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SJSU OT Department Through the Years (1943-2023) © SJSU 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 SJSU! 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! You can read more about our accreditation, career choices and more below.

Read our department's Newsweek Profile

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Total number of MSOT graduates from SJSU OT Dept. during the three-year period 2021 - 2023.

Our Impressive Accreditation

SJSU'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. 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.

NBCOT School Program Performance Data

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SJSU 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. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) granted the SJSU OTD Program “Candidacy Status” in August 2022, which allowed the SJSU Occupational Therapy Program to admit students. Although the "Candidacy Status" designation does not guarantee that the program will be accredited, it indicates that the resource allocation and the proposed program appear to demonstrate the ability to meet ACOTE Standards. The Program anticipates attaining its full accreditation in May 2025. 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.

Where do Occupational Therapists Work?

Occupational therapists work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, corporations, private practices, schools, and many others. They work with and improve the lives of diverse individuals across the lifespan with a variety of conditions, including people with developmental, physical, and psychological disabilities.

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 Session
- November 14, 2024 (via Zoom)
Time: 6:00 - 7:30PM (PST); Register here.

OTD Informational Session
- November 11, 2024 
Time: 6:15 - 7:15pm (PST)

(Zoom link will be provided when you register)

Register here for OTD info session

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.

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.

CHHS Annual Impact Report

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 SJSU is the better choice

San Jose State University jumped 157 steps, going from 173rd last year to the 16th best college this year. 

Read article from SFGATE