Occupational Therapy Master’s Program Offers Community-Engaged Learning

Given the scope and impact of occupational therapy, preparing the next generation of occupational therapists requires more than classroom instruction alone.

A Hands-On Master’s in Occupational Therapy

Through strong community partnerships, Sacred Heart University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program integrates experiential learning directly into the curriculum. Students gain hands-on clinical experience while providing meaningful services to the surrounding community—bridging academic learning with real-life practice.

The MSOT program is one of several SHU academic programs designed to serve the community while preparing students to become skilled clinicians and leaders in the occupational therapy profession.

“Occupational therapy is fundamentally about participation in life, and our program is designed to reflect that reality from day one,” said Stefanie Seanor, department chair and program director of the graduate program in occupational therapy. “By embedding community-engaged learning throughout the curriculum, our students don’t just learn about occupational therapy, they actively practice it while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Below are just some of the community engagement initiatives that help shape students in SHU’s occupational therapy master’s program.

Stronger Than Stroke Clinic

For individuals recovering from stroke or brain injury, the Stronger Than Stroke Clinic, located at SHU’s Center for Healthcare Education, offers a pathway back to independence and improved quality of life.

Clients who qualify receive pro-bono occupational therapy services, provided through weekly sessions led by OT faculty and students in collaboration with the speech-language pathology program. Following comprehensive assessments, students and faculty design individualized interventions to improve occupational performance and daily functioning.

Students gain firsthand experience educating clients and caregivers—developing strategies, routines and adaptive solutions that promote meaningful engagement in daily life.

DriveSafety RS 600 Driving Simulator

Community members looking to return to driving after brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries or orthopedic conditions can build confidence using SHU’s DriveSafety RS 600 driving simulator.

Located at the Center for Healthcare Education, the simulator also supports a Drive Safety New Drivers program for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities and other physical conditions.

Using realistic virtual roadways and interactive traffic scenarios—within a Ford Focus–modeled vehicle—participants practice driving skills in a safe, off-road environment. For occupational therapy students, the simulator serves as a clinical training site and an active research lab, supporting evidence-based interventions and faculty-led research.

SHU & You Women’s Health Center

Focused on women’s health and wellness, the SHU & You Women's Health Center provides pro-bono occupational therapy services to adults from the greater Bridgeport and Fairfield areas who have limited access to care.

Specializing in pelvic health, lymphedema management and cancer rehabilitation, OT faculty offer comprehensive assessments and client education. Occupational therapy students observe and assist during clinical visits, gaining exposure to specialized practice areas that are increasingly in demand.

Monday Night Social

Launched in 2014, Monday Night Social was created to support neurodivergent young adults by offering inclusive social opportunities and community engagement.

OT and speech-language pathology students gain valuable clinical fieldwork experience while helping participants build social skills, confidence and wellness routines. The program has expanded to include fitness groups and parent support initiatives—further strengthening community connections and student learning opportunities.

Community Health & Research Initiatives

Community health assessment and program development are embedded throughout SHU’s occupational therapy coursework. Under faculty guidance, students evaluate real-world health needs locally and globally, designing occupation-based programs that address diverse populations.

Recent initiatives include pediatric and adolescent mental health assessment exploration, occupational health and wellness projects, and faculty-led research and simulation experiences addressing adverse childhood experiences. These opportunities allow graduate OT students to build teaching skills, explore emerging technologies and gain experience and contribute to the advancement of occupational therapy practice. This work also provides students with opportunities to present their work and findings at state, local and national conferences.

Through this work and other community collaborations, students have a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the field of OT.

“These partnerships allow students to develop clinical reasoning, professional confidence and a deep understanding of the communities they will serve,” Seanor said. “Our graduates leave Sacred Heart not only academically prepared, but ready to lead, collaborate and innovate as occupational therapists in a rapidly evolving health care landscape.”

Considering a Career in Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a high-demand health care profession offering strong job stability, competitive salaries and diverse career pathways. While a bachelor’s degree is the first step, advanced graduate education is required to practice as a licensed occupational therapist.

Sacred Heart University’s MSOT program offers a values-based, student-centered approach to occupational therapy education—led by expert faculty in state-of-the-art learning environments.

The program consistently earns strong national recognition, including favorable rankings by U.S. News & World Report, and boasts exceptional NBCOT exam pass rates, with recent cohorts achieving 99% and 98% first-time pass rates.

Through hands-on learning, community engagement and academic excellence, SHU’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy prepares graduates for meaningful, impactful careers as occupational therapists—ready to meet the evolving needs of individuals, families and communities.

Interested in learning more about a master’s in occupational therapy?

In addition to the Master of Science in occupational therapy, Sacred Heart offers a dual degree program. For more information, schedule an appointment with Cristen Meehl or reach out at meehlc@sacredheart.edu.