Page 7 - Academic Report FINAL VERSION WEB

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M.S. in Occupational Therapy
A proposal to launch a new graduate program at MGA was approved by the Board of Regents of the

University System of Georgia at its April 2019 meeting. The new degree, a Master of Science in occupational
therapy (MSOT), is a bridge program designed to help licensed occupational therapy assistants advance their
careers.

“In the face of the ongoing epidemic of opioid addiction and abuse, the medical industry has identified
alternative pain management solutions, and occupational therapy will be one of the key practices in that field
to fight the symptoms of this public health crisis,” said Dr. Kevin Cantwell, dean of graduate studies at MGA.

The new degree program, which is still undergoing review for accreditation, will help certified occupation-
al therapy assistants (COTAs) advance to positions as occupational therapists (OTRs). For a COTA practicing
with an associate’s degree, this bridge program will allow them to complete a master’s degree in only two
years. The degree’s hybrid format will allow students to pursue graduate-level studies with online classes and
monthly in-class meetings on the University’s Cochran campus, all while continuing to work.

Dr. Tara Underwood, dean of the University’s School of Health and Natural Sciences, stated, “This new Mas-
ter of Science degree in occupational therapy will be a tremendous asset to the Middle Georgia region, pre-
paring our students to serve individuals living with a variety of disabilities through intentional and professional
services and activities that enable them to live independent, productive, and functional lives.”

The Department of Labor projects an estimated 24 percent increase in job opportunities for OTRs, with an
estimated 3,800 new therapists being hired in Georgia alone, between 2016 and 2026. In October 2018, new
federal legislation was signed into law increasing patient access to alternative pain management solutions
including occupational therapy.

“With this bridge program, our alumni, current students, and other COTAs in the region will have access
to an affordable degree program that will position them to accept high-demand jobs in a growing field,” said
MGA president Dr. Christopher Blake.

Once accredited, the MSOT degree will be one of only four master’s degree programs in OT within the
state and will be the only MSOT bridge program offered at a public university in Georgia.

The Board of Regents’ approval of the degree program is the first in several steps towards the acceptance
of the first MSOT students at MGA. The program will be reviewed by both regional and professional accredi-
tation bodies, and new faculty and administrators will be hired to support the additional courses that will be
offered. The process is expected to take roughly a year to complete.

Academic Affairs Annual Report 2019 | Middle Georgia State University 3