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The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Bridge Program at Keiser University is designed to educate health care providers with COTA credentials to build upon their existing professional experience. In the course of completing the MSOT graduate degree, students in the program will develop managerial, program assessment, and client evaluation skills while expanding their leadership roles in the field of occupational therapy.
Keiser University’s Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy will include instructional delivery methods that are both campus-based and hybrid. The program integrates didactic, face-to-face, and clinical experiences to prepare students to achieve success on the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) exam, and to function as a generalist occupational therapist within the profession.
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Bridge program at the Keiser University Ft. Lauderdale and the Fort Myers Campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). As of August 2024, the MSOT Bridge program at the Keiser University Jacksonville Campus has been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE. The MSOT Bridge program at Keiser University Jacksonville campus is pursuing a pre-accreditation review and will complete the on-site evaluation to pursue Accreditation Status before its graduates become eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). ACOTE can be reached at the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, American Occupational Therapy Association, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814; Office phone: (301) 652-AOTA; website: www.acoteonline.org.
The mission of the Keiser University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is to establish excellence in occupational therapy education, research, and scholarly activities. The MSOT Program will prepare graduates who will provide evidence-based occupational therapy services locally and globally to communities. The program prepares occupational therapy professionals as providers and leaders in the delivery of high quality, accessible, competent care within a highly technological environment. The MSOT program promotes, expands, and validates scientific knowledge and evidence-based practice through interdisciplinary research. The MSOT program strives to meet the educational and support needs of a student population and provide opportunities for minority and non-traditional students.
Goal 1: Engage in scholarly endeavors to promote continued competency and professional development in the field of occupational therapy.
Goal 2: Demonstrate entry-level clinical competence to maximize functional outcomes of individuals, groups, and populations.
Goal 3: Demonstrate leadership abilities that foster a collaborative perspective of client care, innovative practice and the all-encompassing roles of the occupational therapy practitioner.
The prerequisites for major courses are as follows (earned credits from an OTA program are acceptable):
Candidates must achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) with no grade less than C for all pre-requisite/co-requisite courses. Any pre-requisite courses taken prior to admission to the MSOT program must have been completed at a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, each candidate must successfully complete the personal interview with one of the MSOT faculty members.
A drug screening test will be required of all students prior to clinical placement and/or at any time throughout the duration of the program as per the request of the program and/or its clinical affiliates.
Note: Students who enter the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program must have computer access with internet capabilities. Basic computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, and e-mail) are required.
To receive a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, students must earn 75 program-specific semester credit hours, inclusive of: Pre-requisite/Co-requisite courses, Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant degree courses (83 semester credit hours), upper-division undergraduate courses, and graduate courses.
| Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Upper Division Undergraduate Core Courses (24.0 credit hours) | |
|---|---|
| OTH3000 - Foundations of Occupational Therapy | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH3036 - Occupational Perspective on Health | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH4517 - Health Care Management | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH4035 - Occupational Perspective on Health II | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH3413 - Functional Human Motion | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH4759 - Evidence-based Approaches in Occupational Therapy | 4.0 credit hours |
Upon completion of the above requirements, inclusive of pre-requisites and equivalent to 120.0 semester credit hours, a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Health will be awarded.
| Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Graduate Core Courses (51.0 credit hours) | |
|---|---|
| OTH5202 - Occupation-Based Assessments: Children and Adolescents | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH5203 - Occupation-Based Assessments: Adults and Older Adults | 3.0 credit hours |
| OTH5245 - Neuroanatomy for Occupational Therapy | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH5352 - Occupational Therapy Process: Mental Health | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH5428 - Occupational Therapy Process: Physical Disabilities | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH5853 - Field Work Level I, part 1 (Adults) | 3.0 credit hours |
| OTH5854 - Field Work Level I, part 2 (Pediatric/Adolescent) | 3.0 credit hours |
| OTH5604 - Occupational Therapy Process: Geriatric | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH5519 - Occupational Therapy Process: Pediatric | 4.0 credit hours |
| OTH6770 - Applied Research in Occupational Therapy | 2.0 credit hours |
| OTH6937 - Fieldwork Seminar I | 2.0 credit hours |
| OTH6941 - Fieldwork Level II, part I | 6.0 credit hours |
| OTH6938 - Fieldwork Seminar II | 2.0 credit hours |
| OTH6942 - Fieldwork Level II, part II | 6.0 credit hours |
The MSOT program 16-week semesters are each comprised of two eight-week terms, exclusive of fieldwork semesters. Students are scheduled for two courses concurrently, each 8 weeks, except for the first semester. In the first semester students will take one (1) course per eight-week term.
The on-line component of each course is asynchronous and synchronous in nature; however, students are required to attend scheduled practical laboratories on-campus approximately one (1) weekend per month (Fridays and Saturdays).
Click here to view program outcomes.
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapists, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Upon passing the examination, individuals are granted the credential of Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). While national certification is a critical step, graduates must also apply for licensure in the state or jurisdiction where they plan to practice. Licensure is required in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and individuals must meet all jurisdiction-specific requirements before beginning practice. Eligibility to take the NBCOT exam and apply for licensure requires graduation from an accredited master’s-level occupational therapy program. Keiser University MSOT program pass rate outcomes on the certification exam are available at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance. When you get to the site, select ‘Florida’ for the state, ‘OT Masters-Level Programs’ for the program type, and choose the year you would like to view the results for.
Dr. Marek Graczkowski, EdD, MHSA, OT/L (Program Director)
Dr. Graczkowski attained a Doctor in Education (EdD) degree from Walden University in 2010, Masters in Health Services Administration degree from Florida International University in 2005, and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University in 2001. Dr. Graczkowski was born in Poland and lived there for the first 26 years of his life. Currently, Dr. Graczkowski and his wife reside in South Florida. Dr. Graczkowski has extensive experience with adults/geriatric populations with a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological problems. Dr. Graczkowski is a very strong supporter of holistic approaches to human beings, disease/disability prevention, and alternative forms of healing. Dr. Graczkowski’s favorite quote is “Veni, vidi, vici” or “I came, I saw, I conquered” (attributed to Gaius Julius Caesar).
Dr. Husney Amerih, PhD, OTR/L, CKTI (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Amerih practiced as an occupational therapist for 29 years. He is an expert clinician with advanced training in Assistive Technology, Kinesiology, Mental health, Physical agent modalities, and Lymphedema. He worked as OT at various local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Dr. Amerih has also worked as an OT Professor and Program Director. He brings 14 years of full-time academic experience, including teaching, administration, and faculty and program management. Dr. Amerih developed curricula and syllabi for multiple introductory and advanced courses at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. He has mentored many junior faculty and multiple doctoral students and conducted more than 27 peer-reviewed publications at local, national, and international venues.
Dr. Tara Casimano PhD, OT/L (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Casimano brings a wealth of pediatric experience and teaching with her. She has been an occupational therapist for over 30 years, working in all areas of pediatric practice, from the NICU to transitional services. She has worked as an early intervention provider, school-based therapist, and a senior pediatric therapist in an orthopedic hospital in NYC. She had been both a professor and director of an OT program in a private college in NY for over 20 years. Dr. Casimano received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida and her PhD from Trident University International in Cypress, California. She holds advanced certification in Neurodevelopmental Therapy as well as received her Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP) from AOTA. Dr. Casimano calls both Long Island, New York, and Naples, Florida, her home. She enjoys watching college sports, playing beach volleyball, and traveling. She has 4 children and some fur babies too.
Dr. Laura A. Reyes, OTD, MOT, OTR/L (Academic Fieldwork Coordinator)
Dr. Laura A. Reyes is the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for Keiser University Ft. Lauderdale’s MSOT Bridge Program and has been in this role since the program’s first cohort. Dr. Reyes received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. For her doctoral capstone, Dr. Reyes was able to create alternative community-based occupational therapy options for Level II Fieldwork experiences in response to how the pandemic impacted student placements. Her passion for working with the medically complex population and assistive technology has resulted in the opportunity to speak nationally. As the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Dr. Reyes works with community affiliates on establishing and enhancing their organization’s fieldwork programs and mentoring students.
Dr. Christina M. Sanford, DrOT, OTR/L (Full-time faculty)
Dr. Sanford attained a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (DrOT) degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2014, and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2010. Her doctoral research focused on the use of chair yoga as a therapeutic medium in adults post-stroke. Dr. Sanford has experience treating young adult, adult, and geriatric populations with a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological problems in both inpatient rehabilitation and acute care settings. Dr. Sanford has been a board member of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Broward Health and is currently on the IRB at KU. She also has experience representing occupational therapy in numerous interdisciplinary disease-specific committees, including CVA, SCI, and TBI. Dr. Sanford has been teaching courses in the KU MSOT Program since 2016. Dr. Sanford is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA).
Kevin Bobos, OTD, MA, MS, OTR/L (MSOT Program Director)
Dr. Bobos serves as Program Director for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Keiser University – Fort Myers campus. Dr. Bobos has a BS in Fitness/Exercise Science; MA in Physical Education; MS in Occupational Therapy; and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Dr. Bobos has worked in every clinical practice setting as an occupational therapist. He has taught At Gannon University and South University in their OTD program, at St. Augustine University in the MSOT program and was the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor at South University in their OTA program. Dr. Bobos’ clinical passions are orthopedics, neurology, and hands.
Dr. Sarah Cernat, OTD, OTR/L (Academic Fieldwork Coordinator/Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Cernat serves as faculty and academic fieldwork coordinator for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Keiser University – Fort Myers campus. Dr. Cernat has a BS in Human Biology with a specialization in Bioethics, Humanities and Society from Michigan State University and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University, graduating with highest scholastic achievement. Dr. Cernat has published an NHS NIH registered systematic review in Revista Argentina de Terapia Ocupacional and completed various presentations at Florida Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conferences. Dr. Cernat has varied experience in clinical work specializing in geriatrics, low vision rehabilitation, and pelvic floor therapy.
Dr. Lisbet Montero, OTR/L, ASDCS, CPRCS (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Montero has over 7 years of experience in the pediatric occupational therapy field, including early intervention and pediatric outpatient services. She also has experience in skilled nursing facilities and home health settings with adults and the geriatric population. She attained her occupational therapy clinical doctorate (OTD) at Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University. Dr. Montero is a Certified Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist and a Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist. She also completed the SOS Mentorship and is a Qigong Massage Trainer. Dr. Montero is the founder and CEO of Mindful Occupational Therapy, an outpatient clinic in Lee County serving children and adolescents with various conditions, including but not limited to autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, complications related to prematurity, and other developmental disorders.
Dr. Megen Myers, OTD, OTR/L (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Myers is an occupational therapist with more than 11 years of experience working with adults and older adults. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Ashland University in 2011, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Gannon University in 2014, and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University in 2017.
Her clinical expertise is in adult and geriatric rehabilitation, with special training in Parkinson’s disease treatment as an LSVT BIG–certified therapist. She is also actively involved in volunteer work supporting the senior community.
Dr. Myers has completed research on technology use among older adults and is currently studying maternal mental health, with a focus on “mom guilt” and role identity in mothers. She has been a faculty member with the Keiser University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program since 2022.
Dr. Cassandra Gehret, OTD, OTR/L, CLT (Full-time Faculty)
Dr. Gehret is a Professor in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Keiser University – Fort Myers Campus. She began her academic career as an adjunct professor for fieldwork placement before transitioning to full-time faculty in March 2025. An experienced clinician, she has practiced across acute care, skilled nursing, memory care, NICU, outpatient pediatrics, home health, and rehabilitation settings. Dr. Gehret earned her OTD from the University of Montana (2025), MSOT from Keiser University Fort Lauderdale (2019), and OTA from Keiser University Tampa (2014). Her professional interests include curriculum design for fieldwork readiness, integration of therapeutic use of self, and innovative strategies to promote cognitive and functional engagement in diverse client populations.
Nishi Patel Brahmbhatt, OTD-PP, MOTR/L, CAPS, CDP (MSOT Program Director)
Dr. Patel Brahmbhatt obtained a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Shenandoah University in 2023, a Master’s in Occupational Therapy degree from University of Texas Medical Branch in 2008, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sports Science from Texas State University in 2005. Dr. Patel Brahmbhatt was born in London, England and lived there for the first 12 years of her life and has been living in the United States of America since 1995. Dr. Patel Brahmbhatt has extensive experience working with older adults across various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health, addressing a wide range of diagnoses. Dr. Patel Brahmbhatt is passionate about student health and wellness for lifelong success and aims to promote student participation in all health domains.
Kendyl Beuttenmuller, OTD, OTR/L (MSOT Full Time Faculty)
Dr. Beuttenmuller is a dedicated healthcare professional who earned a degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2020. With a wealth of experience spanning various pediatric care settings, Dr. Beuttenmuller has also worked in inpatient/acute care, private sensory clinics, and general outpatient pediatrics. Dr. Beuttenmuller’s expertise is enhanced by extensive training in primitive reflex testing and sensory integration therapy.
Erin Tyre, MSOT, OTR/L (MSOT Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Full Time Faculty)
Mrs. Erin Tyre obtained her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in 2010. Mrs. Tyre has over 14 years of experience in the field of Occupational therapy specializing in pediatrics. She has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient, early intervention, school based, and inpatient/acute. Mrs. Tyre has taken advanced courses on Neuro-Developmental Treatment, Sensory Processing, and feeding.
The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.
My instructors believed in me. They were more than instructors, they tried to get to know you as a person and tried to understand your goals so they could push you towards them. Student services helped me find a job before I even graduated. Everyone was dedicated to my overall success.
The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.
