Department of Occupational Therapy

 

UNCP's Department of Occupational Therapy prepares compassionate professionals to help people live fuller, more independent lives. Our student-centered Master of Occupational Therapy program blends classroom learning with hands-on experiences in clinical and community settings, giving you the skills and confidence to make a lasting impact.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapists are creative problem solvers who help people live fuller, more independent lives. They combine scientific knowledge with practical strategies to support individuals in reaching meaningful goals—whether that means learning new skills or adapting an environment for success.

When injury, illness, or stress disrupt daily routines, occupational therapists step in to restore participation in everyday life. From getting dressed and going to work, to cooking dinner and enjoying time with family, OTs empower people to re-engage in the roles and activities that matter most.

The demand for occupational therapists is growing nationwide. Graduates find careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, schools, home health, community programs, and private practice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks occupational therapy among the top 20 fastest-growing professions, with strong career opportunities, competitive salaries, and paths to leadership, education, research, and entrepreneurship.

UNCP students in occupational therapy session

Our Mission

The mission of the Occupational Therapy Department is to prepare highly trained and culturally affirming leaders in the field of occupational therapy, who are uniquely equipped to meet the diverse needs of the immediate area and the profession as a whole.

We are committed to promoting evidence-based practice, inclusive care, advocacy, entrepreneurship and service learning.

UNCP MSOT class in action

 

A Healthcare Career That Goes Beyond

Dr. Rafols, UNCP
At UNCP we are committed to promoting evidence-based practice, inclusive care, advocacy, entrepreneurship and service learning.

Jose R. Rafols, EdD, OTD, MHSA, OTR/L

Chair and Program Director of the MSOT Program

U.S. News ranks Occupational Therapy as the #4 Best Health Care Job. The field earns high scores for salary, growth and work-life balance. Work in:

  • Rehabilitation facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Mental health settings
  • Community settings
  • Military
  • Preschools & Daycares
  • Skilled nursing facilities

 

MSOT student work in a lab at UNC Pembroke

Applying for Graduate School

Department Chair

Jose Rafols, headshot

Jose Rafols

Chair and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy


910.775.4146
Our Faculty & Staff

UNCP occupational therapy students in a lab

Connect With Us

Weinstein Health Sciences Building
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

 

 

 

ACOTE logo
UNCP's entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E, Bethesda MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is: www.acoteonline.org

UNCP's occupational therapy program must have a pre-accreditation 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). 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.