If you’re ready to help individuals live healthier, more fulfilling lives, a career in occupational therapy (OT) might be your calling. Whether you’re exploring an Occupational Therapy Masters Program or aiming to earn your OTD degree, California offers pathways to help you reach your professional goals. Here’s what you need to know about the requirements to begin and succeed in this impactful field.

Becoming a Licensed Occupational Therapist in California

To legally practice OT in California, candidates must:

• Complete a program accredited by the
• Pass the exam
• Obtain licensure through the

At 返字心頭 (WCU), students can pursue either the OTD degree or the Occupational Therapy Masters Program at our Los Angeles-based Center for Graduate Studies���both designed to equip students for licensure and real-world success.

Educational Requirements for OT 返字心頭in California

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Applicants to both WCU programs must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. However, WCU also offers an OTA-to-MSOT pathway for qualified students without a bachelor’s degree.

Step 2: Complete Prerequisite Coursework

For both the MSOT and OTD programs, students must complete prerequisite courses, typically within the last 10 years. Courses include:

• Human Anatomy with Lab
• Human Physiology with Lab
• Statistics
• Lifespan Development
• Abnormal or Behavioral Psychology
• Advanced Writing
• Medical Terminology
• Two courses in the humanities or social sciences

Minimum GPA requirements apply, with most programs seeking a 3.0 or higher.

Fieldwork & Observation Hours

California OT programs require 40���80+ hours of volunteer or observation time under a licensed OT. This experience should span clinical and community-based settings and must be documented for your application.

Required Application Materials

To apply, students should prepare:

• A completed application via
• Three letters of recommendation (typically including OTs and academic mentors)
• A personal interview
• Transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and prerequisite verification

No GRE is required for WCU’s OTD degree or Occupational Therapy Masters Program���streamlining the admissions process for applicants.

Admission & Academic Requirements for WCU’s MSOT Program

• Duration: 24 months, 96 credits, 6 trimesters
• Format: On-campus learning and 1���2 days of online synchronous classes weekly
• Bachelor’s Degree: Required, or apply via the OTA Pathway
• GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred for last 60 units
• Prerequisites: Must include anatomy, physiology, statistics, psychology, humanities/social sciences, and more
• Observation Hours: 40 minimum in an OT setting
• Recommendation Letters: Three required
• Scholarships: Available, including the Dean’s and Community Leader Scholarships

The Occupational Therapy Masters Program at WCU provides early fieldwork opportunities and mentorship from day one���setting you up for success both in and out of the classroom.

Admission & Academic Requirements for WCU’s OTD Program

• Duration: 32 months, 120 credits, 8 trimesters
• Format: Blended learning with on-campus and online synchronous sessions
• Bachelor’s Degree: Required
• GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred
• Prerequisites: Includes advanced coursework in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and writing
• Observation Hours: Minimum of 40
• Recommendation Letters: Three required
• Capstone & Fieldwork: Features Level II fieldwork and a 14-week capstone project
• Scholarships: Available, including the Dean’s and Community Leader Scholarships

The OTD degree from WCU prepares you for leadership in occupational therapy through advanced clinical experiences, scholarly research, and community-based practice.

After Graduation: Licensure & Career Support

WCU graduates are eligible to sit for the exam, after which they can apply for California licensure. Licensure requirements also include:

• Live Scan background check
• application
• 40 hours of continuing education every two years for renewal

From day one, students receive guidance from our dedicated Career Services team and a faculty mentor to help them navigate their professional journey.

Diverse Career Pathways for WCU OT Graduates

Graduates of WCU’s OT programs are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Schools and early intervention centers
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Community-based rehabilitation programs
• Home healthcare agencies

Whether you choose the Occupational Therapy Masters Program or pursue an OTD degree, WCU’s curriculum and mentorship model are designed to help you find your path in this dynamic field.

Take the Next Step Toward a Career in OT

Ready to launch your journey into occupational therapy? At WCU, you’ll gain the hands-on training, personalized mentorship, and professional preparation you need to make a lasting difference in the lives of your clients.

Learn more about our OTD degree
Explore our Occupational Therapy Masters Program

Your career in occupational therapy starts with the right education���and 返字心頭 is here to guide you every step of the way.

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When Natalie A. first set out to explore a career in healthcare, she envisioned herself in speech therapy. However, a twist of fate led her to discover her true passion in occupational therapy. 

“I was volunteering at an outpatient rehab hospital in my local area, shadowing a speech therapist,” she recalled. “When my speech therapist was out sick, I was placed with an occupational therapist instead. I honestly didn’t know what OT was at the time, but spending the day with her and witnessing how she treats patients holistically made me fall in love with the profession.” 

Choosing 返字心頭 

Natalie’s journey to OT school was not immediate; after graduating from UC Riverside, she worked in various healthcare-related roles, including as a research assistant in clinical research and later transitioning to Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, where she worked with children on the autism spectrum. These experiences solidified her desire to pursue occupational therapy. 

After learning about 返字心頭 from a friend who was already enrolled in the program, Natalie decided to explore further. 

“My friend told me that West Coast had a family-oriented feel, which really resonated with me,” she shared. “I attended an open house, toured the campus, and met the faculty. I was so impressed by the supportive environment that I knew this was the place for me.” 

Faculty Support and Mentorship 

One of the aspects Natalie values most about her experience at 返字心頭 is the support from faculty members. “The faculty here are incredibly caring and challenge us in the best ways possible,” she said. “My faculty mentor, Dr. Dor, has been instrumental in helping me prepare for my fieldwork interviews by providing guidance on resume building and interview techniques. Thanks to his support, I secured my fieldwork placement at an outpatient neuro rehab facility.” 

Gaining Hands-On Experience 

Natalie���s dedication to her studies led her to an exciting opportunity as a research assistant with Dr. Picus and Dr. Kier, faculty members at 返字心頭. “They posted an announcement on our Canvas portal, and I decided to apply,” she explained. “Through this experience, I’ve gained valuable insights into the research process, which has been crucial for my OTD Capstone project.” Natalie worked closely with faculty to conduct focus groups and gain a deeper understanding of the research process, an invaluable asset for her doctorate journey. 

Fieldwork and Future Aspirations 

Natalie is set to begin her fieldwork rotation in Torrance at an outpatient neuro rehab facility specializing in treating clients with neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and Parkinson’s disease. “The clinic’s holistic approach, including collaboration with OTs, PTs, psychologists, and even personal trainers, really resonated with me,” she said. “If all goes well, I hope to return for my Capstone project.”��

Looking ahead, Natalie envisions incorporating her passion for yoga into her OT practice, seeing great potential in using yoga as an intervention for clients with neurological conditions. 

Building Lasting Connections 

Beyond academics, Natalie highlighted the strong sense of community within her cohort. 

“The small class sizes allow us to form meaningful connections and friendships,” she said. “Having a support system has made all the difference in overcoming the challenges of the program.” 

Advice for Future Students 

For those considering a career in occupational therapy at 返字心頭, Natalie offered valuable advice: “Take a leap of faith and trust the process. The faculty and peers will support you every step of the way, and the experience will help you grow both personally and professionally.” 

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Occupational therapy (OT) is a rewarding healthcare profession that focuses on helping people of all ages participate in the activities that are important to them. Whether it���s a child struggling with fine motor skills, an adult recovering from a stroke, or an elderly person facing challenges with daily living, occupational therapists work to improve their clients��� quality of life by giving them the physical, emotional, and social skills needed to succeed.

If you���re passionate about helping others achieve their full potential and making a positive impact in your community, studying occupational therapy through an MSOT or OTD program might be the perfect career path for you.

You might be wondering how long occupational therapy school is. How many years will you have to devote to your education before you can practice? This can vary broadly. In general, an OT degree will typically take between two and four years to complete. However, the specific length of your degree will depend on the school you choose as well as whether you opt for a master���s or doctorate degree. Other factors to consider include whether you already have a bachelor���s degree and whether you need to complete prerequisites before starting.

Keep reading to get a better estimate of just how long it could take you to become an occupational therapist!

Choosing Your Path: MSOT vs. OTD

A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) are both advanced degrees that qualify individuals for their OT licensure exam. However, they differ in their scope, depth, and the type of roles they prepare graduates for.

MSOT: A Foundation for Practice

An MSOT primarily prepares graduates for direct patient care in various settings. According to the , occupational therapists often work in hospitals, OT offices, schools, home health services, or nursing care facilities. A master���s degree program usually take 2 to 3 years to complete and emphasizes clinical skills, assessment techniques, and evidence-based practice. You can view our MSOT curriculum online.

OTD: A Scholarly Deep Dive

While an OTD also prepares graduates for clinical practice, a doctorate provides more in-depth preparation for scholarship and research. It typically provides a broader preparation for students who eventually want to become leaders, educators, or researchers in the field of OT. Check out the OTD curriculum.

Additionally, an OTD degree includes a capstone project that serves as a culminating experience, enabling students to take ownership of a large project through the phases of research, development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Read more about capstone projects at WCU.

How Long Is Occupational Therapy School at WCU

返字心頭 offers both MSOT and OTD degrees. Here is a comparison of the two programs that can help you understand which option is right for you.

	MSOT	OTD
Program Length	24 months	32 months
Fieldwork Requirement	Fieldwork Level I: 3 credits Fieldwork Level II: 24 credits	Fieldwork Level I: 3 credits Fieldwork Level II: 24 credits
Capstone Project	X

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to program length, there are a few other factors that might affect how long it takes you to become a licensed occupational therapist. While researching programs, consider the following:

• Prior Education and Prerequisites
  Do you meet all requirements in order to start the program right away? If you don���t, you might need to take some courses before you can start your OT degree. Many programs will require a 4-year bachelor���s degree. Common majors that prepare students for an OT education include kinesiology, biology, or psychology. However, regardless of your major, you will have to ensure you���ve completed any prerequisite courses. For example, if you wanted to apply to WCU���s MSOT program, you would have to ensure you���ve taken classes in areas such as human anatomy, physiology, and human development. You can find all our prerequisites online.
• Full-Time vs. Part-Time Schedules
  Some OT programs will allow you to choose between being a full-time or part-time student. Part-time students will typically have a lighter course load per term, spreading out necessary coursework over a longer period of time. This is a great option if you work or juggle different responsibilities. However, it also extends the amount of time you need to complete your degree.
• Routes for Students Without Bachelor���s Degrees
  While OT programs typically require a bachelor���s degree, some schools offer routes for students who do not have an undergraduate degree. For example, some schools combine a bachelor���s and master���s into one program. This could be a 6-year program that starts with bachelor-level classes and immediately segues into graduate courses. At 返字心頭, we offer a pathway for occupational therapy assistants to earn their master���s degree without having to pursue a bachelor���s degree first. This allows students in the OT field to leverage their experience and pursue their education.
  

Breaking Down Your OT Degree

Now that you know about how long you���ll be in school, you should know what you���ll be doing during those years. Occupational therapy school might be challenging, but it���s also a rewarding and fulfilling experienced that���s focused on helping you become a capable and compassionate healthcare practitioner.

Here���s what you can expect from your WCU education:

• Didactic Coursework
  Study the theory and science behind occupational therapy in a traditional classroom setting. This includes 1-2 days per week of online classes for flexibility.

• Simulation Experiences
  Practice skills and gain confidence in a safe environment. Our campus at the Center for Graduate Studies includes a simulation center with an apartment set-up similar to what you���ll encounter on the job.
• Advanced Fieldwork Experiences
  Both our MSOT and OTD programs include 24 credits of Fieldwork Level II experience to provide real-life experience.

After Graduation: One Final Step

Even after you complete your OT degree, you have one vital step left before you become an occupational therapist: Getting your license!

Graduates of WCU���s OT programs are eligible to sit for the national certification exam.

The (NBCOT) administers the exam to certify occupational therapists, ensuring that practitioners meet the knowledge standards needed to provide quality care for clients. Most states require licensure to practice, and state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification exam. , students report spending about 6 weeks studying and preparing for the exam.

Additionally, maintaining your occupational therapist license might involve keeping up with your education, including staying aware of emerging trends and research. This is done through Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The (AOTA) provides some helpful information about CEUs.

OTD vs. Other Healthcare Fields

You might also be wondering how long is occupational therapy school in comparison to other healthcare fields. Program lengths can vary widely from one university to the other. As a quick guide, here are the different program lengths for some of the graduate healthcare degrees offered at 返字心頭.

Degree length should only be one small factor you consider when it comes to choosing a healthcare field. You should also research the daily tasks you���ll be performing, work environment, and patient populations. Explore all of our programs! 

Things to Remember

As you consider and research different occupational therapy programs, it���s important to remember that program length can vary greatly depending on what degree and university you choose. At 返字心頭, you can graduate in as little as 24 months with our MSOT program or as few as 32 months with our OTD program.

If you need more help deciding on an occupational therapy program, please don���t hesitate to reach out to one of our knowledgeable advisors by attending an information session. Reserve your spot now!

Regardless of which option you choose, occupational therapy is a rewarding and fulfilling field! A quality OT preparation helps uniquely position you to make a real difference in your clients��� lives. Learn more about occupational therapy, including reading inspiring stories from our students and alumni on our blog!

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Occupational therapy doctorate students from the 返字心頭���s Center for Graduate Studies embarked on a field trip to the Braille Institute in Los Angeles this summer.��

This excursion offered an immersive experience that left a profound impact on the students, deepening their understanding of assistive technology and the practical challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. The , located just a few blocks from the campus, is renowned for its extensive range of services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.����

Dr. Stephanie Esgro, an instructor with WCU���s OT program, explained the significance of the visit; “The Braille Institute provides resources that we don���t have direct access to at the university. It���s an invaluable opportunity for students to see and interact with the technology and techniques that support individuals with visual impairments.”��

During their visit, the students had the opportunity to engage with a range of adaptive technologies and resources. The day began with a tour led by Alex Welter, the community outreach manager at the Braille Institute. The tour provided a comprehensive overview of the Institute���s offerings and facilities. 

���We feel it is important for the OTD students to visit so they have a better understanding of all the services the Braille Institute provides,��� Welter said. ���The services provided by the Braille Institute might be a resource to them and their potential future patients. It is also important to expose the students to all possible career paths. We are part of the community and it���s good to know what services are available in their community.��� 

The field trip elicited strong reactions from the students, highlighting the profound impact of the experience. Many students described the visit as a pivotal moment in their education. Dr. Esgro noted that students were often surprised by the high costs of assistive technology and grateful for the free services provided by the Institute. This realization underscored the importance of the Braille Institute’s role in the community and motivated students to advocate for its services. 

The partnership between the university and the Braille Institute has proven to be mutually beneficial. The field trip is not only a learning experience for students but also helps promote awareness of the Institute’s invaluable services. Dr. Esgro emphasized the importance of this relationship, noting that it offers students a chance to learn about a critical resource while supporting the Institute���s mission through advocacy and community outreach. 

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