Occupational Therapy Schools in California

The Occupational Therapy Schools in California are offering excellent educational opportunities for the students. Many Universities offer entry-level occupational therapy programs in California. Total 9 OT schools are providing entry-level MOT/OTD program, and 6 OTA schools are offering OTA program.

1. California State University, Domingues Hills
2. Dominican University of California
3. Loma Linda University (LLU)
4. Samuel Merritt University
5. San Jose State University
6. Stanbridge University
7. University of Southern California (USC)
8. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – California Campus
9. West Coast University

Occupational Therapy in California-

California is a big state offers great medical and allied facilities in the hospitals. California attracts many clinicians and therapists towards it, because of better job opportunities and high salaries. The students can learn occupational therapy from many world-class universities in California.

The occupational therapists have their own OT association in the California, i.e “Occupational Therapy Association of California”. The Association (OTAC) is an affiliated with the AOTA. The OTAC is responsible for occupational therapy awareness and promotion in the state of California.

Occupational therapy students have their own association in California. The “Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)” intends to foster the personal and professional development of occupational therapy students in the state.

Occupational Therapy License in California-

The California Board of Occupational Therapy is responsible for the issuance of a new or renewal of a license to practice OT in the California state. It’s mandatory for the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant to get a license before practicing as an OT or OTA.

A limited permit may be granted to any person who meets the qualifications to be admitted to the examination for licensure and is waiting to take the examination or awaiting the announcement of the results of the examination, according to the application requirements for a limited permit, may practice as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant under the direction and appropriate supervision of an occupational therapist.

Occupational Therapy Schools Overview-

Here is the list of Occupational therapy schools in California with complete OT school Overview-

#1 California State University, Dominguez Hills

The CSU offers the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (entry-level). This degree course is a full-time Cohort Program. The course duration of the MSOT program is the total of 7 consecutive semesters program (including summer). The students who have been admitted in the specific cohort are expected to take the same courses every semester as well as complete the requirements of the program at the same time.  One cohort of 66-70 students are admitted per year, which starts every spring semester in the CSU, Dominguez Hills.

California State University, Dominguez Hills College of Health, Human Services and Nursing
Course Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational therapy (MSOT)
University Campus	Carson, CA
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Program Coordinator-	Terry Peralta-Catipon, Ph.D., OTR/L
Course Duration- MSOT	The MSOT Program is a full-time Cohort Program. A total of 7 consecutive semesters.
Seat capacity	Average 66-70 students.
OT Admission	Once a year (Spring)
Application Procedure	Apply through OTCAS or Apply to the University  (for Spring semester) online.
Minimum Requirement	Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) GPA of 3.0 or better. Report from the GRE (Minimum GRE scores of 140 on the Quantitative Reasoning and 146 on the Verbal Reasoning sections. Plus, A minimum Analytic Writing score of 4 on the GRE) A minimum of 80 observation hours under a licensed occupational therapist. 3 letters of recommendation (one must be from the occupational therapist who supervised the volunteer hours).
Pre-requisite Course work	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; Developmental Psychology (Across the Life Span); Abnormal Personality or Abnormal Psychology; Statistics.
Address	Department of Occupational Therapy College of Health, Human Services, and Nursing 1000 East Victoria Street, WHA 320 Carson, CA Email- [email protected]
Website	www.csudh.edu

#2 Dominican University of California-

The Occupational Therapy Program at the Dominican University of California has an innovative educational curriculum, providing rigorous and comprehensive professional preparation for community-focused occupational therapy practice.

The occupational therapy school offers 2 options in occupational therapy education. Both the programs are entry-level and can be preferred by the students depending upon the current education level of the student.

1. BS/MS in Health Sciences/Pre-Occupational Therapy Track-

The Dominican University of California offers a combined five-year program, leading to the bachelor of health science and master of science in occupational therapy.

2. Master of Science in Occupational Therapy-

This a regular entry-level program. This course can be done by the interested candidate having a bachelor degree. Some prerequisite courses are required before taking admission in the MSOT program.

Dominican University of California Department of Occupational Therapy
Courses Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational therapy (MSOT) and Combined BS/MS in Occupational therapy. (Both programs are Entry level)
University Campus	San Rafael, CA
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director-	Ruth Ramsey, Ed.D., OTR/L
Course Duration- MSOT	The MSOT Program is a full-time Cohort Program. A total of 7 consecutive semesters.
Seat capacity	16
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall)
Application Procedure	Apply through OTCAS or Apply to the University online.
Minimum requirement for MSOT-	Bachelor degree  Official transcript of coursework.  A minimum 3.0 GPA. A brief essay (500 words) describing professional and/or personal goals and reasons for wanting to obtain this graduate degree. Minimum of 60 hours of volunteer work (40 hours must be under the supervision of an OT) Professional Resume. Minimum of two (no more than three) letters of recommendation, An Official copy of GRE Score report.
Pre-requisite for MSOT	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; Lifespan Human Development; Introduction to Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Descriptive Physics (no lab required); 3D Art (i.e. ceramics, pottery); Statistics; Medical Terminology; Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (recommended, but not required).
Minimum requirement for Combined BS/MS OT program-	High school Degree GPA of 3.0 or better. A minimum of 60 observation hours under a licensed occupational therapist.
Pre-requisite for Combined BS/MS OT program-	Human Anatomy with lab; Human physiology with lab; Introduction to Psychology; Conceptual Physics; Statistics of Health and Behavioral Sciences; Abnormal Psychology; Lifespan development; 3D Art; OT Seminar- Occupation and Self; OT seminar- Occupation and Others; OT seminar- Occupation and Community; OT seminar- Occupation as Therapy.
Pre-requisite course work	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; Developmental Psychology (Across the Life Span); Abnormal Personality or Abnormal Psychology; Statistics.
Address	Department of Occupational Therapy 50 Acacia Avenue San Rafael, CA Email- [email protected] (Undergraduate) or [email protected] (Graduate)
Website	www.dominican.edu

#3 Loma Linda University (LLU)

Loma Linda University is a world-renowned university. The Health Sciences Institute is recognized for quality education in the field of Occupational Therapy. The LLU offers two OT programs. One is an entry-level regular master degree program, and another one is an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program.

The regular MSOT program is about the 2-year program, which helps to build the necessary skills required for an occupational therapist. While the OTD offers by the LLU is an advanced course for the occupational therapist.

The OTD program provides occupational therapists an opportunity to further their education through its flexible online format. Loma Linda University is one of the 2017 Most Affordable Online School for Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program.

To be eligible for admission to the OTD program, the applicant must have earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Plus, he/she must be certified by the NBCOT.

Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions
Courses Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational therapy (MSOT) Post-professional Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.
University Campus	Loma Linda, CA
Public or Private-	Private institute.
Program Co-ordinator-	Liane Hewitt, DrPH, OTR/L
Course Duration- MSOT	The MSOT Program is a full-time 33 months program.
Seat capacity	50 students.
OT Admission	Once a year (mid-June)
Application Procedure	Apply through OTCAS and a direct application to the school (after OTCAS verification)
Minimum requirement	Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS); GPA of 3.0 or better; A minimum of 40 observation hours under a licensed occupational therapist; 3 letters of recommendation(one must be from the occupational therapist who supervised the volunteer hours).
Pre-requisite course work	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; Human Lifespan Development; Statistics; Medical Terminology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program School of Allied Health Nichol Hall, Room A901 Loma Linda, CA Email- [email protected]
Website	www.llu.edu

#4 Samuel Merritt University

The OT program @ Samuel Merritt University provides a rigorous education in both the basic sciences and in occupation-based practice with advanced skills in clinical practice, research, leadership, and advocacy.

Initially, the OT school was offering entry-level Master of Occupational therapy program, but recently OT school has got approval from ACOTE to start a doctoral program.

The OT school is no longer offering a master degree in occupational therapy. Entry-level Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) – Discontinued.

Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) – Candidacy received from ACOTE.

Samuel Merritt University
Course Offered–	Doctor of Occupational therapy (OTD) Entry Level program
University Campus	Oakland, CA
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Co-ordinator-	Kate Hayner, EdD, OTR/L
Course Duration- OTD	3 years.
Seat capacity	42 students.
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall)
Application Procedure	The Admission process is of Two stages. Application through OTCAS Personal Interview
Minimum requirement	Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS); GPA of 3.0 or better in all course works; No GRE report required; TOEFL score min. 100 (for international candidate); A minimum of 40-70 observation hours under a licensed occupational therapist; 3 letters of recommendation (from 3 different therapists).
Pre-requisite course work	English Composition/Critical Thinking General Psychology Abnormal Psychology Developmental Psychology Statistics Social Science elective I & II General Biology Physics 3D skills Human Anatomy Human Physiology Public Speaking.
Address	Occupational Therapy Department 450 30th Street, Suite 4706 Oakland, CA Email- [email protected]
Website	www.samuelmerritt.edu

#5 San Jose State University

The College of Applied Sciences and Arts offers a  Master of Science in Occupational therapy degree. The MSOT is a regular 2-year program. The school provides a better atmosphere for learning and promote occupational therapy in the California state.

San Jose State University College of Applied Sciences and Arts
Course Offer–	Master of Science in Occupational therapy (MSOT)
University Campus	San Jose, CA.
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Program Co-ordinator-	Dr. Gigi Smith
Course Duration- MSOT	2-year program
Seat capacity	30 students
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall)
Application Procedure	Application through OTCAS and applicants must apply to SJSU’s Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations (GAPE) via Cal State Apply.
Minimum requirement	Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) GPA of 3.0 or better. GRE – A minimum GRE verbal score of 153 is required  and an Analytical Writing score of 4.5 is desired A minimum of 80 observation hours under a licensed occupational therapist. 3 letters of recommendation.
Pre-requisite course work	Human Anatomy with lab Human Physiology with lab Neuroanatomy General Psychology Abnormal Psychology Sociology or cultural anthropology Statistics A skill Course.
Address	Department of Occupational Therapy One Washington Square San Jose, CA. Email- [email protected]
Website	www.sjsu.edu

#6 Stanbridge University

Stanbridge University is famous for its virtual reality-based classrooms. It helps the students to learn the basics of anatomy and physiology and other therapeutic approaches. The OT school is research-oriented, and promote research and creativity in the students.

The OT School @ Stanbridge University has its own Driving simulation lab, Sensory lab, and digital classrooms. The school offers small class size and a high faculty-student ratio for better learning.

Stanbridge University
Course Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational therapy (MSOT)
University Campus	Irvin, CA.
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Co-ordinator-	—
Course Duration MSOT	A cohort and ranges from 26 – 28 months
Seat capacity	N/A
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall)
Application Procedure	Application through OTCAS and Personal interview.
Minimum Requirement	Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS); GPA of 3.0 or better; Report from the GRE (Minimum GRE scores of 144 on the Quantitative Reasoning and 150 on the Verbal Reasoning sections. Plus, A minimum Analytic Writing score of 3.5 on the GRE); A minimum of 30 observation hours under a licensed occupational therapist; An application essay; 3 letters of recommendation(from faculty members, therapists, and employers.); TOEFL (ibt) min score 52 –for international students.
Pre-requisite course work	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology; One course in human anthropology or sociology; Abnormal Psychology; Introduction to Statistics; Lifespan or developmental psychology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 2041 Business Center Drive, #107 Irvine, CA. Email- [email protected]
Website	www.stanbridge.edu

#7 University of Southern California (USC)

The University of Southern California has completed 75 years of OT education. The USC OT school is on top 3 best OT schools nationwide. The school offers many options for entry into the occupational therapy profession.

The Occupational therapy school offers many options, which are as follows-

1. Undergraduate Minor in Occupational Science for non-OT major undergraduates at USC to explore the world’s newest social science.
2. Bachelor’s to Master’s in Occupational Therapy for OT majors at USC preparing for a career in occupational therapy.
3. Post-Professional Master of Arts Degree for certified or board-eligible occupational therapists or international graduates of a WFOT program. Courses are completed in-person on USC’s campuses in Los Angeles, California.
4. Entry-Level Professional Master of Arts Degree for individuals with a bachelor’s degree outside of occupational therapy in order to enter the profession.
5. Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Degree for current occupational therapists with a master’s degree to become professional leaders.
6. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Occupational Science for individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree-seeking a career in scientific research.

Along with these courses, the USC OT school also provides-

1. Sensory Integration (SI) Certificates for therapists to become clinical experts in Ayres’ Sensory Integration Therapy.
2. Continuing Education for practicing therapists to expand their knowledge and build their skills.

University of Southern California Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Course Offer–	Master of Arts in Occupational therapy (MSOT)
University Campus	Los Angeles, CA
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Associate Dean-	Grace Baranek Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Course Duration- MAOT	2-year program
Seat capacity	N/A
OT Admission	Once in a year (Fall)
Application Procedure	Apply through OTCAS
Minimum requirement	Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS); GPA of 3.0 or better; Report from the GRE (Minimum GRE scores of 144 on the Quantitative Reasoning and 153 on the Verbal Reasoning sections. Plus, A minimum Analytic Writing score of 3.5 on the GRE); 3 letters of recommendation(Professor, therapist and other professional); a personal statement; A resume or CV; A computer-based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90 with no less than 20 on each sub-score- for International students.
Pre-requisite course work	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology; Introductory Statistics; Developmental Psychology or Human Development ; Abnormal Psychology; Introductory Sociology or Introduction to Social Anthropology; Medical Terminology.
Address	Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy 1540 Alcazar Street, CHP-133 Los Angeles, CA Email- [email protected]
Website	http://chan.usc.edu/

#8 University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – California Campus

The University of St. Augustine of Health Sciences offers 2 entry-level OT programs and one post-professional program in the field of Occupational therapy.

The Entry-level OT programs are –

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) which is a 2-year program with a capacity of 45 students. The school takes admission 3 times in a year. One more option is available at University of St. Augustine, which is a Flex MOT (online and weekend classes). The Flex MOT option isn’t available on the California campus. Flex MOT option is available in Florida, Texas, and Miami campuses.

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program-  It is an entry-level program designed for bachelor degree holders. The program utilizes a combination of fully online courses, blended with face-to-face coursework for dynamic and flexible student experience.

Post-Professional OTD-

The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP OTD) at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers practitioners with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy along with the NBCOT’s passing certificate. The program is an entirely online program.

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences College of Rehabilitative Sciences
Course Offer–	Master of  Occupational therapy (MOT)
University Campus	San Marcos, California Campus
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Program Co-ordinator-	Karen Howell, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Course Duration- MSOT	MOT – 2 year Flex MOT- 3 year OTD- 3 year
Seat capacity	45 students
OT Admission	Jan, May, September (3 times in  a year)
Application Procedure	Apply through OTCAS or Apply to the University (for Spring semester) online.
Minimum requirement	Bachelor’s degree; GPA of 3.0 or better; Report from the GRE ( 294 for the verbal and quantitative sections is recommended.); A resume; Statement of Purpose; A minimum of 80 observation hours under a licensed occupational therapist; 2 letters of references (from 2 occupational therapists); A background check.
Pre-requisite course work	Human Biology; Motion and Movement; General Human anatomy and physiology; Human growth and development over the lifespan; Social Sciences; Medical Terminology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 700 Windy Point Drive San Marcos, CA. Email-[email protected]
Website	www.usa.edu/

#9 West Coast University-

The West Coast University offers an entry-level MSOT program.

West Coast University
Course Offer–	Master of Science in Occupational therapy (MSOT)
University Campus	Los Angeles Campus
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director-	Dr. Nicolaas van den Heever, OTR/L
Course Duration- MSOT	full time 2- year program
Seat capacity	N/A
OT Admission	Twice in a year (Spring and Fall Semester)
Application Procedure	Application through OTCAS
Minimum requirement	Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS); GPA of 3.0 or better; Report from the GRE; A minimum of 80 observation hours under a licensed occupational therapist; 3 letters of recommendation.
Pre-requisite course work	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology; Developmental Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Statistics.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 590 N. Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CAEmail-[email protected]
Website	westcoastuniversity.edu

Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in California-

The below mentioned OTA schools are offering fully accredited OTA programs in California. Currently, there are 6 OTA programs are running in California.

#1 American Career College-Orange County Campus
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
1200 N. Magnolia Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92801-2607
http://americancareercollege.edu/

#2 CBD College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
3699 Wilshire Blvd., 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90010
www.cbd.edu/

#3 Grossmont College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020-1799
www.grossmont.net

#4 Sacramento City College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Science and Allied Health Division
3835 Freeport Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95822-1386
www.scc.losrios.edu/ota/

#5 Santa Ana College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
1530 West 17^th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706-3398
www.sac.edu

#6 Stanbridge University
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
2041 Business Center Drive, #107
Irvine, CA 92612-1105
www.stanbridge.edu