Program Information

The Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSc OT) program at the University of Alberta is a Professional Program designed to address practice and theoretical issues within a broad range of settings. Upon completion of their degree, students will be able to evaluate programs, participate in research, and critically appraise current assessment and intervention options. Graduates qualify to practice as Occupational Therapists in Canada after writing the national CAOT examination and registering with their appropriate provincial college. Graduates also qualify to write certification examinations in other countries.

The program is a year-round, 26 month, full-time program involving coursework, a wide range of course-related activities* and four 7-week fieldwork placements.

*All applicants (particularly those with families or part-time jobs) should keep in mind that the OT program is a 'Professional' program and as such, students are expected to be available for occasional course-related activities that fall outside of regularly scheduled classes, particularly during evenings and on weekends.

*NEW for 2024 Admissions Cycle: The Masters of Science in OT/CSD is expanding to add 16 seats at the Augustana Campus in Camrose, AB.

Occupational Therapy Program in Edmonton, Calgary and now Augustana

  • International experts and researchers in the fields of rehabilitation
  • Strong, positive supportive learning environment
  • Award winning teaching professors
  • Innovative occupational therapy curriculum
  • Excellent links with the clinical community
  • Opportunities for international placements
  • State-of-the-art research and computer laboratories
  • New physical facilities that include technologies for learning
  • Excellent campus support for teaching and learning
  • On-line access to extensive library resources
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration with students in other departments and faculties
  • Prospects of completing a doctoral program in Rehabilitation Science

Occupational Therapy Calgary Cohort

Occupational therapy has been offered in Calgary since September 2012. Of the 145 students admitted to the program, approximately 32 students will study in Calgary. The program is a combination of in-person instruction as well as videoconferencing and online instruction delivered from the Edmonton or Calgary campuses.

Applicants can not directly apply to study in Calgary or Augustana. All applicants are required to rank their campus choice on the Statement of Purpose/ASRQ Google Document which is part of the admission documents. NOTE: We cannot guarantee a spot at a specific campus.  However, we try our best to match applicants to their preferred campus.

Accommodation Policy and Procedure

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine supports the principle of accommodation and all reasonable efforts to meet students' accommodation needs including disability related needs of our students. In collaboration with Accessibility Resources, the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine endeavours to play a leadership role in instituting practices that maximize inclusion and participation of students with disabilities. Accommodation as it applies to students in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine extends only to the point of undue hardship. This document outlines the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine's policies and procedures concerning accommodation.

Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics

Occupational Therapy is a regulated health profession that is governed by the Health Professions Act in a manner that protects and serves the public interest. Occupational Therapists in Alberta must adhere to the Code of Ethics set out by The Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT Ethics) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT Ethics) which describes the set of ethical principles and values that guide Occupational Therapists interactions with patients, healthcare professionals, and the public. Professionalism is a core value of the Code of Ethics and is also central to the Department of Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapists are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that maintains public confidence in the integrity and dignity of our profession.