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Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapist

Note: CSUSB does NOT have a Occupational Therapy program. Be sure to utilize these pages as how-to guides, checking out the list of institutions where you can pursue these pathways (at the bottom of each section).

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals devoted to improving individuals' lives by addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Through physical rehabilitation, adaptation, and tailored interventions, OTs empower clients to perform daily activities, enhance their quality of life, and participate in meaningful roles. They collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, educate clients and families, and advocate for clients' rights and needs, ensuring access to resources and accommodations. OTs' philosophy of care centers on personalized guidance, holistic well-being, and the belief that everyone can thrive, irrespective of their challenges.

Occupational Therapist Prerequisites

NOTE: Specific prerequisite courses can vary by school--always double-check the website of each program you are applying to for specific requirements. Please review the CSUSB Catalog as a guide for completing prerequisites at CSUSB.

Common Prerequisite Courses
PrerequisitesCSUSB Courses

Biology:

A year of Anatomy and Physiology with lab.

 

BIOL 2230 and BIOL 2240

Kinesiology:

One semester of Medical Terminology

 

KINE 2200

Math:

One Semester of Statistics.

 

Math 1201 or KINE 3700

Psychology:

One semester of Abnormal Psychology.

One semester of Human Lifespan & Development.

 

PSYC 3390

PSYC 2201

 

What are common requirements aside from the prerequisite coursework?
  • GPA 3.0 or better
  • Observation hours
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume or CV
  • Computer- based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90
  • GRE
  • Letters of recommendation
What extracurriculars can I do to improve my chances of getting into an OT program?
Is there a way I can see comparisons of programs in CA?

OTCAS Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service

The Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) is a centralized application service to apply to multiple Occupational Therapist programs offered by schools of Occupational Therapy. OTCAS is designed for first-year professional programs. High school students and current student OT's who wish to transfer to another OT program should contact institutions directly for instructions.