Doctoral & Master’s Degrees in Occupational Therapy in California

Discover the treatments, technology, and expertise that will elevate your OT practice in California.

Compassion, Innovation, Confidence: Occupational Therapy in California

With accredited graduate degree programs in occupational therapy, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is proud to bring innovative OT education to California. Our tight-knit doctoral and master’s programs empower compassionate and innovative leaders in the field of OT, with the support of state-of-the-art resources and experienced faculty practitioners.

Whether you choose the master’s or doctoral program, or the Residential or Flex format, you’ll discover how to maximize your impact through convenient online coursework, plus hands-on clinical practice and fieldwork. With cutting-edge simulation laboratories, robotics, and Anatomage Tables at your fingertips, you’ll develop the skills to succeed in this meaningful profession—in California and beyond.

Earn Your Master’s in Occupational Therapy in California

Jump into an accredited, hands-on Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program designed to prepare you for a career in clinical practice. From creative interventions to adaptive equipment, you’ll learn how to make a difference in your patients’ lives. USAHS will provide you with the very best academic and practical education through our immersive coursework, lab work, and fieldwork. 

Ready to earn your master’s in occupational therapy? San Marcos, California, leads the way as a hub for healthcare. And USAHS’ student-first learning model and practical career training will prepare you to take on the challenges and opportunities of this expansive field.

Expand Your Career Opportunities: An OTD Program in California

Interested in starting your own practice or advocating for the OT profession? The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at USAHS provides  a way to enter the field at the doctoral level for those drawn to advocacy, policymaking, and positions on occupational therapy boards. Whether you choose the Residential or Flex format, you will dive into an area of interest to complete a research-intensive capstone project and explore engaging coursework focused on holistic treatment.

Choose Your Format: Residential vs. Flex

The Faster Path to Practice: the Residential Format

Experience one of California’s leading occupational therapy graduate programs. Designed to thoroughly prepare you for practice within an efficient time frame, our Residential OT format consists of online coursework and in-person weekday labs. Over 6 to 8 trimesters* (depending on your program of choice), you’ll join a diverse group of peers in immersive courses created to refine your critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills. You’ll also gain first-hand expertise with the state-of-the-art technology that’s revolutionizing the industry. Our Residential format is available for both our master’s and doctoral degrees in OT.

Flexible Learning for Our Fast-Paced World

Most occupational therapy grad schools in California aren’t designed to cater to students who are already in the workforce. That’s why USAHS has developed an innovative Flex format with every kind of student in mind. When you choose the Flex OT format, you’ll expand your therapeutic knowledge through online coursework, plus hands-on lab classes held during select weekends each month. In less than four years,* you’ll complete your graduate program and gain practical experience through two trimesters of real-world fieldwork. With USAHS’ accommodating graduate study tracks, you can enhance your career while managing the demands of work and family life.

Explore USAHS’ California Campus

Interested in seeing everything the Golden State has to offer? On USAHS’ campus in San Marcos, California, you can study in a sunny locale known for a focus on wellness and for varied career opportunities. With its innovative healthcare facilities and college research centers, California is a dynamic, diverse state and the ideal place to forge your path forward in OT.

Discover a New Career in OT. Discover San Marcos.

San Marcos is known for its breathtaking vistas and proximity to the ocean, mountains, and the big-city buzz of San Diego. The USAHS campus in San Marcos is awe-inspiring in a different way. Equipped with the latest in therapeutic technology and staffed by experts in clinical rehabilitation, USAHS’ California campus is an unparalleled destination for OT education. With grade-A amenities, a thriving campus culture, and a high quality of life, USAHS San Marcos provides an immersive learning experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

OT Graduate Program Admissions Requirements

Requirements for admission into USAHS’ graduate OT programs include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, either completed or in progress
• A current resume
• A statement of purpose outlining why you wish to pursue a career in OT, and specifically, a graduate degree at USAHS
• Short answers to supplemental questions
• Prerequisite courses in health and social sciences, with a grade of C or better in each
• A comprehensive background check and drug screening
• Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic contacts

And applying just got easier: The GRE requirement is now suspended for all OT graduate degree programs!

California OT Graduate Program Accreditation

The Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (both Residential and Flex formats) at USAHS San Marcos are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Upon successful completion of their program, San Marcos OT graduate students can sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Upon passing their board examinations and completing their fieldwork requirements, graduates may obtain licensure in their state.

*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.