In August, App State welcomed its inaugural cohort of 24 students into the new Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program on the Boone campus. The program, offered through the Beaver College of Health Sciences'Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, expands App State's health sciences offerings and addresses the growing demand for occupational therapists to work in rural and underserved areas, especially Western North Carolina. Applications are open for the second cohort; to apply, visit graduate.appstate.edu/graduate-admissions/apply-graduate-school and apply before Jan. 1, 2025.
Over the next two years of the program, the students will have rigorous coursework, hands-on fieldwork, and interprofessional experiences designed to prepare them for careers in diverse practice settings. The first cohort will graduate in August 2026.
Occupational Therapy Program Director Dr. Jenny Womack expressed enthusiasm about the launch: “Our faculty team has worked exceptionally hard to achieve a successful first step in the program accreditation process. Bringing in this first cohort moves us forward in that process and solidified our mission to educate students from the region. The inaugural cohort is primarily from North Carolina and many have deep ties in the western part of the state. They are enthusiastic and service-minded individuals with a dedication to learning about the profession.”
The cohort brings unique experiences with various backgrounds of study, ranging from exercise science to studio art; Occupational Therapy welcomes students from diverse fields of study. They all share a common goal: helping individuals improve their quality of life and get back to their meaningful occupations.
This semester, the cohort is engaged in coursework covering neuroscience, anatomy and kinesiology, occupation-based practice, occupational science, and client and practitioner wellbeing.
“I chose the MSOT program at App State so that I could live, learn, and serve in Western North Carolina while being taught by incredibly caring and capable faculty. Being in this program has already opened doors for me, and I couldn’t be happier about my decision!”
-- Julie Zingel, MSOT Student (Julie is pictured with another member of her cohort.)
Two young people hold items in their hands while sitting in a classroom
OT cohort member Julie Zingel and another cohort member