Occupational Therapy
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Program TypeDoctorate, Master's
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SchoolSaint Gianna School of Health Sciences
Earn either a master's (MSOT) or a doctorate (DOT) in one of health care's most versatile fields. Work with clients and collaborate with caregivers from your first semester onward.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll develop core OT competencies in the classroom and serve clients of all ages in diverse settings before completing 24 weeks of fieldwork under the mentorship of seasoned, accomplished field experts. Doctoral candidates conclude their studies with a 14-week capstone experience.
Our department offers two degree options: a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. You’ll have one and a half semesters to decide which course of study best suits your career goals.
We deliver both programs in person on our main campus in Bismarck, ND, as well as through hybrid on-site (2-3 days/week) instruction and hybrid model interactive video conferencing at the Fargo Butler Center and the University of Mary - Billings. Each of our locations houses a student-run pro bono clinic and serves as a venue for a wide range of experiential learning opportunities, including face-to-face labs.
Prospective students must apply through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).
- Focus on Community Service
Mary’s occupational therapy program is distinguished by its focus on our communities — both locally in our pro bono clinic and globally, including a 10-day summer service program at “La Alegría en el Señor” school in Lima, Peru.
- Learn from Experienced Professionals
Program faculty are experienced in a broad range of practice areas within occupational therapy. You will have many opportunities for mentoring through advising, research, and in your capstone experience.
- Become eligible for certification
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Fieldwork sites located throughout the United States
You can fulfill the requirements for fieldwork at many locations throughout the United States. Your interests, learning style, and career goals will help us determine the best placement for you.
- Secure your spot early
Incoming freshmen who have displayed superior academic performance in high school and have been officially admitted to the University of Mary can apply for Early Assurance to the occupational therapy program. Students in progress to complete a bachelor’s degree with 60-89 credits can apply to our program through the Priority Admissions process. Learn more about Early Assurance and Priority Admissions.
Program Information
Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.
Accreditations
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Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
The Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at the University of Mary is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The master’s degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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). ACOTE is located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s phone number, C/O AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA.
Featured Faculty
Janeene Sibla, OTD, EdD
Associate Dean of Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, Chair of Occupational Therapy, Director of Occupational Therapy (Bismarck & Fargo)
I serve as Chair of the Occupational Therapy Program and have had the opportunity to develop the program from an entry level master’s degree to the doctorate degree, as well as establish sites in Billings, MT and Fargo, ND. I am a life-long learner and enjoy working with other educators. Personally, I am married to my husband, Brad and we have two grown daughters, with families of their own. We enjoy travelling, spending time outdoors, and gathering with friends and family. I also like to spend my time being creative through crocheting, paper crafts, and quilting.
Cindy Anderson, OTD
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Coordinator of OTD Doctoral Capstone
I began working as an occupational therapist in 1992 in an inpatient mental health setting providing psychosocial OT services for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing acute mental health disorders. I later worked for a home health agency, focusing on orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation as well as consulting services for individuals with disabilities. In 2004, I began teaching part-time in the occupational therapy department at the University of Mary. In 2008, I joined the faculty as the academic fieldwork coordinator and later transitioned to the doctoral capstone coordinator position.
Paula H. Kitzenberg, OTD
Director of Occupational Therapy (Billings, MT), Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Dr. Kitzenberg has held many clinical and leadership positions including lead therapist, program manager, and clinical director. She has also owned and operated her own private occupational therapy practice. She has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings but has specialized in pediatrics and sensory integration for the majority of her career. She has served on the national executive committee of Pi Theta Epsilon, the OT honor society and was recently awarded the Hero of the Year award by a Montana advocacy organization.
