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ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø OT Department Through the Years (1943-2023) © ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø University Marketing and Communications

Helping People Across the Lifespan Through the Therapeutic Use of Everyday Occupations

A rewarding and fast-growing career in Occupational Therapy begins with obtaining either a Doctorate (Entry-Level OTD - launched in Spring 2023) or a Master's degree (MSOT) from ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø! You can be confident that we are the right choice when you see that our national reputation for excellence is based on a superior academic curriculum, distinguished faculty, and accomplished graduates. We have also satisfied the requirement to meet 189 standards established for OT academic programs. We have such an outstanding program that we were featured in a Newsweek article on the leading OT programs for 2020-2021! USNews.com also ranks us second for the best OT Programs in California (#30 nationwide).

photo of ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø MSOT and OTD graduation rate
Total number of MSOT and OTD graduates from ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø OT Dept. during the three-year period 2023 - 2025.

Our Impressive Accreditation

ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's MSOT program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). In 2016 the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) awarded us a 10-year accreditation based on the strength of our academic program. This is the longest accreditation period awarded and we are incredibly proud of this accomplishment. In August 2025, ACOTE voted to Grant a Status of Accreditation for a period of 7 years (full accreditation) to our Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. Learn more about ACOTE at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814, by calling (301) 652-6611; email address: accred@aota.org; or by visiting www.acoteonline.org.

photo of NBCOT pass rate for MSOT graduates 2023 - 2025
Total number of ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø MSOT graduates who took the NBCOT exam during the three-year period 2023 - 2025.

NBCOT Exam Results for the MSOT Program

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) provides initial and renewal board certification for occupational therapy in the United States and is governed by a Board of OTRs, COTAs, and Public Members responsible for establishing the strategic vision and providing management oversight for the organization. New Graduate (NG) Examination data provided here is data on a NG candidate testing within a year of graduation, regardless of the number of attempts. The date of graduation is pulled from their official transcript. (Source: NBCOT website)

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapists help people participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday occupations. Occupational Therapy is a field in which one can bring together a variety of interests -- medicine, psychology, psychiatry, work activities, music, art, dance, and crafts (adopted by the Representative Assembly, American Occupational Therapy Association, March 7, 1981).

About Us

Learn more about our long history, our curriculum, mission, and values. Plus, gain further insight as to what it means to be an occupational therapist.

Applications and Admissions

Gain access to our admissions process and requirements, in addition to the appropriate forms and resources needed to successfully apply.

Cost of Attendance

Programs

Discover information about our Pre-OT Club, graduate, and doctoral programs, fieldwork, and certification.

MSOT Informational Sessions

TBA

Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm (PST)  (Zoom link will be provided when you register.)

OTD Informational Sessions

TBA

Time: 6:15 - 7:30pm (PST)  (Zoom link will be provided when you register.)

OT Clinics

Senior occupational therapy students participate in several types of clinics as a practicum. Learn more about these clinics and what skills students can expect to gain upon completion. We have on-campus clinics that you can participate in if you are interested by completing the clinic referral form.

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ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Commencement photo © dschmitz_052315_71

OT Doctorate Program

San Jose State University is very excited to announce that in addition to our current MSOT program, the new Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program has begun as of Spring 2023! Applications are accepted via the Occupational Therapy Department beginning July 1. Applicants must also complete the OTCAS application process that opens on July 21. Our OTD program is designed to develop occupational therapy leaders, advocates, and innovators with a clear focus on community engagement and social justice for underserved populations. Informational Sessions will be held for interested students. San Jose State University obtained WSCUC approval to offer an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree as of May 2021. In August 2025, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) granted the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø OTD Program a Status of Accreditation for a period of 7 years (full accreditation). Learn more about ACOTE at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814, by calling, c/o AOTA, (301) 652 - AOTA or by visiting www.acoteonline.org.

Email us for inquiries about the OTD program.

Fieldwork

All students must complete fieldwork in addition to their academic studies in order to be prepared for their careers. Learn more about the types of fieldwork available to students, and how it will help you achieve greater career success.

Current Students

Get to know our current students, and learn about the resources and organizations that would supplement your success in our program.

This report highlights just a few of the ways our faculty, staff and students are making a significant impact. Please take a few minutes to see what our colleagues are doing across College of Health and Human Sciences!

Why ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø is the better choice

San Jose State University jumped 156 steps, going from 173rd in 2023 to the 17th best college in 2025. 

Campus Virtual Tour

Explore our campus - anytime, anywhere. 

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Alumni Donation Request [pdf]

OT Online Giving - click to make a gift to the OT Dept. below.