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Master in Occupational Therapy Program

24 Months Training*
bachelor degree icon Master’s Degree (MOT)

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Key Dates
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Application Deadline Oct 16, 2026
Start Date Jan 4, 2027
Program Highlights
  • Hands-On Lab Training
  • Clinical Hours Provided
  • Job Placement Assistance

*96 Approved Instructional Weeks

Welcome Message from the Program Director

Dr. Amy Stark, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Professor & Program Director of Occupational Therapy Programs

I am honored to welcome you on your journey into one of the most rewarding and impactful professions in healthcare!

Occupational therapy is built on a powerful belief: participation in meaningful occupations and activities has the ability to transform lives. As an occupational therapy practitioner, you will have the privilege of helping individuals of all ages in the activities that bring purpose, independence, health and fulfillment to their daily lives. Whether you are supporting a child learning through play, an adult returning to work, or an older adult maintaining independence, you will become an essential partner in helping people do the things they want and need to do. 

Our MOT Program is committed to preparing competent, confident, and compassionate practitioners through a dynamic, hands-on curriculum. The program is HYBRID so you have the best of both worlds — flexibility in your learning, and on-campus touch points to reinforce real-world practice. You will develop the clinical reasoning and professional skills that prepare you to serve diverse populations and meet the evolving needs of our communities and healthcare workforce. 

At Gurnick, we believe that excellent practitioners are lifelong learners, servant leaders, and advocates for meaningful participation in LIFE. We are dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment that challenges you to grow professionally while remaining grounded in the values of compassion, collaboration, and occupation-centered practice. 

We are excited to partner with you as you prepare for a career that empowers others, strengthens communities, and transforms lives through occupation. The future of occupational therapy needs skilled and passionate practitioners, and we look forward to helping you become one of them. 

Welcome to the profession of occupational therapy. Welcome to the Gurnick MOT family. 

Mission

Program Mission

The MOT program’s mission was developed to be in congruency and supportive of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. Our program will help the institution achieve its mission by educating occupational therapy students who integrate professional skills, involvement in urban and rural community service, and the use of occupations as the cornerstone of our services, while achieving the goals developed with the client, thus being empowered to fulfill their own professional goals.

Tour the MOT Labs at the San Jose Campus

Program Description

The Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) program uses meaningful and purposeful activities and occupations to promote health, independence, learning, and well-being across the life span, with people of all ages from newborns to the elderly.

San Jose Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program ADL Daily Living Skill Lab

Occupational therapists evaluate and provide therapeutic interventions to individuals, families, groups, and communities to facilitate health, well-being, and learning through engagement in meaningful activities and occupations.

In addition to direct patient care, occupational therapists participate in addressing the factors that affect the delivery of health services and the disparities that contribute to occupational deprivation

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Goals and Objectives

The program will offer a sequential, integrated curriculum that reflects contemporary Occupational Therapy practice.

The program will prepare graduates to provide occupational therapy services such as evaluation, assessments, and interventions in various settings within the occupational therapist’s scope of practice.

The program will prepare graduates to demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors consistent with California State Law and Practice Acts and the professional standards of practice.

The program will employ faculty who demonstrate current knowledge in their teaching areas and are committed to professional standards of excellence.

The program will prepare graduates to utilize self-assessment and awareness in communication, skills, knowledge, and behaviors with patients/clients, caregivers, colleagues, and other healthcare team members.

The program will provide students with a curriculum that recognizes, fosters understanding, and embraces diversity and different learning styles.

Occupational therapy students are adult learners, and our program will provide the opportunity to take responsibility for learning, professional behavior, respect for others, and preparedness.

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts does not discriminate against students based on race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status.

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Program Delivery

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts considers clinical experience one of the most vital parts of healthcare education. While attending the Master in Occupational Therapy program, clinical/practicum hours are completed at an assigned clinical site(s).

At the same time, the lectures are held through synchronous (students and faculty meeting online) distance education format, and the labs are held on campus.

Length and Schedule

Program Length, Months
24*
Total Clock Hours
2,055
Quarter Credit Hours
113
Clinical Externship Hours
1,120

*96 Approved Instructional Weeks

The program information, length, and schedule may change. Please read the accompanying Addendum for changes and updates, and check with an admissions advisor for details. Enrollment is available only to students who live in California.

The Master in Occupational Therapy Program has a library and classrooms equipped with modern audio-visual teaching aids, textbooks, journals, anatomical charts, and models, in addition to e-library resources.

San Jose Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program ADL Daily Living Skill Lab

The laboratories are equipped with the most actualized tools and materials used in the occupational therapy practice. We have a pediatric laboratory with equipment for working with children and youth with developmental, musculoskeletal, and neurological issues, as well as learning issues. The lab will also be used as our sensory integration lab. Our daily living lab takes place in a room that has been developed and outfitted as a living quarter, with a kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

We also have a very spacious lab for all the physical disabilities and biomechanical techniques, a hand therapy lab, and an ergonomics lab. The instructor-to-student ratio is 1:26 in lecture and 1:12 in laboratory.

The program consists of eight (8) quarters, each twelve (12) weeks long.

San Jose Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program Pediatric Lab

Quarters 1-6 consist of virtual synchronous didactic sessions and in situ lab sessions, which include three (3) to five (5) days per week of up to four (4) hours per day, didactic, and the lab instruction will take place four times per quarter on Saturdays and/or Sundays. Starting in quarter two, externships or Fieldwork one (FWI) will begin; the FWI entails 40 hours distributed throughout the quarter. Quarters three, four, and five will each have a 40-hour FWI. Quarters seven and eight will have a Full Time (480 hours per quarter) Fieldwork II for a total of 960 hours.

San Jose Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program ADL Daily Living Skill Lab

The student receives nine hundred thirty-five (935) didactic and laboratory instruction and one thousand one hundred and twenty (1,120) hours of clinical education, allowing them to apply the lecture topics to practical use. The curriculum provides students with the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in this field. In addition, the program prepares students to take their NBCOT Certification exam.

Upon completion of the program, a Master in Occupational Therapy degree is awarded. Normal completion time for this program is ninety-six (96) weeks, excluding any holidays and vacation times. To ensure program completion is on time and the required program hours are fulfilled, class times may be rescheduled to an alternate day of the week (i.e., Sunday through Saturday).

San Jose Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program ADL Daily Living Skill Lab

Requirements

  • Please review the following requirements: General Admission Requirements for all programs.

    The Master in Occupational Therapy Program has a selective application process. There is a deadline for the submission of completed applications. Please inquire with Admissions about the current deadline date.

    1. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation. International bachelor’s degrees will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Copies are not accepted.
    2. Applicants must have achieved a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average overall or a minimum of 2.75 cumulative grade point average for the last 60 credits, or if under a minimum of 2.75 cumulative grade point average for the last 60 credits, there may be special considerations for a whole-person/holistic approach.
    3.  Applicants are required to submit all official college or academic transcripts.
      1. Applicants requesting credit granting must have original transcripts sent directly from the Registrar of an educational institution. Copies are not accepted. All coursework must be completed and given a grade of at least a “C.” Please allow seven (7) days for review.
    4. Applicants are required to obtain a minimum of 20 contact/observation hours in the occupational therapy field. More than one setting is recommended. This step is not required if the applicant is an OTA, COTA, or PTA.
    5. Applicants are required to procure two (2) letters of reference.
      1. One of these letters must be written by: a present or former faculty member, academic advisor, or employer.
      2. One reference letter should come from a professional in the occupational therapy field or another clinical supervisor.
    6. Applicants will be invited to participate in an applicant interview process. The interview can be on the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts San Jose campus or virtually by Zoom.
    7. Applicants must complete all prerequisite courses by the end of the academic term prior to matriculation at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. See the table below.
    8. Applicants are expected to be computer-literate and experienced in word processing. All curricula require extensive computer usage. Accepted applicants are required to have a laptop computer prior to the first day of class.
    9. Students must obtain and maintain a Health Care Provider level of CPR certification from the American Heart Association (Basic Life Support, CPR, and AED for Healthcare Professionals). Verification must be submitted to the Occupational Therapy department prior to enrollment.
    10. The MOT program has two points of entry:
      1. January and September
      2. If you are applying for the January start, you must start the admissions process in September of the previous year.
      3. If you are applying for the September start, you must start the admissions process in May of the same year.
      4. Applications for the Master in Occupational Therapy program are processed on a rolling admissions basis, which means that seats are offered to qualified applicants as soon as they are identified and end when all seats are filled. For that reason, applicants are encouraged to apply early as seats fill quickly.

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  • Please review the following requirements: General Performance Requirements for all programs.

    Each program has specific physical and non-physical requirements for students to ensure student and patient safety and welfare. (Check with an admission advisor if applicable.)

     

    Critical Thinking–calculation, problem-solving, reasoning, and judgment

    • Collect, document, interpret, and analyze written, verbal, and observed data regarding patients.
    • Prioritize multiple tasks, integrate information, and make effective decisions.
    • Act safely and ethically in physical therapy settings.
    • Recognize the difference between facts and opinions.
    • Exercise good judgment in the classroom, lab, and clinical/professional settings.

     

    Interpersonal and Behavioral–working with others, resolving conflicts, offering support

    • Establish productive working relationships.
    • Foster cooperative relationships with classmates, instructors, healthcare providers, patients, and their families.
    • Ability to work with lab partners, patients, and others under stressful conditions, including but not limited to medically or emotionally unstable individuals and situations requiring rapid adaptations or emergency interventions.
    • Appropriate maturity, emotional stability, and empathy are required to establish effective and harmonious relationships in diverse settings.
    • Apply conflict management and group problem-solving strategies.
    • Demonstrate professional behavior in the classroom, lab, and clinical settings, including but not limited to appropriate personal hygiene, timeliness, preparation, and concentration.

     

    Communication skills–verbal, non-verbal, and written

    • Process and communicate information effectively and promptly in English.
    • Comprehend written material in English at a level required for safe and effective patient care.
    • Effectively communicate information in the English language in a concise yet comprehensive manner regarding the status and safety of patients, including written or dictated patient assessments.
    • Effectively communicate with instructors, patients, families, and other healthcare providers in English.
    • Recognize, interpret, and respond to nonverbal behavior.
    • Demonstrate the ability to listen effectively.

     

    Motor Skills–gross motor, fine motor, coordination

    • Ability to sit for long periods, including up to four (4) hours.
    • Ability to stand for long periods, including up to six (6) hours.
    • Adjust and position patients and equipment, including bending or stooping to floor level and reaching above head height.
    • Move and position patients and equipment, including lifting, carrying, pulling, and guiding weights up to 50 pounds (22.68 kilograms).
    • Assist in patient care, including standing, kneeling, sitting, or walking for 60 minutes or longer without rest.
    • Demonstrate the ability to manipulate occupational therapy equipment, including finger dexterity.
    • Perform CPR without assistance.

     

    Sensory Skills–visual, auditory, tactile

    • Ability to observe and respond to patient responses, including facial expressions, movement patterns, verbal responses, and environmental reactions.
    • Ability to assess safety factors involving patient care and physical environment and take measures necessary to assure a safe environment.
    • Ability to respond to equipment alarms, call bells, and timers.
    • Ability to effectively monitor blood pressure and breath sounds.
    • Tactile ability to palpate pulse and detect skin texture abnormalities, skin temperature, muscle tone, tissue texture, and joint movement.

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  • The following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the Master in Occupational Therapy program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:

    • The successful completion of all program courses and hours.
    • All financial obligations, including tuition and textbook charges, have been met.
    • The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate from the program.

    Get more Info

Admissions Point System

Please review the MOT Admission Point System table to help you prepare. Applicants not selected may reapply. The following point system evaluates and ranks each applicant, showing the maximum score achievable.

MOT Prerequisite Requirements

Prerequisite college-level coursework or an approved equivalent must be completed for a grade. AP credits are accepted for all prerequisites. Preference will be given to applicants who have letter grades for courses and prerequisites. Prerequisites older than 6 years will not be accepted unless the course is part of the degree major. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

MOT Prerequisite CourseMinimum Credit Hours
Human Anatomy with Lab4 Semester / 6 Quarter Hours
Human Physiology with Lab4 Semester / 6 Quarter Hours
Statistics3 Semester / 4.5 Quarter Hours
Lifespan Human Development3 Semester / 4.5 Quarter Hours
Abnormal Psychology3 Semester / 4.5 Quarter Hours
Sociology or Cultural Anthropology3 Semester / 4.5 Quarter Hours
English3 Semester / 4.5 Quarter Hours
Medical Terminology 1 Semester / 1.5 Quarter Hours

MOT Admission Points System

Please review the MOT Admission Point System table to help you prepare. Applicants not selected may reapply. The following point system evaluates and ranks each applicant, indicating the maximum achievable score.

Point CategoryPoints Possible
Interview Points50
Total Points Possible50

Tuition and Fees

The table below reflects the upcoming future starts only.

MASTER IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM TUITION & FEESCOST
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable)$0.00
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable)$100.00
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed)$575.00
Tuition Fee$100,005.00
TOTAL PROGRAM COST$100,680.00

*Program fees are subject to change.

Career Services

We help to create a resume and portfolio
Creating a portfolio resume is a powerful way to showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers. At Gurnick Academy, we help you create a professional and polished resume to set you apart from the competition.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews are a valuable tool to prepare you for the real thing. Gurnick Academy offers mock interviews to help you build confidence and practice your interviewing skills before meeting with potential employers.
Support you after graduation
Your success doesn't end at graduation, that's why we offer support for our graduates even after they leave our institution. From career counseling to networking opportunities, we're here to help you take the next step in your career journey.
Gurnick Edge
Gurnick Edge is a website geared to professionally enhancing nurses. There are multiple professional building segments with easy to use tutorials. Along with the professional development, Gurnick Edge offers professional profiles that the student creates while in their respective programs.
Professional Development Workshops
Continuous learning is key to professional growth and success, that's why we offer professional development workshops to help our students and alumni stay current in their field. From soft skills to industry-specific training, our workshops provide valuable insights and skills to advance your career.
One-on-One and Interview Coaching
Achieving your career goals can be challenging, but with our one-on-one and interview coaching services you'll have the support you need to succeed. Our expert coaches will work with you to develop your skills, confidence and prepare you for success in job interviews.

Program Outline

Course NumberTitleClock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
MOT 100Occupational Therapy Foundations75.06.0
MOT 110Clinical Neuroscience45.04.5
MOT 120Kinesiology and Occupational Performance45.03.0
MOT 200Mental Health and Occupational Performance120.09.0
MOT 210Fieldwork Level I: Mental Health and Occupational Performance40.01.0
MOT 220Health Care Management in Occupational Therapy45.04.5
MOT 300Occupational Performance in Pediatrics120.09.0
MOT 310Fieldwork Level I: Occupational Performance in Pediatrics40.01.0
MOT 320Assistive Technology in Occupational Therapy Services45.03.0
MOT 400Occupational Performance in Adults120.09.0
MOT 410Fieldwork Level I: Occupational Performance in Adults40.01.0
MOT 420Occupational Therapy Scholarship I30.03.0
MOT 500Occupational Performance in the Older Adult120.09.0
MOT 510Fieldwork Level I: Occupational Performance in the Older Adult40.01.0
MOT 520Occupational Therapy Scholarship II303.0
MOT 600Leadership in Occupational Therapy60.06.0
MOT 610Therapeutic Reasoning and Reflective Practice in Occupational Therapy50.05.0
MOT 620Occupational Therapy Scholarship III30.03.0
MOT 700MOT Fieldwork IIA: Pediatrics480.016.0
MOT 800MOT Fieldwork IIB: Adults480.016.0
TOTAL2,055.0113.0

Read the Master in Occupational Therapy Course Descriptions.

Credit Granting

Credit Granting Policy

Credits earned from courses or programs accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (U.S. DoE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA):

Master in Occupational Therapy Program (MOT)

Credits earned from courses or programs approved by:

  1. Credits earned from courses or programs accredited by ACOTE.
  2. Credits earned at institutions with regional or national accreditation.
  3. Exceptions may be made for credits granted over five (5) years for General Education courses.

Clinical Training

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts considers clinical experience one of the most vital parts of medical education. Students must be rotated throughout our affiliated medical facilities while attending the Master in Occupational Therapy school.

San Jose Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program ADL Daily Living Skill Lab

Job Outlook and Salary for OTs

View the O*Net Online 29-1122.00 Occupational Therapists job profile for general information about the profession. Find information about salary data for the following states and major cities near areas where clinical training for the program is conducted.

San Jose Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program Pediatric Lab

Local Wages for Occupational Therapists in California


State Authorization
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts provides information on whether its programs meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in each state. Students are encouraged to review the Curriculum and Licensure Requirements by State available on the Academy’s website here to determine if a specific program fulfills the requirements in their intended state of residence or employment.

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Accreditation and Approval

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.

ABHES Mailing Address:
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852

ABHES Phone: 301-291-7550
ABHES Email: Info
ABHES Website: abhes.org/

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370-7589, option #5, or by visiting osar.bppe.ca.gov.

BPPE Mailing Address:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834

BPPE Phone: 888-370-7589
BPPE Email: General
BPPE Website: bppe.ca.gov/

The Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is currently under applicant status and must be granted Candidacy Status, have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) before its graduates 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).

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s Telephone Number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-AOTA (2682), and its website address is www.acoteonline.org.

Please refer to the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts catalog and addendum for our published policy on the timely completion of all graduation and fieldwork requirements. The student must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 12 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program.

ACOTE Mailing Address:
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814

ACOTE Phone: (301) 652-AOTA
ACOTE Website: https://www.acoteonline.org

Certification for OTs in California

Find more information about the Licensure, Certification, and Registry Disclaimer in the school catalog.*

Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program

Occupational Therapists must be licensed in California. Applicants for the OT license in CA must have successfully completed the National Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (NBCOT) for OTs and a California Law Exam (CLE).

The California Board of Occupational Therapy web page is https://www.bot.ca.gov/ contact information: 1610 Arden Way, Suite 121, Sacramento, CA 95815, Telephone: (916) 263-2294..

Business and Professions Code of California Section 2570.6

2570.6. An applicant applying for a license as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant shall file with the board a written application provided by the board, showing to the satisfaction of the board that he or she meets all of the following requirements:

(a) That the applicant is in good standing and has not committed acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of a license under Section 480.

(b) (1) That the applicant has successfully completed the academic requirements of an educational program for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants that is approved by the board and accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), or accredited or approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) predecessor organization, or approved by AOTA’s Career Mobility Program.

(2) The curriculum of an educational program for occupational therapists shall contain the content required by the ACOTE accreditation standards, or as approved by AOTA’s predecessor organization, or as approved by AOTA’s Career Mobility Program.

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 490, Sec. 3. (AB 2221) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has determined that the Master in Occupational Therapy Program meets the requirements for initial licensure in all states due to ACOTE accreditation.

Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant Sallie Mae Loans Campus Door Loans Cal Grant FSEOG Direct PLUS Loans Veteran Benefits Explore All Options

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to help every student obtain Financial Aid* to attend their chosen program. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

The financial aid programs are designed to assist students with inadequate financial resources to meet their education’s total cost. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor who can help students with any financial aid questions.

For more information, please visit our Financial Aid page.

*for those who qualify

Contact Admissions Department

Catalog and Addendum
2025-2026
Download

Frequently Asked Questions

Please choose from the dropdown to review a category of FAQs

  • Answer: Occupational Therapists (OTs) = are health professionals who evaluate and treat people with injuries, illnesses, and/or disabilities. These professionals help patients by using vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.1 Overall, Occupational Therapists play vital roles in helping individuals achieve independence and improve their overall well-being. 

    • Occupational Therapists generally work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics.1
    • To enter the profession, Occupational Therapists typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy.1
    • All states require Occupational Therapists to be licensed.1

    Citations
    1^ a, b, c, d Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Occupational Therapists. (Accessed September 27, 2024.) 

  • Answer: Occupational Therapy (OTs) = Are students and graduates of accredited Occupational Therapy programs who have not yet become certified as Occupational Therapists or COTs. All  Occupational Therapists provide treatment, therapy, and procedures to clients while conducting routine tasks.1 Overall, Occupational Therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals achieve independence and improve their overall well-being. 

    Citations
    1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides. (Accessed September 27, 2024.)

  • Answer: Certified Occupational Therapy (COTs) = Are Certified Occupational Therapists (OTs). This means they have completed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam and are registered with the NBCOT. To become a COT, one must: 

    1. Complete an accredited Occupational Therapy educational program;
    2. Complete fieldwork. Please refer to the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts catalog and addendum for our published policy on the timely completion of all graduation and fieldwork requirements. The student must complete 16 weeks of Level II fieldwork within six (6) months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. 
    3. Sit for and pass a certification exam provided by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure. 
    4. Apply for state licensure. A license is necessary to work in all U.S. states. Typically, Occupational Therapy Assistants have earned an associate’s degree from an accredited program and sat for and passed a national certification exam. 

  • Answer: Occupational Therapists work as integral members within work, healthcare, behavioral, and educational teams. These professionals help individuals overcome physical, mental, learning, work performance, and emotional challenges to engage in meaningful activities and occupations. 

    In their day-to-day work, Occupational Therapists perform a variety of tasks. Such activities include: 

    • Develop care plans;
    • Collaborating with clients or patients during sessions;
    • Educating clients, patients, and family members;
    • Attending client and patient meetings;
    • Writing daily notes according to work settings.

  • Answer: Occupational Therapists generally work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, behavioral clinics, and private practices. They may also specialize in pediatrics, mental health, gerontology, geriatrics, and physical rehabilitation programs. 

    Often, these professionals serve a wide range of patients and clients, from newborns, children, and youth with developmental delays, autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, cognitive disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

    OTs may also work with adults recovering from lesions and injuries (cognitive and physical). They also help prepare patients to return to work. Thus, the OT plays a crucial role in assisting individuals in achieving their goals and improving their quality of life. 

  • Answer:

    1. The first step in becoming an Occupational Therapist is to complete an accredited Occupational Therapy academic program. Typically, such a program takes about two years to complete. Coursework generally includes anatomy, physiology, psychology, pediatrics, mental health, kinesiology, geriatrics, gerontology, and occupational therapy principles and techniques. 
    2. The second step is to complete several clinical hours to gain hands-on experience. 
    3. The third step is to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam. This exam tests an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field. It is a crucial step toward obtaining national certification and state licensure to practice as an Occupational Therapist (OT). 
    4. All 50 states in the United States, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam, require Occupational Therapists to be licensed to provide occupational therapy services. A license grants you the legal privilege to practice occupational therapy in the state in which you are licensed. 

    An occupational therapy license differs from the certification earned by passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. 

  • Answer: As the demand for healthcare, behavioral care, learning, and return-to-work services has increased, there is a need for skilled professionals. With that, the Occupational Therapy profession has evolved. Such developments have expanded Occupational Therapy educational programs and increased job opportunities. 

    Moreover, occupational therapy has grown from a relatively unknown field to a recognized and respected profession. Additionally, the field has benefited from federal laws and advances in technology and research, allowing practitioners to develop innovative intervention approaches for clients and patients. 

    With a growing emphasis on preventative healthcare and holistic treatment, Occupational Therapy plays an increasingly crucial role in helping patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and disabilities. They’ve also paved the way, showing how the vocation supports occupational performance, improvement, and general well-being. 

  • Answer: We may assist with job placements for students who complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

  • Answer: Yes. The program offers General Education and Core courses. There is an opportunity to potentially credit grant per General Education coursework under the decision of the Program Director. See the program director before registering for this course.

  • Answer: Our program is 24 months* long. 

    * Indicates 96 approved instructional weeks.

  • Answer: The Masters in Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is currently under applicant status and must be granted Candidacy Status, have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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 successfully completing this exam, the individual will be a Registered Occupational Therapy (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure.

    Please refer to the published policy on the timely completion of all graduation and fieldwork requirements. The student must complete 16 weeks of Level II fieldwork within six (6) months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program.

    The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s Telephone Number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-AOTA (2682) and its website address is www.acoteonline.org.

  • Answer: The program is designed to be offered in a cohort model, and instruction is sequential. One class builds upon the other. Please find more info about the Program Length and Schedule at this link.

  • Answer: No. The General Education Requirements are included in the program.

  • Answer: Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

  • Answer: More information can be provided by contacting the MOT program director and the Admissions Department.

  • The program length is 24 months* or 1,770 clock hours, or 112 quarter credit hours. Clinical work is 800 hours. You may learn about the B.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Length and Schedule.

    *96 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks

  • The MOT program requires Online Didactic, Campus Labs, and On-Ground Clinical Training.

  • Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.

    Additionally, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

  • Yes. The Master in Occupational Therapy program is full-time.

  • No. We currently do not offer night classes for this program.

  • To review the scheduled breaks during the school year. Please see Gurnick Academy’s Addendum.

  • Please find more info about remediation in our Catalog and Addendum.

  • No. Each student will complete clinical externships, which will be provided.

  • No. All externships are unpaid positions.

  • Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

  • This is a full-time program and requires a commitment to the profession. Students may be able to work during the program depending on individual needs or preferences. However, this depends on the type of work, each student’s needs, work-study balances, and life schedules and commitments. 

    There are some guidelines for study/life balance. The Hechinger Report cites a 2018 Georgetown University study regarding students working while enrolled in higher education.

    According to the report, “Students who worked had lower grades and were more likely to drop out” than those who did not work during their college tenure. The report states, “The risk was exceptionally high for low-income students.

    Other studies seem to concur with this report. The conventional advice to students is to work under 15 hours a week if they want to finish their degrees,” says the article.1

    Citations
    1 Barshay, Jill. “Working in College Interferes With Studies But Boosts Adult Earnings.” The Hechinger Report. June 17, 2019. (Accessed. June 21, 2022.)

  • Overall employment of occupational therapists and aides is projected to grow 21 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

    About 7,800 openings for occupational therapy assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.1

     

    Citation:
    1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapy Assistant. (Accessed April 23, 2025.)

  • According to Gurnick Academy Career Services, typical interview questions include some of the following: 

    • Tell me a little about yourself.
    • Why do you want to work for us?
    • What is your long-term career goal? How does this position fit into your career path?
    • What would your last employer say about you?
    • How would your coworkers/rotation team members describe your work style or work habits?
    • What did you learn from your past work experiences, and how is it relevant to this position/facility? What transferable skills do you feel will assist you in this position? 
    • Are you able to work on several assignments at once? How do you handle multitasking/organization?
    • Describe a time when you were able to overcome a communication barrier.
    • What kind of people do you find it most challenging to work with, and how do you work with them?
    • Why should we hire you?
    • What questions would you ask employers?

  • According to the website, All 50 Medical, two complaints within the vocation seem to be that some find it physically demanding. 1

    Citations
    1 Bass, Pat. “Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs | All 50 Medical.” All 50 Medical. (Accessed April 23, 2025.)

  • While workplaces, geographical regions, and employers can vary by many factors, according to the O*Net Online, the California median annual pay for Occupational Therapy Assistants is $80,3601* 

    *Compensation may vary depending on geographic expectations, costs of living, experience, qualifications, acumen, and other factors.

    Citations
    1 “Occupational Therapy Assistants. Wwww.onetonline.org (Accessed June 16, 2022.)

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