Occupational Therapy
Post-baccalaureate degree: OT, OTD
Please note that CSULB does NOT have an Occupational Therapy program. A list of programs offered at other institutions is available via the AOTA Directory.
Occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people do the day-to-day activities that are important and meaningful to their health and well-being. Occupational Therapists (OTs) make it possible for people who face physical, cognitive, or mental health changes to participate more fully in their life roles at home and at the school, at work, and at play. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Academic and Career Information - updated 2020 (PDF)
Minimum Prerequisites for Admission
The following prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation in an occupational therapy program:
- baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details. Some schools will not accept AP credit for prerequisites.
- general course prerequisites:
- English, one year
- statistics, one course
- developmental psychology
- abnormal psychology
- human anatomy with lab
- human physiology with lab
Test Needed
Some programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission and have established a GRE Code for the reporting of scores.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Professional Associations
Application Service
California Occupational Therapy Schools
- California State University Dominguez Hills
- Dominican University
- Loma Linda University
- Samuel Merritt University
- San Jose State University
- Stanbridge University
- University of the Pacific
- University of Southern California
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, San Diego Campus
- West Coast University
Page Summary
General Education
We recommend that all pre-health students enroll in courses that meet the particular general education requirements to help develop a broad understanding of the health professions in relation to other disciplines of study. Review our General Education Recommendations (PDF) for additional information.
