OTs ARE MADE HERE.

Occupational Therapy Graduate Program

Orange County, Riverside, and Los Angeles Campuses

Apply for 2025 Classes¹

1st

Gloreha and Meditouch Robotic Rehab Devices on the West Coast^2,3

OC Campus

98%

NBCOT-OTR Pass Rate⁴

2019-2023, OC Campus

Occupational Therapy Leaders Start Here

In the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, you’ll prepare to join the next generation of OT professionals as you master powerful rehab technologies and confidently prepare for NBCOT-OTR licensure success.

Conduct graduate-level research in the university’s Robotics and Intelligent Sciences Laboratory using rehabilitation and social robots.
Advance critical applications of OT practice with hands-on skills in the Virtual Reality and Synthetic Cadaver Labs with the first SynDaver Synthetic Cadaver Lab on the West Coast.⁶
Enjoy beautiful Southern California as you learn human movement while canoeing and kayaking in the Newport Beach Back Bay.
Engage with colleagues in the Student Occupational Therapy Association and Phi Theta Epsilon Honor Society student chapters with social and leadership activities.

Through immersive and applied learning, you will be prepared to enter professional occupational therapy practice ready to impact and improve the lives of the people you serve.

OT Rehabilitation Robotics

Therapist-driven mobilization treatments for neurocognitive rehabilitation

Social Robotics

Pediatric autism and special needs interventions brought to life

Synthetic and Human Cadaver Lab

In-depth and hands-on gross anatomy training

Immersive Virtual Reality for Neuroscience Training

Virtual Reality Lab and Anatomage Table with 3D holographic VR and full-scale virtual dissections

OT Program FAQ

To be eligible for admission to our OT program there are several steps to take. First, you must possess a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited institution. You should also have successfully completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher. Additionally, we require 16 hours of documented volunteer experience or observation in an occupational therapy-related or other healthcare setting.

For more detailed information about the full admissions process, we encourage you to contact us above and attend one of our information sessions, where you can learn about the next steps and specific requirements.
Stanbridge University's MOT program is offered full-time. Classes are delivered on-ground, online, and blended (on-ground and online) learning environments, with on-ground classes scheduled two to four days per week. The program takes approximately 26-27 months to complete, including federal holidays and any breaks between terms.⁷
OTs and OTAs both make significant contributions to the field of occupational therapy, each with distinct roles. OTs typically hold advanced degrees and take on leadership roles. They are responsible for assessing clients, creating comprehensive treatment plans, and collaborating with OTAs to implement these plans. With their deeper understanding of the assessment process, OTs guide the overall therapeutic journey. OT students pursuing master’s degrees require a bachelor’s degree and complete the program in approximately two years.⁷
To become a licensed occupational therapist through Stanbridge University, you will need to:

1. Complete the Stanbridge University, ACOTE accredited, MOT degree program: Enroll in and successfully complete our Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program.

2. Prepare for certification: Throughout the program, you'll receive threaded assessment and guidance to support and prepare you for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Exam (NBCOT-OTR). Our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping you succeed in this important step towards becoming a licensed occupational therapist.

3. Take the NBCOT-OTR: Passing this exam is required to become a licensed OT.
As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupational therapists (OTs) are professionals who specialize in helping individuals achieve and maintain their highest level of independence and function. OTs work with a diverse range of clients, guiding children through developmental challenges, supporting adults in regaining independence after an injury or accident, and providing invaluable assistance to older adults facing events like the aftermath of a stroke or disorders like Alzheimer's disease.⁸

OTs work in collaboration with speech therapists and physical therapists to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages.

Occupational therapy is a dynamic healthcare profession dedicated to enhancing individuals' participation in both activities of daily living (ADLs) and daily occupations. ADLs encompass essential tasks for daily survival, like bathing and eating. Daily occupations, in contrast, encompass a wide range of daily activities, from gardening and playing musical instruments to activities like surfing, all of which contribute to the meaning and purpose of an independent life.⁹

In OT classes, you'll delve into the principles and practices of the field, learning to assess clients' unique needs, develop tailored treatment plans, and implement evidence-based interventions. You'll also explore innovative techniques to assist children with developmental challenges and support adults and seniors in regaining functional independence.
The Employment Development Department of the State of California projects that in-state employment for OTs will grow by 16.5% from 2020-2030.¹⁰

Your career as an occupational therapist can lead you to diverse healthcare environments, including hospitals, rehab centers, schools, mental health facilities, and community clinics. In these environments and beyond, OTs actively contribute to individuals' rehabilitation, personal growth, and overall quality of life.
Occupational therapists are deeply committed to helping individuals, groups, and communities maximize quality of life through solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living. They often have a genuine interest in problem-solving and finding creative solutions to help clients overcome physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. If you are drawn to making a positive impact on people's lives and are eager to assist individuals of all ages in achieving their highest potential, then pursuing the MOT program may be a natural step toward your career goals.

While those who have a variety of academic backgrounds, such as bachelor's degrees in psychology, behavioral sciences, childhood development, kinesiology or related fields, tend to align well with preparing for the OT curriculum, these specific backgrounds are not a requirement for admission.
The Stanbridge University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program’s full-time schedule is offered at the Irvine (Orange County), Alhambra (Los Angeles), and Riverside campuses.
We invite you to attend an online information session to explore program details, learn about Stanbridge University's student support services, and discover the potential for a rewarding career! During the session, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, tour our campus virtually, and experience the innovative technology available to our OT graduate students.

With high quality guidance, teachers, and classmates, you can take one step closer to the occupational therapy career you've always wanted.

Start Today!