Sacramento · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Sacramento area, CA
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Sacramento area, CA has 2 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's. 1 are fully accredited and admitting; the rest are new programs in development. Occupational therapists in California earn a median $124,510 a year.
Sacramento here means programs in Sacramento, Rocklin. See all California programs.
Compare OT programs in Sacramento area, CA at a glance
NBCOT results, length, published cost and admission requirements side by side, all from official sources. Accredited programs first, sorted by 2025 pass rate.
| Program | Degree | NBCOT 2025 | Length | Published cost | Min. GPA | GRE | Obs. hours | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Pacific-Sacramento Campus Sacramento | OTD | 83% | 32 months (8 trimesters) | $132,600 | 3 | No | 50 rec. | January |
| William Jessup University Applicant Rocklin | OTD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— = not published or not yet verified. Costs are as each school publishes them (full-program tuition; * = all-in total). NBCOT = share of new graduates passing in 2025. Click a program for sources and quotes.
All occupational therapy programs in Sacramento area, CA
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Pacific-Sacramento Campus Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Sacramento | 32 months (8 trimesters) | On-campus (in-person, full-time) | 83% ’25 | Accredited |
| William Jessup University Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (in design) | Rocklin | See program | See program | — | Applicant |
Status and degree level from the ACOTE directory. Length and format only where confirmed on the program’s own website. NBCOT = share of the program’s new graduates who passed the NBCOT exam in the latest year reported (NBCOT school performance data, retrieved 2026-10-08); new programs have no results yet.
OTD programs in Sacramento area, CA
- University of the Pacific-Sacramento Campus · Sacramento
- William Jessup University · Rocklin
New OT programs opening in Sacramento area, CA
1 program in Sacramento area, CA is in ACOTE’s accreditation process (Applicant, Candidacy or Preaccreditation). Under ACOTE policy, a new program must be granted full Accreditation status before its graduates can sit for the NBCOT exam, so ask each school where it is in that process.
- William Jessup University — Entry-level OTD, applicant (ACOTE on-site visit: 2028/2029)
All new OT programs nationwide and what each ACOTE status means →
OTD or master's in Sacramento area, CA?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a California license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 2 OTD programs.
- 0 master's programs.
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 83% of new graduates passing in 2025 (1 programs). Compare nationally.
- 1 program starts in January or spring: University of the Pacific-Sacramento Campus. All spring-start programs.
- 1 confirmed no-GRE program. No-GRE list.
Pay in California
U.S. median for occupational therapists: $100,330. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Compare all states.
How to become an occupational therapist in California
- Earn a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisites your target programs require (usually anatomy and physiology, psychology, and statistics). See OT school prerequisites.
- Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited master’s or OTD program, including at least 24 weeks of full-time Level II fieldwork (plus a 14-week capstone for the OTD).
- Pass the NBCOT OTR exam to become a registered occupational therapist.
- Apply for a California license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy before you practice. See how to get licensed in California.
More areas in California
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Sacramento area, CA?
ACOTE lists 2 entry-level OT programs at 2 schools in Sacramento area, CA: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's. 1 program is new and still working toward full accreditation.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Sacramento area, CA?
Both are entry-level degrees: graduates of either take the same NBCOT exam and get the same state license. The OTD adds a 14-week doctoral capstone, so it usually takes longer and costs more. Sacramento area, CA has 2 OTD and 0 master's programs. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in California?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in California was $124,510 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $85,550 to $158,560.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Sacramento area, CA?
Yes: 1 OTA program. See OTA schools in California.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website (linked on its page); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us and we will re-check the source.