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MSOT Program in Los Angeles

Prepare to pursue a career in occupational therapy and earn your Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at our Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles.

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) – Los Angeles Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) – Los Angeles

24 Months

Earn your Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree in 24 months

Scholarship Opportunities Available!

The Dean’s Scholarship and Community Leader Scholarship are available to new students starting WCU’s MSOT program in May 2024 or later.

OTA Pathway

No bachelor’s needed!

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Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program Highlights

Support and Guidance

Fieldwork experience starting in the first year and continuing until graduation

Interprofessional setting that lets you study alongside students in different healthcare disciplines

Stethoscope

Occupational therapy assistant pathway: Your gateway to MSOT, no bachelor's required!

Diverse faculty that represents a wide array of expertise in the field

Why Choose an Occupational Therapy Graduate Program?

Our MSOT program at the Center for Graduate Studies is designed to give you the knowledge and clinical practice you need to enter the occupational therapy field.

The program emphasizes hands-on practice while providing personal and professional development opportunities such as community events and one-on-one mentorship with an experienced OT faculty mentor. Students will have 1-2 days per week of synchronous learning that gives them the ability to engage with their professors and peers in real time. Our MSOT program helps you become a well-rounded healthcare practitioner, putting the focus on ethics and patient-centered care.

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  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

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Explore the MSOT Program at WCU!

Overview: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program

Program Details

Program Pace

On-Campus and Online Synchronous Learning

96 Credits

24 Months

6 Trimesters

Curriculum

Core Occupational Therapy Courses
Core Occupational Therapy Courses
Foundations of Occupation and Occupational Therapy 2.0
Occupations Across the Lifespan 2.0
Introduction to Fieldwork I 1.0
OT Evaluation and Screening I 3.0
Introduction to Research 2.0
Basic Patient Care Skills 2.0
Integrated Physiology and Anatomy 5.0
Occupational Performance in the Older Adult 4.0
Skills Lab: Older Adults 2.0
Fieldwork I- Older Adults 1.0
OT Evaluation and Screening II 2.0
Brain, Behavior and Occupation 3.0
Movement Analysis in Occupation 3.0
Evidence-based Practice I 2.0
Occupations in Practice 2.0
Occupational Performance in the Adult 4.0
Skills Lab: Adult 2.0
Fieldwork I – Adults 1.0
Evidence-Based Practice II 2.0
Preparatory Methods I 3.0
Assistive Technology 4.0
Occupational Performance in Children and Adolescents 4.0
Skills Lab: Children and Adolescents 2.0
Fieldwork I – Children and Adolescents 1.0
Introduction to Fieldwork II 1.0
Preparatory Methods II 4.0
Occupational Wellness 4.0
Professional Management and Leadership 3.0
Preparation for Professional Practice 1.0
Fieldwork II-A 12.0
Fieldwork II-B 12.0
Total Credit Hours: 96.0

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program in LA Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Los Angeles MSOT tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MSOT program costs in Los Angeles at ֻƬ.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies.

 

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Tuition and Fees
Degree Type Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024)  Master of Science (Enrolling After April 1, 2024)
Total Program Credits 96 96
Program Length (Full-time) 6 trimesters 6 trimesters
Tuition Cost (per credit) $919 $919
Total Tuition Cost $88,224 $88,224 
Application Fee (non-refundable) $0 $0 
STRF Fee1 (non-refundable) $232.50 $0 
EstimatedTotal Book Costs3 $3,611 $3,612 
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2 $361 $361
Estimate for Uniforms Fees2 $75 $75 
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees2 $70 $70 
Technology Fee3($150 per trimester) $900 $900 
Estimated Total Program Costs $93,473.50 $93,242 

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year4    
  Prior to Fall I 2024  Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fees $220 $220 $220  $220 
Course Materials (Personal Electronic Device-1st year only)
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000  $1,000 
Professional License, Certificate, or First Professional Credential
$270 $270 $270  $270 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $3,552 $11,840 $3,728  $12,432 
Transportation $2,456 $2,456 $2,584 $2,584
Personal Expenses $8,048 $8,048 $8,448  $8,448 
Total $15,546 $23,834 $16,250 $24,954 

1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 The Estimate for Book, Program Attire, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change. Supplies become student purchases once issued to student. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all of the supplies, contact the Bursar Office.

Fees do not include indirect costs, which may include but are not limited to background checks, health screenings/requirements for clinical, out of state fieldwork placements, and/or transportation.

Refer to the Program Fee Schedule for a breakdown of expected indirect costs.

3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend ֻƬ. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to ֻƬ and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to ֻƬ and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, ֻƬ estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Note 1: Students who wish to take Challenge Exams will be subject to a fee of $100 for each Challenge exam. Please see the campus Bursar Office for a full price listing.

Note 2: Course Audits - If a course(s) is being audited. Credits for these courses will be included for the student's schedule status for courses taken by semester. Audit course fees will be incurred by program, based on these schedule statuses shown above.

Note 3: Applicants are conditionally accepted to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program until a non-refundable $250.00 good faith payment for a Seat Deposit has been submitted. The Seat Deposit is not a separate charge but will be credited to the program costs should the student not cancel their enrollment. The University will retain the full amount of this deposit should the student cancel their enrollment at any time, for any reason. Seat Deposits may be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, or cashier's check made payable to ֻƬ. A Seat Deposit will be collected for each enrollment and cannot be applied to or carried over to enrollments for other programs or start terms. At their discretion, the Executive Director may refund the full Seat Deposit for unusual or unexpected circumstances that would warrant a full refund.

Admission Requirements

A student applying for admission to a graduate program at ֻƬ must:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission with all admissions requirements through the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy system (OTCAS).
  2. Meet the program admissions requirements.
  3. Submit a copy of official transcripts through .
  4. Participate in a qualitative admissions interview arranged by the admissions department.
  5. Complete an enrollment agreement if accepted into the program.
  6. All requirements must be met by the application deadline in order to be considered.

Program-specific application requirements and prerequisites:

  1. Have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.  Overall last 60 semester units must meet a 3.0 minimum GPA.
  2. Application can be submitted during enrollment in an undergraduate degree program or during completion of prerequisite course work.  However, pending coursework/undergraduate degree along with and all other requirements must be completed, met, and verified through OTCAS by the deadline in order to qualify.
  3. Medical terminology course required.
  4. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-English speaking country must have verification of the following scores within two years of intended enrollment:
  5. An Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90 with no less than 20 on each sub-score; or
    1. An IELTS of 6.5 with no less than 6 on each band score.
    2. Students whose native language is English and/or students with a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university are exempted from this examination.
  6. Applicants must have obtained an overall 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) of program prerequisite courses (from accredited universities) within the last ten years and with a grade of a C or better.
    1. Required prerequisite courses:
      1. Two (2) courses in the humanities or social sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Humanities, Anthropology; Philosophy; Religion; Ethics; Cultural studies; Group Dynamics – 3 semester units each).
      2. One (1) Statistics course. (3 semester units)
      3. One (1) course in Human Anatomy plus Lab (3 semester units).
      4. One (1) course in Physiology plus Lab (3 semester units).
      5. One (1) course in Human Development or Lifespan (Human Growth & Development, Developmental Psychology, Lifespan Psychology (3 semester units).
      6. One (1) course in Abnormal or Behavioral Psychology (Abnormal Behavior, Abnormal Psychology, Psychopathology, Behavioral Disorders) (3 semester units).
      7. One (1) course in Advanced Writing (3 semesters units)
    2. Student should have:
      1. Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
      2. Three (3) references: (1-2) occupational therapists; 1 faculty member/advisor; 1 professional
      3. A minimum of 40 volunteer or observation hours obtained from an occupational therapy setting of choice or multiple settings.
  1. Full-time devotion to this program is highly recommended; any employment can interfere  with the successful completion of this program.
  2. In order to be considered, all program specific admissions requirements and prerequisites must be met by the deadline posted on OTCAS.

To view a full list of program requirements, please visit .

Academic Calendar

Academic terms begin in Spring, Summer, and Fall. To see a list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Additional Information About our MSOT-LA Degree

Welcome to ֻƬ's Occupational Therapy Department. Our department has a tradition of excellence.

ֻƬ prepares MSOT and OTD students to be successful professionals, by emphasizing holistic client-centered care, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking skills. A part of our mission at ֻƬ is to embrace a student-centric learning partnership. We continuously pursue more effective and innovative ways through which our students develop the competencies and confidence required in a complex and changing world.

Our facility is technologically advanced and provides students with an environment that promotes innovative learning methods designed to develop skilled, confident, and competent therapists. Our faculty members represent a wide array of expertise in the field of occupational therapy.

We are a family here at ֻƬ. As you step through our doors, you will feel a comfortable and supportive environment. We provide a quality education for our students. We are a tight-knit group and believe that it’s ok to have fun while you learn.

Our legacy is our graduates. They make us proud daily, as they continue to propel the profession forward as leaders, advocates, and trailblazers, exhibiting industry-current solutions to promote quality of life.

Thank you for your interest in our MSOT program. I look forward to meeting you during our interview season.

Warmest regards,

Stacey Willis, OTD, BSOT, OTR/L
Dean & Program Director,
Occupational Therapy Program at WCU-CGS

Make Your Degree a Reality With Our OT Scholarships!

We’re offering two new scholarship opportunities to help you pursue your occupational therapy degree. The Dean’s Scholarship and Community Leader Scholarship are available to new students starting WCU’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Doctorate programs in May 2024 or later.

Visit to read more about available scholarships and their eligibility requirements.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the MSOT program will have the opportunity to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary to accomplish the following in their occupational therapy practice:

  • Develop and implement client-centered care that is inclusive of cultural values, beliefs, and needs
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills to function effectively as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team
  • Support clinical decision making with evidence-based knowledge
  • Design interventions with a central focus on occupation as the means and end of therapeutic processes, in line with the profession’s philosophy
  • Integrate health promotion and wellness in interventions with individuals, communities, and populations
  • Model leadership and advocacy for occupational therapy in the full range of service areas

The MSOT Student Handbook is designed to help you navigate through your time in our program. The handbook provides an overview of academic standards, policies and procedures, student resources, and expected behaviors — all in a single location.

WCU OT Student Handbook, please click here.

WCU OT Fieldwork Education Manual, please click here.

NBCOT Certification data for the program is available at the .

Graduates of the MSOT program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. This exam is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Most states require licensure to practice, and state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Please note that in order to take the national certification examination the following questions will be asked:

  • Have you ever been charged with or convicted of a felony? (Note: Applicants must answer affirmatively if records, charges, or convictions have been pardoned, expunged, released, or sealed.)
  • Have you ever had any professional license, registration, or certification revoked or subject to probationary conditions by a registry authority or certification board?
  • Have you ever been found by any court, administrative, or disciplinary proceedings to have committed negligence, malpractice, recklessness, or willful or intentional misconduct which resulted in harm to another?
  • Have you ever been suspended and/or expelled from a college or university?

Certification Preparation at WCU

We aim to prepare our students so that they feel confident when going into the certification exam and are able to perform at their best. Below are our graduation and certification rates for the MSOT program:

Graduation Data

Year Students Entering/Graduating Graduation Rate
Year Students Enter/Grad Grad Rate
2021 68/63 93%
2022 68/64 94%
2023 68/66 97%
Total 204/193 95%

 

NBCOT Certification Data

Year Number of Students Taking Exam Number of Students Who Passed Exam Passage Rate
Year Num. of Students Taking Exam Num. of Students Who Passed Exam Passage Rate
2021 54 53 98%
2022 67 63 94%
2023 66 61 92%

 

Information Sessions To view available dates and reserve your virtual seat, click here!.
Campus Tours Available every Thursday at 4pm.
Campus Address:
What: Coffee with the Dean & Faculty
When: April 10, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Center for Graduate Studies
590 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Do you have a passion for helping people get better? Would you like a career helping injured, ill, or disabled patients recover? If so, we would like to invite you to learn more about our Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs at the Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles! At our special open house event, you’ll get a chance to:

  • Meet with the dean and faculty
  • Learn more about careers in Occupational Therapy
  • Take a tour of the campus/facilities
  • Get a complete program overviews
  • Ask questions about the program or admissions requirements in person

Don’t miss out on your chance to discover how a graduate-level degree in occupational therapy can help you obtain a rewarding career in improving the lives of others.

To RSVP, please .

Hey, OTAs!

Our occupational therapy assistant pathway opens the doorway to your MSOT degree. Get the preparation you need to practice autonomously. You don’t need a bachelor’s to apply, and you can complete your master’s in as little as two years.

You qualify for the pathway if you have:

  • Your occupational therapy assistant license
  • 1 year of work experience as an OTA
  • 3.0 GPA on prerequisite courses from an accredited university within the last ten years

No bachelor’s needed! Speak to an advisor to review all requirements and learn if the OTA pathway is right for you.

Message from the Director

ֻƬ prepares MSOT and OTD students to be successful professionals, by emphasizing holistic client-centered care, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking skills. A part of our mission at ֻƬ is to embrace a student-centric learning partnership. We continuously pursue more effective and innovative ways through which our students develop the competencies and confidence required in a complex and changing world.

Our facility is technologically advanced and provides students with an environment that promotes innovative learning methods designed to develop skilled, confident, and competent therapists. Our faculty members represent a wide array of expertise in the field of occupational therapy.

We are a family here at ֻƬ. As you step through our doors, you will feel a comfortable and supportive environment. We provide a quality education for our students. We are a tight-knit group and believe that it’s ok to have fun while you learn.

Our legacy is our graduates. They make us proud daily, as they continue to propel the profession forward as leaders, advocates, and trailblazers, exhibiting industry-current solutions to promote quality of life.

Thank you for your interest in our MSOT program. I look forward to meeting you during our interview season.

Warmest regards,

Stacey Willis, OTD, BSOT, OTR/L
Dean & Program Director,
Occupational Therapy Program at WCU-CGS

Scholarship Opportunities

We’re offering two new scholarship opportunities to help you pursue your occupational therapy degree. The Dean’s Scholarship and Community Leader Scholarship are available to new students starting WCU’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Doctorate programs in May 2024 or later.

Visit to read more about available scholarships and their eligibility requirements.

 

Outcomes

Graduates of the MSOT program will have the opportunity to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary to accomplish the following in their occupational therapy practice:

  • Develop and implement client-centered care that is inclusive of cultural values, beliefs, and needs
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills to function effectively as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team
  • Support clinical decision making with evidence-based knowledge
  • Design interventions with a central focus on occupation as the means and end of therapeutic processes, in line with the profession’s philosophy
  • Integrate health promotion and wellness in interventions with individuals, communities, and populations
  • Model leadership and advocacy for occupational therapy in the full range of service areas

MSOT Student Handbook

The MSOT Student Handbook is designed to help you navigate through your time in our program. The handbook provides an overview of academic standards, policies and procedures, student resources, and expected behaviors — all in a single location.

WCU OT Student Handbook, please click here.

WCU OT Fieldwork Education Manual, please click here.

NBCOT/Grad Rates

NBCOT Certification data for the program is available at the .

Graduates of the MSOT program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. This exam is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Most states require licensure to practice, and state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Please note that in order to take the national certification examination the following questions will be asked:

  • Have you ever been charged with or convicted of a felony? (Note: Applicants must answer affirmatively if records, charges, or convictions have been pardoned, expunged, released, or sealed.)
  • Have you ever had any professional license, registration, or certification revoked or subject to probationary conditions by a registry authority or certification board?
  • Have you ever been found by any court, administrative, or disciplinary proceedings to have committed negligence, malpractice, recklessness, or willful or intentional misconduct which resulted in harm to another?
  • Have you ever been suspended and/or expelled from a college or university?

Certification Preparation at WCU

We aim to prepare our students so that they feel confident when going into the certification exam and are able to perform at their best. Below are our graduation and certification rates for the MSOT program:

Graduation Data

Year Students Entering/Graduating Graduation Rate
Year Students Enter/Grad Grad Rate
2021 68/63 93%
2022 68/64 94%
2023 68/66 97%
Total 204/193 95%

 

NBCOT Certification Data

Year Number of Students Taking Exam Number of Students Who Passed Exam Passage Rate
Year Num. of Students Taking Exam Num. of Students Who Passed Exam Passage Rate
2021 54 53 98%
2022 67 63 94%
2023 66 61 92%

Admission Events

 

Information Sessions To view available dates and reserve your virtual seat, click here!.
Campus Tours Available every Thursday at 4pm.
Campus Address:
What: Coffee with the Dean & Faculty
When: April 10, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Center for Graduate Studies
590 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Do you have a passion for helping people get better? Would you like a career helping injured, ill, or disabled patients recover? If so, we would like to invite you to learn more about our Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs at the Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles! At our special open house event, you’ll get a chance to:

  • Meet with the dean and faculty
  • Learn more about careers in Occupational Therapy
  • Take a tour of the campus/facilities
  • Get a complete program overviews
  • Ask questions about the program or admissions requirements in person

Don’t miss out on your chance to discover how a graduate-level degree in occupational therapy can help you obtain a rewarding career in improving the lives of others.

To RSVP, please .

Discover Our OT Assistant Pathway

Hey, OTAs!

Our occupational therapy assistant pathway opens the doorway to your MSOT degree. Get the preparation you need to practice autonomously. You don’t need a bachelor’s to apply, and you can complete your master’s in as little as two years.

You qualify for the pathway if you have:

  • Your occupational therapy assistant license
  • 1 year of work experience as an OTA
  • 3.0 GPA on prerequisite courses from an accredited university within the last ten years

No bachelor’s needed! Speak to an advisor to review all requirements and learn if the OTA pathway is right for you.

Career Services

Career Services

Occupational Therapy Career Guidance and Support

Our MSOT students get one-on-one support through every step of their job search. Our dedicated Career Services team can help with anything from resume writing to interview coaching.1 We partner with industry professionals to enhance our students’ prospects for securing employment and obtaining professional success.

Additionally, MSOT students are matched with an occupational therapy faculty mentor from day one of their education, giving them the ability to get continuous professional guidance and learn about the different environments and fields where they could practice as occupational therapists.

Placement Opportunities

Occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings and specialties. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists most often work in:

  • Hospitals
  • Offices of occupational, physical, and speech therapists
  • Elementary and secondary schools
  • Home healthcare services
  • Nursing care facilities2

Meet the Dean

Stacey Willis, OTD, BSOT, OTR/L

Dean & Program Director,
Occupational Therapy Program at WCU-CGS

Dr. Stacey Willis obtained her doctorate degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California in 2012, and her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy from California State University Dominguez Hills in 2002. Dr. Willis is an expert in psychosocial occupational therapy treatment and has been working in community-based mental health for the past 12 years. She has extensive experience in the areas of management, leadership, program development, community integration, fiscal operations, and contract administration.

Dr. Willis served as the Intensive Services Director at the Occupational Therapy Training Program, where she was responsible for overseeing all daily and administrative operations of the Intensive Services Department. This included the oversight of three intensive programs funded by the county of Los Angeles (Wraparound Program, Center for the Assessment of Prodromal States Pilot Program, and the Full Service Partnership Program). Dr. Willis was able to identify, promote, and embed occupational therapy services into various community-based programs. As director, she also provided ongoing management, training, and mentorship to an interdisciplinary mental health services team. She remains a consultant for the division.

Dr. Willis has spoken at numerous conferences and community events emphasizing the importance and vital role that occupational therapy provides in the treatment of individuals living with mental illness.

Dr. Willis is an avid Lakers fan and self-proclaimed movie buff, and she enjoys engaging in community outreach in an effort to inspire youth to reach their fullest potential. Her and her husband’s favorite pastime is to cheer on their son and daughter at their numerous sporting events.

Meet the OT Dean | Watch Video


View All Occupational Therapy Faculty

NBCOT

Certification data for the program is available at the .

The entry-level MSOT Program at WCU received accreditation on December 11, 2014 from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number is 301-652-6611, and their website is .

Program graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, most states require licensure to practice; however, state licensure is usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

FAQs

What is a MSOT degree?

A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree helps prepare you to become a licensed occupational therapist through both classroom knowledge and fieldwork experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists need at least a master’s degree in order to practice.2

How long is the MSOT program in Los Angeles?

You can complete the MSOT program at ֻƬ’s Center for Graduate Studies in as few as 24 months.

Is the GRE exam required?

No, we do not ask applicants to submit GRE scores. Please do not send us your scores as these will not be factored into our admission decision.

Do I need to submit a personal statement or resume?

No, we do not ask applicants to submit a personal statement or resume. Please do not send these to us as these will not be factored in our admission decision.

How do I apply for the MSOT program?

Interested students can apply for the MSOT program through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OCTAS). You can submit all your transcripts and references through OCTAS. The only application item submitted to WCU is the supplemental application fee, which is separate from the OTCAS fee.

Deadlines posted on OCTAS are firm, and all prerequisite coursework must be completed and submitted by the deadline. View more information on our .

When does the program start?

Classes start in the Spring and Summer of each year.

How can I check on my application status?

Please click here to email the admissions department and include your OTCAS ID.

Follow the OT Student Experience at #WestCoastUniversity

1 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists, “,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.