Occupational Therapy 4+2
Canisius University and St. Bonaventure University have partnered to create a direct path from undergraduate study to a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT). Qualified Canisius students majoring in Health & Wellness or Sports & Exercise Health Care can earn guaranteed admission into St. Bonaventure's nationally accredited MSOT program. This allows students to complete both degrees in six years instead of navigating a separate, competitive graduate application process.
How Does the 4+2 Pathway Work?
The pathway is built around two stages:
- Years 1–4: Students complete a bachelor's degree at Canisius University in either Health & Wellness or Sports & Exercise Health Care, including all required prerequisite coursework for occupational therapy graduate study.
- Years 5–6: Students move directly into St. Bonaventure University's MSOT program, a full-time, 23-month program spanning five semesters.
Since admission is guaranteed for qualifying students, there's no separate graduate school search, no waiting on outside offers, and no gap between undergraduate and graduate study.
Why Occupational Therapy? Career Outlook and Salary
Occupational therapy is one of healthcare's fastest-growing fields, driven by an aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic conditions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14% through 2034, a larger projected growth than the majority of other professions.
- Roughly 10,200 job openings for occupational therapists are projected each year over that period.
- The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $98,340 as of May 2024
For students weighing the time and cost of graduate school, that combination of strong job growth, high demand, and competitive pay makes occupational therapy a career path with a clear return on investment.
Why Choose the 4+2 Pathway?
For students who already know they're drawn to healthcare and helping others, the 4+2 Arrangement offers several practical advantages:
- Guaranteed admission removes the uncertainty of applying to graduate programs as an outside candidate
- Six years, start to finish — students go from freshman year to a master's degree and licensure eligibility on one continuous timeline
- Coordinated curriculum between Canisius and St. Bonaventure ensures undergraduate coursework lines up with graduate program prerequisites
- Strong career outcomes in a field with high demand, steady job growth, and a respected, mission-driven graduate program behind it
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
The pathway is open to Canisius University undergraduates majoring in Health & Wellness or Sports & Exercise Health Care. To secure guaranteed admission into St. Bonaventure's MSOT program, students must:
- Maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA throughout their undergraduate studies
- Complete all required prerequisite coursework
- Receive a formal nomination from the Canisius University Department of Kinesiology
Students who meet these benchmarks move forward into graduate study without competing in St. Bonaventure's general applicant pool.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
Occupational therapists help people of all ages regain or build the skills needed for everyday independence after illness, injury, or developmental challenges. They work across a wide range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and community health programs, helping clients overcome physical, cognitive, and developmental obstacles so they can return to work, school, and daily life.