, visa pages and I20 form, if applicable.
- Authorize and pass the criminal background check, international police clearance, drug screening and/or fingerprinting background check.
- Any additional documents requested by the School of Graduate & Professional Studies.
Background Checks
Health care facilities require North Central College students to provide background checks, drug testing, fingerprinting and other information in order to participate in clinical rotations at their sites. Successful completion of fieldwork experience is required for the Master of Occupational Therapy degree at North Central College and is a prerequisite for being able to sit for the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy exam to practice as an OT professional. Students who refuse to consent to background checks and/or drug testing will be dismissed from the degree program.
Felony Convictions
Applicants should be aware that a felony conviction might affect their ability to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or attain state licensure. For more information about how to become a certified occupational therapy professional, contact the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and the state licensure board in the state you wish to practice. For entering students with a concern, NBCOT can be contacted directly for information related to the Early Determination Review process.
Technology Requirements
The Master of Occupational Therapy curriculum is delivered both in person and online. Applicants who receive and accept an offer of admission are expected to be proficient at using a personal computer.
Browser Requirements:
Online courses will be available in Blackboard. If your computer does not have the proper hardware, Blackboard may run slowly or may not run at all. Prior to using Blackboard on your computer, compare your current system configuration with the software and hardware recommended specifications.
Blackboard Support recommends the following hardware and software requirements in order to access courses on Blackboard.
Connection Speed
Once you have ensured that your computer has the proper operating system and hardware to run Blackboard, you should verify that your internet connection is fast enough to support Blackboard. A connection speed test is available. If your internet connection is slower than the recommended speed, you may encounter difficulties when loading pages, especially during peak usage times.
- Additional recommended hardware and software can be found on North Central’s ITS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a COTA interested in this program but do not have a bachelor's degree. What are my options?
For those interested in the Bridge MOT program that do not have a bachelor’s, North Central College offers a Bachelor of Applied Health Science degree with a pathway into the MOT program. The Applied Health Science major is tailored to include four specific MOT pre-requisites that ensure students have the required OT content they need for success. Students can be granted guaranteed entry to the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program from North Central’s Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences program if they meet the set criteria. Click here to learn more.
When does the program start?
Each cohort begins in the Fall. The first cohort of the Bridge MOT program launched in August of 2023.
Do I need to come to campus?
Yes. However, courses are designed to fit a working OTA schedule. 35% of the courses are offered online and residential classes will be offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
How many times during the semester should I expect to be on campus?
Students can expect to be on campus every other or every third weekend (depending on the semester) from Friday afternoon through Sunday.
When are weekend classes?
Weekend classes will take place on Friday afternoons, throughout the day on Saturdays, and on Sunday mornings.
Are online courses synchronous or asynchronous?
Online classes will be asynchronous, meaning you can login to complete course work on your own schedule.
Do I need to purchase any medical equipment for labs?
No. The labs and practical experiences for this class are not the type that equipment is needed.
Wentz Center for Health Sciences & Engineering
Take a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Wentz Center for Health Sciences & Engineering, home to the occupational therapy lab and faculty offices.