The Department of Occupational Therapy's Mission and Purpose
The mission of the Occupational Therapy Program 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.
Welcome from the Occupational Therapy Department's Chair.
The Masters of Science of Occupational Therapy at University of North Carolina-Pembroke has been developed with an intentional focus on embracing the following core principles:
- the heritage of Pembroke to promote futuristic health care practice as culturally affirming leaders.
- critical thinking threaded throughout each course to promote ethical and best practice active learning and immersion in the community for “real world learning and application”.
- promotion of skills for providing healthcare access to the disadvantaged with inclusive clinics staffed by students and faculty.
- incorporation of the latest available equipment and technology.
- utilization of research-backed teaching and learning principles to promote long-term learning and retention.
- access to numerous resources to promote successful completion of board certification exam upon graduation.
- development of professional skills that will prepare and set UNCP MSOT graduates apart and ready to make a difference.
Soar into your journey in becoming a resilient and brilliant occupational therapy practitioner reaching new heights!
Dr. Jose R. Rafols, EdD, OTD, MHSA, OTR/L
Chair and Program Director of the MSOT Program
Academic Programs
University of North Carolina Pembroke'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 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. 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 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). 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.
Do you have questions about our programs or want to talk to someone? If so, please complete this form and someone will reach out to you.
