Mercy College OT Program

[lilsillyme111]

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Hello,

I'm interested in applying to Mercy College's OT program located in Dobbs Ferry, NY. I recently graduated with my BS this pass May. And I spoke to the counselor and found that they require specific prerequisites OT courses for the University and that completing those courses does not guarantee acceptance into the MOT program. However, you must complete the courses in order to be considered for acceptance. This is an extremely weird requirement compared to other programs.

So I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone who went to Mercy’s MOT program. Or if anyone had any idea how many students they accepted? The percentage of students that took those prerequisites but do not get admitted? Or would they accept everyone that takes the courses and meet the requirements?

Has anyone been accepted for Fall 2013? If so what were your status if you don’t mind sharing.

I’m welling to take the risk if there’s a high chance of acceptance; however, I do not want to waste my time if it’s not worth the investment.

I searched but could not find any information regarding this. So any information regarding this school/process would be very helpful.

Thank you !

 

[OTdream]

Honestly I was looking into Mercy and find it extremely shady to make you pay almost $10K in pre-req to be maybe/maybe not accepted. It sounds like a huge scam. I'm sure it's a legit program but their requirements are ridiculous.

 

[lilsillyme111]

I completely agree.... They require so many classes... I'm not sure if I apply.... Since it does not gurantee acceptance.

I have applied to other programs as well. However, my grades are not as competitive so I hoping I would have a better chance for Mercy...

I been trying to find more information regarding this school but it seems like no one ever discussed the process and whether how many students actually get into the program if they complete the prequ...

 

[Johann00]

Yeah, that looks strange. Half of the courses on their prereq list

(https://www.mercy.edu/acadivisions/healthprofessions/ot/ot_prerequisite_checklist.pdf).

are classes I'm taking while in my actual OT program. What's even more strange is that in one part of their website, they make it seem like some of those classes are OK to complete at other schools, but then on another page it seems like they MUST be completed at Mercy College. If that's the case, it's not worth the extra time and money you'd have to put into getting into it.

I don't think it's a scam, just overly-rigid requirements. They might also be trying to keep most of their OT students "in house"...graduates of their own undergrad programs. That'd be an odd thing too, but who knows...

In any case, my advice would be to clarify that with someone in the program. If it turns out that these requirements are really as stringent as they sounds, look elsewhere.
https://www.mercy.edu/acadivisions/healthprofessions/ot/ot_prerequisite_checklist.pdf

 

[OTdream]

I was actually looking at Mercy and when I asked about their requirements they said I Had to take them at Mercy in order to be considered. I know it's not an actual scam but honestly looks like they would make a lot of $$ if 75% of the students who take pre req classes don't get in every year. That's guaranteed revenue even before the program starts. I personally just dislike the way they are doing things but def double check with someone working there.

 

[ellwoodis]

This kind of game was being played by medical and pharmacy schools in the past before all the new schools started opening. You can still find many 4-year schools offering onsite pre-clinical programs to get into their school. Is there that large a demand for OT that you need to do a pre-OT curriculum? What evidence in forums or articles can you point out for either an acute shortage of OT programs or a huge demand for OT's?

 

[BowlofSunshine]

I looked at Mercy college when researching OT schools. Their pre-reqs are ridiculous. While it might be beneficial for someone who works full time, I think it's crazy they require you to take those pre-reqs before you even start OT school.

They also do not work on a traditional semester system. They work on a trimester system and classes are Friday-Sunday

 

[lilsillyme111]

Thanks for the information everyone. I really appreciate it. I really hope I get into a school this year. This is my second year apply……

I just got an interview for Brenau University, I started a thread on that… Hoping you guys can share you experiences or any knowledge of that school with me if possible…

This will be my first interview…so I don’t not know what to expect……if I could get I will not have to gamble with Mercy College hopefully…

 

[OTandBeyond]

I have been accepted to Mercy’s OT program for the Fall 2013 semester, and I can assure you that this school is very legitimate and has excellent faculty.
You do not need to take all the pre requisites before applying to the program; I applied to the program with only having completed Cadaver Anatomy and Group Process and was accepted.
Because this program is a two year weekend program, that meets every other weekend, the program allows you to take your foundational science and OT classes as prerequisites. This allows you to complete the program in two years. Furthermore, if you have a good GPA you can get exempt from some of the pre req’s , as I did.
The first step in registering as an “intended OT major” is to meet with an advisor, the advisor will then make an academic plan for you. This outlines all the classes you will need to take before you apply.
Most of the students that did well in my Cadaver and Group process classes got into the program. The students that received C’s or below, either did not get in or ended up on the waiting list.
The way this program is set up, it weeds out the weaker students before they actually get into the program. So essentially, Mercy knows that those who got in will ultimately be successful in the program.
This program is for people that are not able to do a traditional M-F OT program. For example, I need to be able to work, and this program allows that because classes are on the weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun).
If you live in the NYC area, and are looking for a Flexible Masters in Occupational Therapy program, I would highly recommend Mercy College.

 

[SWtoOT]

I decided to take the chance on Mercy OT program as I had zero science health science background (previous degree in human services) back ground and mercy allows you to get a second bachelors in health science while obtaining the pre req courses. Also the weekend program was inviting and no GRE req. 3 of Mercy undergraduate courses are actually graduate courses at other schools, so mercy eliminates having to take those at the same time as other grad course load and perhaps take it one class at a time like I did. I applied however with a 3.6 gpa in my pre reqs and 3.6 in my first degree however I was still wait listed. So it basically a rejection because no one declines there acceptance offer. I will try to continue doing good and maybe use the sheer possibility of getting off the waitlist. But I am applying to other schools. I don’t completely regret going but I do wish I did a lot more research than I did prior. I would say don’t put all your eggs in Mercy’s basket. Good luck to everyone

 

[Richi09]

Hello all! I know it's been a while but I was hoping someone could offer a little more insight on Mercy's OT program since the last post. I am currently taking the prerequisites at Mercy and would love to hear some current info on the school's ot program. Thanks!

 

[OTRstudent]

I know many people who went to MercyCollege for OT and all of them have told me that it was terrible. I just wanted to respond when I saw it because I know when I applied to schools I found these forums helpful for narrowing my choices of schools. Two told me that it was one of the worst decisions of their lives. Some of the complaints were that the program was completely disorganized, teachers had no connections with the students, there were random guest speakers teaching all the time, and weekends were spent listening to powerpoints with very little detailed information that could be used . They also said that the program doesn't teach about some topics and they had to find information and teach themselves a lot for assignments and fieldwork . I also heard many assignments were never even graded or returned and they were , there were no explanations grades or the answers were never explained .
One told me that they should have left after the first semester and lived with losing the money spent because she ended up learning nothing and then had to stress for half a year when doing her fieldwork. She told me she heard that many people were having problems at fieldwork and did not know if they would get a diploma.

 

[Richi09]

I know many people who went to MercyCollege for OT and all of them have told me that it was terrible. I just wanted to respond when I saw it because I know when I applied to schools I found these forums helpful for narrowing my choices of schools. Two told me that it was one of the worst decisions of their lives. Some of the complaints were that the program was completely disorganized, teachers had no connections with the students, there were random guest speakers teaching all the time, and weekends were spent listening to powerpoints with very little detailed information that could be used . They also said that the program doesn't teach about some topics and they had to find information and teach themselves a lot for assignments and fieldwork . I also heard many assignments were never even graded or returned and they were , there were no explanations grades or the answers were never explained .
One told me that they should have left after the first semester and lived with losing the money spent because she ended up learning nothing and then had to stress for half a year when doing her fieldwork. She told me she heard that many people were having problems at fieldwork and did not know if they would get a diploma.

OMG That is terrible news!!! I already have my bachelors degree (spring 09') and decided to go go back to school for OT. What attracted me to Mercy is their weekend program and the fact that it's only about a 20 minute drive from where I live. From what I understood, the program wasn't so bad (especially with all of the hopeful prodOT grad students there). I am currently taking Anatomy & Physiology and really enjoy the school so far but didn't know much about the OT program itself. I would hate to invest so much money into a school to just be disappointed. Thank you very much for responding... I wish more people would speak about Mercy on these forums, all the information that I find on here is from a few years ago 🙁

I see that you are an OT student..Where are you attending? (If you don't mind me asking)

Thanks again!

 

[nmk61488]

I have been accepted to Mercy’s OT program for the Fall 2013 semester, and I can assure you that this school is very legitimate and has excellent faculty.
You do not need to take all the pre requisites before applying to the program; I applied to the program with only having completed Cadaver Anatomy and Group Process and was accepted.
Because this program is a two year weekend program, that meets every other weekend, the program allows you to take your foundational science and OT classes as prerequisites. This allows you to complete the program in two years. Furthermore, if you have a good GPA you can get exempt from some of the pre req’s , as I did.
The first step in registering as an “intended OT major” is to meet with an advisor, the advisor will then make an academic plan for you. This outlines all the classes you will need to take before you apply.
Most of the students that did well in my Cadaver and Group process classes got into the program. The students that received C’s or below, either did not get in or ended up on the waiting list.
The way this program is set up, it weeds out the weaker students before they actually get into the program. So essentially, Mercy knows that those who got in will ultimately be successful in the program.
This program is for people that are not able to do a traditional M-F OT program. For example, I need to be able to work, and this program allows that because classes are on the weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun).
If you live in the NYC area, and are looking for a Flexible Masters in Occupational Therapy program, I would highly recommend Mercy College.

OTandBeyond I would love to talk to you if possible! I am currently finishing up my first semester at Kean's OT program and I am looking to try and transfer to Mercy. Many of the classes I took this semester seem to translate almost identically to Mercy's "course-specific pre-requisites". I would very much like to be able to hear about the program from a student point of view. Is there anyway I could email you privately?

 

[nb97]

Hey everyone! I know I am a few years late on this, but I thought that maybe you can help me out! I am an absolute nervous wreck about all of this and I was wondering how the process of Mercy College for the OT program is like? What was your experience, and in terms of GPA, if you or anyone that you knew was apart of the program, what was the lowest GPA that was accepted in? My overall GPA isnt that great, but I feel my prereqs GPAs are okay. If there is any insight on this program, please let me know!