Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required to apply to our graduate programs.

1. Completed Application
   Submit an OTCAS application. A Dominican University application is not required. Note: No new applications can be accepted on OTCAS until after the first week of July.
2. Official Transcript(s)
   Dominican requires official transcripts of all coursework, including all undergraduate, graduate, community college and study abroad (unless University-sponsored).  Find complete instructions on how to submit your transcripts to Dominican here.
3. 3.0 GPA 
   Applicants must meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their most recent 60 semester units of work, including both graduate and undergraduate coursework.
4. Personal Statement
   Please provide a brief essay describing your professional and personal goals, as well as your reasons for pursuing this degree. 
5. Interest in Dominican University
   Write a brief, 200 word essay describing why you chose to apply to Dominican. If you've previously applied to this program, write an additional 150-200 words describing what has changed to ready you for the program since the last time you applied. 
6. Observation/Volunteer Experience
   Applicants to the Occupational Therapy Program are required to complete a total of 60 hours of observation/volunteering in human services, and 40 of those hours must be with an OTR. 

   Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OT program is making exceptions to our current policy for Observation/Volunteer hours for the Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 application cycles.  The following forms are required with your OTCAS application.

   • Submit volunteer experience form through the OTCAS application. Observation/Volunteer hours require 40 hours of OT Relevant experience within the previous 3 years. Observations hours can be conducted in a virtual environment. Your supervisor(s) will fill out your volunteer form, then upload the completed form directly into your OTCAS application. If you do not complete all of your volunteer work experience at one location, a separate form is needed for each location. Time sheets or other facility forms cannot be submitted as proof of volunteer work.

   • Submit reflection form through the OTCAS application. Alternative learning experiences are accepted to fulfill no more than 20 hours of documented experiences. Alternative learning experiences are listed on the form.

7. Resume
   Submit a resume with your application. Your resume must include an "Other Relevant Work Experience" section to account for experience related to the OT profession. This should not include the volunteer experience that you submitted on the volunteer form. 
8. Two Letters of Recommendation
   We require a minimum of two letters of recommendation to be submitted through the application. The salutation for the letters should be: "Dear Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee." Please do not ask individuals to contact the committee directly on your behalf as these recommendations will not be considered. 
9. Official GRE Score (optional)
   GRE scores are optional. If you do submit scores, please use the Dominican University of California OTCAS (code 4107) when indicating your program as a score recipient. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) will transmit official GRE scores electronically to OTCAS.
10. Prerequisite Courses
    Complete all prerequisite courses listed below. A 3.0 GPA is required. Priority consideration is given to candidates who have completed all prerequisites by the application date. If you are granted admission with pending prerequisite coursework, you must successfully complete all in progress prerequisites and/or degree conferral before the program starts. Dominican does not accept any courses taken the summer before the start of the semester.
    • Human Anatomy with lab (completed within the last 5 years).
    • Human Physiology with lab (completed within the last 5 years).
    • Lifespan Development (or Developmental Psychology).
    • Introduction to Psychology.
    • Abnormal Psychology (Psychopathology).
    • Statistics (math or psychology only, not business).
    • Medical Terminology (1 unit or more).
    • Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (recommended, but not required).
11. Personal Interview
    Applicants who have been selected to continue on in the application process will receive an invitation to interview.
12. International Applicants
    International candidates must meet additional admissions requirements.

_{GRADUATES OF THE PROGRAM WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO SIT FOR THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION FOR THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, ADMINISTERED BY THE NATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFICATION IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (NBCOT®). AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS EXAM, THE GRADUATE WILL BE AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, REGISTERED (OTR). IN ADDITION, ALL STATES REQUIRE LICENSURE TO PRACTICE; HOWEVER, STATE LICENSES ARE USUALLY BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION. A FELONY CONVICTION MAY AFFECT A GRADUATE’S ABILITY TO SIT FOR THE NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION OR ATTAIN STATE LICENSURE}

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Tuition and Aid

Our Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
(301) 652-AOTA

The national certification examination for eligible candidates is administered by The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).

One Bank Street, Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(301) 990-7979

The total number of graduates from the Dominican University of California Master of Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period of 2020-2022 was 146, with an overall graduation rate of 94%.

Review our NBCOT report card.

Dominican's Masters in Occupational Therapy is a three-year program. Students complete clinical fieldwork each semester, applying the knowledge gained in coursework to working with clients in community and clinical settings. In the third year, students complete capstone and community program development projects.  

An MS in Occupational Therapy prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including work in hospitals, clinics, schools, business, industry and community settings, serving people of all ages with developmental, physical, psychiatric or behavioral disabilities. Occupational Therapists also promote health and help prevent disease and disability through occupation-centered interventions and environmental adaptations.