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 is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-6611 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

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, all 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.

Public Comment Procedure

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

The program at the Los Angeles and Riverside campuses does not have current certification exam pass rates.

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. All due dates and class starts are subject to change.

Los Angeles & Riverside Campuses:

Process	Due Date
OTCAS Application Deadline	October 24, 2025
Applicant Interviews	October 1, 2024 - October 24, 2025
Final Applicant Notification Deadline	October 27, 2025
New Student Orientation	October 27, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Start of Class	November 3, 2025

Irvine Campus:

Process	Due Date
OTCAS Application Deadline	June 19, 2026
Applicant Interviews	July 2025 to July 2026
Final Applicant Notification Deadline	June 26, 2026
New Student Orientation	June 29, 2026
Start of Class	July 6, 2026

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 eight 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 sixteen (16) hours of documented direct observation of a Registered/Licensed occupational therapist (OTR/L) in a practice setting.

• This criterion is waived for applicants who are certified occupational therapy assistants.
• 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. Financial aid process deadline: 14 days from acceptance (if eligible), or from date of first financial aid meeting, whichever comes later.

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 more about transfer credit information, please visit catalog.stanbridge.edu.

PROGRAM DURATION⁶

The program is 117 quarter credit hours and takes approximately 26-27 months to complete, including federal holidays and any breaks between terms. Completion times vary depending upon the start and end dates of a cohort and any individual circumstances that may impact progression.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE⁷

Offered at the Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside campuses in a full-time schedule.

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.

Didactic and Lab Courses

Commonly scheduled between two to four days per week, each term, with the exception of the terms wherein fieldwork education is required. Exact days of the week vary by term. Didactic and lab class meetings commonly start early to late-afternoon and may last up to 6-8 hours in a day.

Terms offering blended and/or online courses will include asynchronous assignments. Please take the Online Readiness Quiz to determine whether you can meet the hardware, software, and competency requirements for taking online courses.

Offsite Level I and II Fieldwork Required
 
Level I fieldwork: full-time placement for one (1) week in Terms 2, 3, and 4 each.
Level II fieldwork: full-time placement for twelve (12) weeks in Terms 5 and 7 each.

Commonly scheduled Monday through Friday in accordance with fieldwork site operating hours. The site’s approved schedule may include some weeks with required additional hours, holiday coverage, or weekend shifts. Locations, days, and time shifts are not guaranteed. Fieldwork site schedules are subject to change due to site availability.

Finding the Right Fit for You

Furthering your education is both a commitment and an investment. A diploma or degree will open doors to greater career opportunities and increase your earning potential. We understand that funding this investment can feel overwhelming, which is why Stanbridge University has a Financial Aid team that will walk you through your options and help you decide on the best financial aid package.

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®).

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

Cost of Attendance

MSOT	Terms 1-7	Total Cost of Program
Tuition per Term	$15,408.57	$107,753
Books & Supplies1		$2,135
Total Program Charges2		$109,995
California STRF FEE3		$0
Total Cost		$109,995

Pre-Enrollment Expenses

Pre-enrollment expenses include fees not associated with Stanbridge University that must be paid to third-party providers for obtaining official documentation, including but not limited to background checks, vaccinations, educational and financial records, and are not part of the total cost as outlined above. The amounts charged and the refundability of such are at the sole discretion of the third-party provider.

¹Books & Supplies includes ebooks/books, equipment, NBCOT Exam Prep, and Document Manager.
²Tuition, books, ebooks & supplies charges for the entire program for first-time students completing in normal time for first-time students who complete the program in 26-27 months.
³Student 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®), a not-for-profit credentialing agency, certifies professionals in occupational therapy through the Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) exam. As a key milestone to becoming a licensed occupational therapist, the OTR exam assesses decision-making in complex client care scenarios and requires a solid understanding of occupational therapy principles, evidence-based interventions, and professional standards. To support your success, we provide a comprehensive end-of-program review and ongoing exam preparation at no additional cost.

NBCOT Certification Exam Pass Rates⁴

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

2022		2023		2024
Pass %	Testers	Pass %	Testers	Pass %	Testers
100%	77	98%	62	97%	69

The first cohort at the Riverside campus graduated in July 2024, and the first cohort at the Los Angeles campus graduated in March 2025. All passing rates are calculated for those who have passed the exam within one year of graduation and therefore, the program at the Los Angeles and Riverside campuses is not yet reflected in the 2024 NBCOT-OTR Pass Rate report.

Annual Graduation Rates - Orange County & Riverside Campuses

Graduation Year	Students Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
2022	64/63	98%
2023	61/60	98%
2024	97/95	98%
Total	222/218	98%

The program at the Los Angeles campus does not have graduates yet and therefore has no current graduation rate.

If you are currently practicing as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), you already bring valuable skills and patient care experience to the field. The Stanbridge University Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program builds on that foundation through coursework and clinical training.

To apply, candidates must meet the MSOT admissions requirements, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

The MSOT degree provides preparation for occupational therapy practice, including opportunities to develop skills in leadership, research, and patient-centered care. Graduates are eligible to pursue licensure as Occupational Therapists (OTR®).*

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.

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 and tutors 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.

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.

Career Advising

From the beginning of your program you’re paired with a Career Service Officer to help guide you with career advising and preparation. In each term of your program, you’ll work with your Career Service Officer on specific goals including resume and portfolio building, networking, and interviewing. Our goal is to help you prepare for a seamless transition to a rewarding career.

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, and community service activities 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, we are committed to your success as a graduate. You can network professionally 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.

Stanbridge University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is available at the Irvine (Orange County), Alhambra (Los Angeles), and Riverside campuses.

The Orange County campus is conveniently located near the 405 freeway, across from the John Wayne Airport, providing easy access for students from Irvine, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Lake Forest, and other Orange County cities.

The Los Angeles campus is located in the San Gabriel Valley with quick access to the 10 and 710 freeways, serving students in Alhambra, Pasadena, Monterey Park, El Monte, West Covina, Long Beach, Rosemead, and throughout Los Angeles County.

The Riverside campus is centrally positioned within the Inland Empire, close to the 210, 15, and 91 freeways, serving students in Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and surrounding areas.