Master of Science Occupational Therapy

Find your calling as a leader in Occupational Therapy (OT)

Discover new and innovative ways to help those in need live fuller and more independent lives. In the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) program, you will be able to hone your skills through hands-on practice. You can take the next step towards becoming a confident, compassionate healthcare leader.

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program at the Orange County campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program at the Riverside and Los Angeles campuses have applied for accreditation and have been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200 North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

The programs at the Los Angeles and Riverside campuses must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status by ACOTE before its 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, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Public Comment Procedure

Take the first step for your future

Ready to learn more about the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program? To get started, please attend one of the virtual information sessions. Click here to sign up for the next available session.

If you are ready to begin your application process, you may use the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS). Click here to start your application process.

ADMISSIONS TIMELINES

Applicants must meet the following deadlines for the next start date. Applicant deadlines subject to change.

Riverside Campus:

Process	Due Date
OTCAS Application Deadline	March 11, 2023
Applicant Interviews	September 9, 2022 to March 24, 2023
Applicant Notification	March 31, 2023
New Student Orientation	Week of April 10, 2023
Start of Class	April 17, 2023

Irvine Campus:

Process	Due Date
OTCAS Application Deadline	Friday, June 9, 2023 (11:59 pm EST)
Applicant Interviews	Friday, September 9, 2022 to Friday, July 21, 2023
Applicant Notification	July 28, 2023
New Student Orientation	Monday, July 31, 2023 through August 4, 2023
Start of Class	Monday, August 7, 2023

Los Angeles Campus:

Process	Due Date
OTCAS Application Deadline	October 27, 2023
Applicant Interviews	September 9, 2022 to November 10, 2023
Applicant Notification	Five business days after interview or November 15, 2023
New Student Orientation	Monday, November 13, 2023 to Friday, November 17, 2023
Start of Class	Monday, November 27, 2023

ADMISSION CRITERIA

Prospective applicants must provide and complete the following to apply.

1. A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

2A. For General Applicants: Successful completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher. Each prerequisite course must be equivalent to 3 semester or 4.5 quarter credits and must have been completed within five years of the date of planned enrollment:

Courses
Human Anatomy (with laboratory)*	Physiology*
One course in Anthropology or Sociology	Abnormal Psychology
Introduction to Statistics	Lifespan or Developmental Psychology

• If Human Anatomy and Physiology are taken as a combined course, they must be taken for two consecutive terms and must have a laboratory course in each term.

2B. For Applicants Bridging from Other Healthcare and Human Services Fields: Some time limits on prerequisites may be waived if applicants have been continually employed or licensed/certified in certain healthcare or human services fields (OTA, PTA, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Athletic Trainer, etc.) since completion of the undergraduate program. Applicants will need to provide documentation for admission to the MSOT program.

3. Take the Online Readiness Quiz.

4. A minimum of thirty (30) hours of documented volunteer experience or observation in an occupational therapy-related or other health care setting. At least sixteen (16) of the thirty (30) total hours must be in direct observation of an Occupational Therapist Registered/Licensed (OTR/L) in a practice setting.

• This criterion is waived for applicants who are certified occupational therapy assistants.
• Due to COVID-19, if the applicant is not able to complete the onsite observation hours, the university will accommodate this by allowing the applicant to complete the required hours by requesting the ICE Supplemental Videos Review assignment form from the Admissions department.

5. An application essay to be submitted as a writing sample. The content of the application essay will be specified during the application process.

6. Three letters of recommendation from faculty members, therapists, and employers.

7. Successful completion of an interview with the Program Director or designee.

8. If accepted, complete all remaining Admissions & Financial Aid Processes. Complete financial aid process, if eligible, by 14th day before class start.

Potential Impact of a Felony Conviction on a Graduate's Eligibility for Certification and Credentialing.

All students must sign a release form confirming knowledge of the felony conviction on eligibility for certification and credentialing. Please click here to see the form. Please note, students will sign this form during their orientation.

Questions? Please contact our Admissions Representatives at 888-789-6208 if you have any questions regarding the admissions process for this program.

To learn for about transfer credit information, please visit catalog.stanbridge.edu.

PROGRAM DURATION²

The approximate time to complete the program will vary according to the start and end dates of a cohort and ranges from 26 - 28 months, including federal holidays and any breaks between terms. Schedules will be provided upon orientation. This program is 117 Quarter Credit Hours.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE³

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is offered at the Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside campuses in a full-time schedule.

The program's courses are delivered via on-ground, online, and blended (on-ground and online) learning environments. Labs take place on-campus and fieldwork occurs at facility.

Term 1 – Term 4 & Term 6

Didactic courses – typically 3 or 4 days a week (exact days of the week vary by term)

Level I Fieldwork – 40 hours (1 week) each in Terms 2, 3, and 4

Term 5 & 7

Level II Fieldwork – 480 hours (12 weeks) each in Term 5 & 7

One or more courses in this program are delivered online. Please take the Online Readiness Quiz to determine whether you can meet the hardware, software, and competency requirements for taking online courses.

Offsite Fieldwork

Fieldwork shifts are typically scheduled Monday through Friday in accordance with fieldwork site operating hours. Some weeks may require additional hours, holiday coverages or weekend shifts. Locations, days, and time shifts are not guaranteed. Fieldwork sites will be confirmed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the fieldwork rotation. Fieldwork site schedules are subject to change due to site availability.

Finding the Right Fit for You

We understand that funding your studies can be overwhelming, which is why Stanbridge University has a dedicated Financial Aid team to help you find the best financial aid package for your needs.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Stanbridge University has the following federal financial aid programs available to those who qualify.

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Direct Loans for Graduate Students (PLUS)

Read more about these options in the Stanbridge University Catalog.

Private Education Loans

Stanbridge University has partnered with various lending institutions that offer private loans to those who qualify. FASTChoice provides you with information about private loan options. Please visit their website to help you determine which is best for you. Learn more at www.fastproducts.org.

How to Start Your Financial Aid Process

Get the most out of your meeting with our Financial Aid team by first creating your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) and completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). If you or your parents would like one-on-one support, please contact our FAFSA Help Desk at 833-924-1628.

The FAFSA application will ask you to submit our school code:

Orange County Campus School Code: 038893
Los Angeles Campus School Code: E40465
Riverside Campus School Code: 038893

Learn more and get step by step instructions on the FSA and FAFSA at youtube.com/FederalStudentAid.

Cost of Attendance

MSOT	Terms 1-7	Total Cost of Program
Tuition per Term	$14,965.69	$107,753
Books & Supplies (1)		$2,242
Total Program Charges (2)		$109,995
California STRF FEE (3)		$275
Total Cost		$110,270

Other charges not included in the total cost and paid during the admissions process:
NONREFUNDABLE application fee of $50 – paid to Stanbridge University or Nursing Centralized Application Service (CAS)
NONREFUNDABLE background check fee of $56.50 – paid to a third-party

⁽¹⁾ Books & Supplies includes ebooks/books, equipment, NBCOT Exam Prep, student memberships to AOTA and OTAC, and Document Manager.
⁽²⁾ Tuition, books, ebooks & supplies charges for the entire program for first-time students completing in normal time.
⁽³⁾ Student Tuition Recovery Fund is a NONREFUNDABLE fee collected for and paid to the State of California BPPE.

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®) is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. The Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) examination serves the public interest by developing, administering, and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy.

As one of the final milestones before becoming an OTR, the exam’s questions focus on your decision-making ability in various client care scenarios under critical conditions. The OTR exam requires that you understand the basic principles of occupational therapy, client-centered intervention plans, evidence-based practice interventions and overall professional standards.

We are committed to your preparation for certification. You’ll receive a comprehensive end-of-program review and continuous examination preparation. These services are complimentary for students.

RESULTS OF NATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFICATION IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (NBCOT) EXAMINATION - ORANGE COUNTY CAMPUS ONLY

Annual Retention Rates - Orange County Campus Only

Graduation Year	Students Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
2019	96/95	99%
2020	64/58	91%
2021	64/62	97%
2022	64/61	95%
Total	288/276	96%

The programs at the Los Angeles and Riverside campuses do not have graduates yet and therefore have no current licensure pass rate or graduation rate.

At Every Step of the Journey

Stanbridge University is committed to helping you achieve educational excellence through innovative, rigorous, and accessible programs with a student-centric, holistic support framework. From day one of orientation until well after graduation, our goal is to support each student, who will then go on to transform thousands of lives.

From the Very Start

Student support is woven into the very fabric of academic life from day one of your comprehensive, three-day orientation. At orientation, you will meet your support teams and fellow classmates who will join you as you journey towards your fullest potential.

Laying the Foundation for Success

Within your first year at Stanbridge®, you will have exclusive access to signature seminars designed to assist with goal setting, time management, academic discipline and integrity, positive communication, managing stress, and much more.

Support When You Need It Most

No matter how you learn, we offer tutoring solutions at no additional cost to help you succeed. Tutoring options include one-on-one and group tutoring with current students, alumni, and caring, dedicated faculty for your program. Additionally, you can access virtual tutoring from anywhere, conveniently integrating learning into every day life.

A Team You Can Count On

Student Services Officers

Your individual, dedicated Student Services Officer (SSO) is assigned to you from the first day of orientation. Your SSO is ready to provide highly individualized support with academic and personal development, offering assistance and guiding you through your program.

Student Success Coordinators and Retention Specialists

You’ll be able to work alongside student success coordinators and retention specialists who are committed to helping you succeed through individual mentorship and coaching. These specialists dedicate time and energy to meeting your needs as you progress toward achieving your educational and career goals.

Academic Assistance

In the Learning Resource Center, you can hone your writing, research, and critical thinking skills with the expert assistance of our on-campus librarian and writing specialist. Meet and collaborate with fellow students, tutors, and academic success specialists in your go-to location for all things academia.

Stanbridge Student Assistance Program

We are committed to not only your success as a student, but also your personal well-being. Through the Stanbridge Student Assistance Program, you will have access to free counseling services in order to help with a wide variety of difficult situations, including stress, depression and anxiety, family conflict, alcohol and drug abuse, identity theft, daycare issues, and more.

Help at the Click of a Button

We strive to create an environment where you can pursue your passion to the fullest. To this end, we provide convenient online workshops to enhance and enrich your student experience. You can delve into both academic and personal development workshops on a schedule that works for you.

Always Growing

Monthly Academic Success and Excellence (ASE) workshops offer you assistance with important real-life topics such as handling holiday stress, relationship health, academic burnout, increasing self-confidence, and clinical skillsets such as motivational interviewing. Further your understanding of yourself as you grow into a well-rounded future leader.

Become the Best You Can Be

OutREACH

We believe that every student has the power to change the world. You will have the opportunity to enrich your academic and personal development through rewarding community service projects. Learn, develop, and train for your future while you transform the local and global community for the greater good.

Student Organizations

Campus life at Stanbridge creates a lifelong community. By joining a student organization, you can practice, develop, and hone effective leadership skills and gain exclusive access to professional networking and leadership events that provide valuable career preparation.

Student Leadership Development

Become a new kind of leader, ready and able to meet the needs of a fast-paced, demanding industry. At the biannual two-day Stanbridge Student Leadership Summit, you will explore the values, skills and professional behaviors required as you learn alongside accomplished leaders.

Your Future Starts Now

From your first day of orientation until long after your educational journey, our dedicated Career Services team is here to help. You will be paired with an individual Career Services Officer (CSO) who will offer one-on-one guidance with resume preparation, portfolio development, and practice interviews.

Digital Portfolio Builder

As an exclusive resource to our students and graduates, the Stanbridge University Digital Portfolio Builder helps you organize and present your academic experience from Stanbridge University and professional achievements into a modern and sleek online portfolio. As you progress, your academic achievements including GPA, completed courses, community service activities, and continuing education certifications are automatically updated in your portfolio. Along with guidance from your Career Service Officer, you can easily add and edit your achievements. The Digital Portfolio Builder also automatically creates a resume for you from the data collected during the portfolio creation process. You can email your digital portfolio in a single link to your future, potential employers for a unique and strong first impression.

Mock Interview Sessions

Our Career Services department guides students and graduates through personality mapping, salary negotiations, role-playing, and other specialized interview techniques to enable them to take control of the job interview. We make sure you’re confident to put your best foot forward.

LinkedIn Profile and Networking

LinkedIn is an essential tool for any active job-seeker. Career Services works with students and graduates to build LinkedIn networks to connect them to colleagues and potential employers.

Job Leads

Graduates receive access to continually updated job listings and career opportunities, including recruiting organizations and Southern California companies with whom we have built relationships.

Alumni Services

From a highly networked, vibrant Alumni Association to proven career services and exclusive alumni workshops, we are committed to your success as a graduate. You can network professionally, attend development workshops, and take part in fun community-building events. From the moment you cross the stage to every moment after, we’re there to help prep and propel you toward that next big thing.