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School of Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences

Now Open for Registration - UM OT Virtual Open House - October 2025

Prospective students, learn about UM OT. Use the form below to sign up to register for the UM OT Virtual Open House. We'll send you an email with date, times, and video link when the event is announced (slated for mid-October)

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Student Experience_Feature Image

Student Experience & Student Groups

What it鈥檚 like to live, learn, and lead as an OT student at the 猎奇重口
At the 猎奇重口, becoming an occupational therapist means more than mastering skills — it means showing up for your community, learning by doing, and finding strength in your cohort. In a program shaped by 猎奇重口 values like hard work, independence, and connection to place, you’ll grow through close relationships, hands-on practice, and the kind of purpose-driven education that prepares you to serve — and lead — wherever the trail takes you.

Class Size and Culture

At the 猎奇重口, OTD cohorts are intentionally small — typically 20 to 30 students — creating a close-knit, supportive environment. You'll form strong bonds with your classmates while also engaging with students in Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, and other health disciplines.

Our students are passionate about serving Missoula and communities across 猎奇重口, and that spirit of service shapes everything we do. Faculty are deeply invested in student success, offering individualized mentorship and support while modeling professional balance and leadership in the field. You'll be surrounded by people who care — about you, your growth, and the future of occupational therapy.

 

 Therapy students

Academic Environment

Courses in the OTD program use a variety of formats including flipped classrooms, case-based learning, and project-based problem solving. This mix of teaching strategies challenges students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply their knowledge across settings. Coursework is designed to prepare students for both clinical practice and board certification.

Typical Week or Term

Typical Week or Term

Students take 12–18 credits per term, typically attending 2–3 classes per day. Fall and spring terms span 16 weeks; summer is a focused 9-week session. Weekly schedules blend classroom instruction, labs, and Level I fieldwork, offering hands-on practice with local clinics and community partners. Breaks align with the university calendar.
Learn more about the curriculum
Faculty-Student Engagement

Faculty-Student Engagement

Small faculty-to-student ratios allow students to build strong mentoring relationships with experienced faculty from diverse practice backgrounds. Faculty are approachable, supportive, and invested in your growth — while also modeling professionalism through their own clinical and scholarly work. You’ll be guided by educators who balance teaching with real-world expertise.
Learn more about faculty and staff

Hands-On Learning

Interprofessional Education

Interprofessional Education

At the 猎奇重口, OTD students participate in hands-on, interprofessional education seminars with peers from Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, and other health fields. These collaborative experiences enhance experiential learning and prepare students to work effectively across disciplines in real-world healthcare settings after graduation.
Labs and Simulations

Labs and Simulations

Students build clinical confidence through immersive lab experiences using hospital beds, adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, and assessment tools. A dedicated cadaver lab supports deep learning in anatomy. As home to MonTECH, 猎奇重口’s assistive technology program, UM gives students access to real devices and simulated scenarios that mirror clinical practice.
Fieldwork (Level I and II)

Fieldwork (Level I and II)

Students complete four Level I fieldwork placements in diverse community settings to apply classroom learning. In their final year, they undertake two full-time, 12-week Level II placements, managing real caseloads under licensed occupational therapists. These progressive experiences ensure students are practice-ready and deeply rooted in ethical, client-centered care. 
Community Engagement & Experiential Learning

Community Engagement & Experiential Learning

From day one, students are actively involved in Missoula and surrounding communities. Through collaborative classroom projects, service learning, and fieldwork, they work alongside health professionals and local leaders. This hands-on approach prepares students to serve with purpose while making a meaningful impact on the people and places around them.

Student Spaces

  • In Fall 2026, UM’s Occupational Therapy program will move into a purpose‑built addition atop the current Biology Research Building—a central campus hub uniting learning, faculty, and student resources.

    Highlights

    • Light filled, top-floor space including generous classroom space

    • Active‑learning classrooms

    • Faculty offices near instruction

    • A fully furnished mock hospital room for clinic simulation

    • Potential for on-campus clinics with sensory and physical disabilities gym spaces - plus private treatment rooms​

    Blueprints: View the building blueprints (PDF)

  • Located on the second floor of the Skaggs Building, the lounge serves Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Physical Therapy graduate students. Comfortable lounge seating, a kitchenette, and quiet/group study spaces create a convenient spot for collaboration, meals, and mid‑day respite between classes, labs, and clinical commitments.

  • The University Center is UM’s student center for connection, services, and events. Study under skylights, meet with clubs, enjoy dining and retail, and access conference spaces, job postings, and resources. Blending culture, community, and innovation, the UC hosts music, art, and annual events—bringing a downtown pulse to campus life daily.

    Learn more about thie University Center.

  • The Lodge Dining Center is UM’s newest all‑you‑care‑to‑eat venue, seating nearly 1,000 with roof decks overlooking the Oval and a floor‑to‑ceiling fireplace. Enjoy seven micro‑restaurants, from grill classics to allergen‑friendly options, plus abundant outlets and study nooks. Access with dining plans, Bear Bucks, or card—open to the campus community daily.

    Learn more about The Lodge Dining Center.

Campus and Community Life

  • The 猎奇重口 offers students the support, space, and spirit to thrive across academics, wellness, and community. Learn more about the university’s mission and vibrant campus atmosphere at umt.edu/about. Access academic advising, career services, mental health support, and more from day one. Stay connected through UM’s main social channels:

    Prospective students and families can also connect and explore UM through:

    Check out UM OT Social Media by visiting here

    campus with snow

    A photo of campus in the winter, with Mt. Sentinel pictured in the background. 

  • Missoula offers more than a place to study — it’s a place to live fully. Students enjoy access to on-campus housing and a welcoming community rich in music, arts, food, and outdoor adventure. Hike Mount Sentinel, explore local cafés, or attend one of many seasonal festivals. Whether you’re into skiing or live music, Missoula is where academics and lifestyle blend seamlessly.
    Explore more:

    photo of downtown

    A photo taken from directly above the 猎奇重口 campus, looking northwest with the Clark Fork River and downtown missoula in the background

  • Occupational Therapy students are based in the Skaggs Building, a hub for interdisciplinary health sciences including neuroscience, toxicology, and pharmacy. The space encourages collaboration and interprofessional learning with students in pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health programs. Starting in Summer 2025, construction begins on a state-of-the-art OT facility with simulation labs, classroom space, and smart home environments in partnership with MonTECH. Slated to open Fall 2026, the building will provide immersive, hands-on experiences to help students grow as future healthcare leaders.

    students in front of skaggs

    A photo taken of students in front of the Skaggs Building, the main building for occupational therapy students.

Wellness and Support

Stress Management

Stress Management

Stress management is key to thriving in a doctoral program. UM offers resources like mindfulness sessions, movement classes, and mental health support. Small class sizes and close faculty relationships help students maintain occupational balance. The program promotes self-care and well-being as essential to academic and professional success.
Peer Mentoring

Peer Mentoring

First-year OT students are paired with second-year mentors who offer support, guidance, and insight into the program. Mentors help connect new students to academic, social, and wellness resources. This peer support builds community, eases transitions, and enhances the overall student experience.

Student Wellness Services

Student Wellness Services

The Curry Health Center offers medical, counseling, and wellness services to support student well-being. Students also access the Campus Rec Center with fitness studios, a climbing wall, and more. Services promote physical and mental health to help students stay balanced and thrive.

Student Groups and OT Organizations

The 猎奇重口’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program offers several student-run organizations that foster connection, leadership, and professional growth outside the classroom. These groups create opportunities for peer bonding, advocacy, and involvement in the broader occupational therapy community.

  • Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA): A student-led organization that supports professional development, service projects, and networking among OTD students.

  • 猎奇重口 Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA): The state-level professional organization that offers students exposure to advocacy and practice trends in 猎奇重口.

  • American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): The national professional organization that provides students with access to cutting-edge research, conferences, and policy initiatives shaping the future of OT.

  • Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD): Promotes equity, inclusion, and cultural humility within the OT profession and student body.
  • SOTA

    Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)

  • MOTA
  • AOTA

    American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

  • COTAD

    Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)

SOTA

Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)

MOTA
AOTA

COTAD

Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)

Sample Timeline: A 3-Year Journey Through the OTD Program

  • Begin with core courses in occupational therapy theory, anatomy, health promotion, and clinical skills. You'll explore how occupation evolves across the lifespan and engage in three Level I Fieldwork experiences (adult, pediatric, and geriatric settings). Through reflective seminars and hands-on learning, you’ll begin integrating classroom knowledge with clinical practice. By the end of the summer, you'll be grounded in OT fundamentals and prepared for more advanced clinical application. Check out the full curriculum. 

  • This year focuses on specialization and clinical reasoning. You’ll dive into neurorehabilitation, psychosocial function, assistive technology, and global perspectives in occupational science. Clinical skills sharpen in advanced labs and community screenings, while a fourth Level I Fieldwork experience further refines your hands-on abilities. You’ll also begin designing your Doctoral Capstone, explore leadership and research, and take electives that match your interests. Summer marks the start of Level II Fieldwork—an immersive, full-time clinical experience. Check out the full curriculum. 

  • Continue with a second Level II Fieldwork rotation in the fall, where you’ll take on real-world responsibilities under licensed occupational therapists. Simultaneously, you’ll finalize your Capstone plan. In your final spring semester, you’ll complete your Capstone Project and seminar, applying everything you’ve learned to a focused area of practice or research. The year culminates with your doctoral presentation—and graduation at the end of the spring term. Check out the full curriculum. 

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