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 Dec 19, 2026
Start Date Mar 29, 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 program will prepare competent and confident Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) students through dynamic, skills-based curricula at the Master’s level that promote hands-on learning and real-world success.

Tour the MOT Labs at the San Jose Campus

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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 MOT practice.

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

MOT students will anchor assessment and intervention strategies in occupation-centered practice, fostering client-centered interaction that generates a meaningful Occupational Therapy Process.

The program will prepare graduates to provide occupational therapy interventions in various settings within the OT professional 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 of their communication skills, knowledge, and behaviors with patients/clients, caregivers, colleagues, and other healthcare team members.

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.

In the Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) program, lectures are delivered through a combination of live, interactive online classes, during which students learn directly from faculty and connect with classmates in real time, and asynchronous interactive coursework that students may complete at their convenience.

Students develop their skills through hands-on learning and then attend engaging, in-person labs on campus to practice techniques, ask questions, participate in simulation experiences, and learn through direct application. Students also complete clinical and fieldwork hours at assigned clinical site(s), gaining real-world experience alongside patients and occupational therapy professionals.

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.

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Occupational Therapy Master (MOT) 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 equipped to work 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 implemented as a living quarter with a kitchen, bathroom, and living room settings.

We also have a very spacious lab for all physical disabilities and biomechanical techniques, hand therapy lab, as well as an ergonomics lab. The instructor-to-student ratio is 1:25 in lecture and 1:12 in laboratory.

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

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

Quarters 1-6 consist of virtual synchronous didactic sessions and on-site 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 every other weekend on Saturdays and Sundays. Starting in quarter two, externships or Fieldwork one (FWI) will start taking place; the FWI entails 40 hours distributed during the quarter. Quarters three, four, and five will have a 40-hour FWI each. Quarter seven and eight will have a Full Time (480 hours per quarter) Fieldwork II.

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. In order to ensure program completion is on time and the required program hours are fulfilled, class times can and may be rescheduled on 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 submitting 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 3.0 cumulative grade point average overall. There may be special considerations for a whole person/holistic approach for applicants who have extenuating circumstances.
    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 at 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 must submit an essay about why they want to become an OT.
    5. Applicants must submit documentation of 20 contact/observation hours in the occupational therapy field. (This step is not required if the applicant is an OTA, COTA, or PTA).
    6. Applicants must submit 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 field of occupational therapy or from another clinical supervisor.
    7. Top-qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an applicant interview process.
    8. Applicants must complete all prerequisite courses before the beginning of the program.
    9. 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, reliable internet, and updated software prior to the first day of class.
    10. 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.
    11. The MOT program has two points of entry:
      1. March and September
      2. If you are applying for the March 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’s 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.

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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 Admission Points System

Point CategoryPoints Possible
Interview Points50
Total Points Possible50

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

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

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 program.

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
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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: An occupational therapy assistant is a graduate of an accredited OT Assistant educational program who has passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) for occupational therapy assistants and is therefore, “certified” and eligible for licensure as an OTA in the United States. Occupational Therapy is a regulated health care profession in all 50 states, plus Washington, DC Puerto Rico, and Guam, and to obtain a license, a candidate must meet requirements intended to show they have obtained the knowledge, experience, and competency so they can provide high-quality services in a safe manner. NBCOT certification is one of the core building blocks of that state licensure process. 

    Day to day, OT Assistant practitioners focus on things a person wants and needs to do in daily life, using everyday life activities to promote health, well-being, and the ability to participate in the important activities of that person’s life. These services are provided to people of all ages in homes, communities, schools, and healthcare settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and primary care offices.

    Sources: AOTA, “Become an Occupational Therapy Practitioner” (aota.org/career/become-an-ot-ota); AOTA, “Find a School” (aota.org/education/find-a-school); AOTA, “Frequently Asked Questions About State Licensure” (aota.org/career/state-licensure/frequently-asked-questions); AOTA, “What Is Occupational Therapy?” (aota.org/about/what-is-ot)

  • Answer: Occupational Therapists serve as integral members of work, healthcare, behavioral, and educational teams, working within interprofessional collaborative teams to ensure client-centered service delivery (AOTA, 2021). These professionals help individuals overcome physical, mental, learning, work performance, and emotional challenges so they can engage in the meaningful activities and occupations that make up daily life (AOTA, n.d.-a).
    In their day-to-day practice, Occupational Therapists perform a range of clinical and collaborative tasks, including:
    Developing care plans — collaborating with the client to create and implement an intervention plan based on the client’s needs, priorities, and goals (AOTA, 2021)
    Collaborating with clients and patients during sessions — partnering with each client throughout the occupational therapy process, from evaluation through discharge planning (AOTA, 2021)
    Educating clients, patients, and family members — helping them understand interventions, goals, and strategies to support progress outside of therapy sessions (NBCOT, n.d.)
    Attending client and patient meetings — working alongside occupational therapy assistants and other members of the care team, an example of the intraprofessional and interprofessional collaboration central to OT service delivery (AOTA, n.d.-b)
    Writing daily notes according to work settings — documenting the nature of services provided within the timeframes, formats, and standards set by each practice setting, to reflect clinical reasoning and support safe, effective care (AOTA, 2021; AOTA, n.d.-c)

    Sources:

    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (2021). Standards of Practice for Occupational Therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(Suppl. 3). research.aota.org
    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-a). What is occupational therapy? aota.org/about/what-is-ot
    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-b). OT and OTA intraprofessional collaboration. aota.org/practice/practice-essentials/ot-and-ota-intraprofessional-collaboration
    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-c). Documentation of occupational therapy services. aota.org/practice/practice-essentials/documentation
    • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. (n.d.). What is an OTR or a COTA professional? nbcot.org/occupational-therapy/what-is-an-otr-or-cota

  • Answer: Occupational Therapists typically work across a wide range of settings, including hospitals, schools, long-term care and rehabilitation centers, mental and behavioral health settings, outpatient clinics, and private practices (AOTA, n.d.-a). Many also pursue advanced board certification to specialize further, with AOTA currently recognizing three board-certified specialty areas: gerontology (BCG), pediatrics (BCP), and physical rehabilitation (BCPR) (AOTA, n.d.-b).
    These professionals serve clients across the full lifespan. On the pediatric end, OTs often work with newborns, children, and youth who have developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, cognitive disorders, and intellectual disabilities, using play and other meaningful activities to support learning, socializing, and daily functioning (AOTA, n.d.-a; GHR Healthcare, 2024). OTs also work with adults recovering from cognitive and physical injuries — such as stroke, brain injury, and other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions — helping them regain function and independence in daily activities (GHR Healthcare, 2024). This work often extends into workplace health, where OTs help prepare and support patients in returning to work by addressing the physical, cognitive, and environmental factors that affect job performance (College of St. Scholastica, n.d.).
    Across all of these populations and settings, the occupational therapist plays a crucial role in helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their quality of life by supporting participation in the everyday activities that matter most to them (AOTA, n.d.-c).

    Sources:

    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-a). Practice settings. aota.org/practice/practice-settings
    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-b). AOTA’s Advanced Certification Program. aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program
    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-c). What is occupational therapy? aota.org/about/what-is-ot
    • GHR Healthcare. (2024). Occupational Therapy Specializations and Continuing Education. ghrhealthcare.com
    • The College of St. Scholastica. (n.d.). 6 Occupational Therapy Specialties. css.edu

     

  • Answer:

    1. Becoming an Occupational Therapist: The Path to Practice
      Step 1: Complete an Accredited Occupational Therapy Program
      The first step in becoming an Occupational Therapist is completing an entry-level occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) — the accrediting body of AOTA (AOTA, n.d.-a). Entry into the profession is achieved at the master’s or doctoral degree level (AOTA, n.d.-a), and most master’s programs take roughly two to three years to complete, depending on the institution and program format (Russell Sage, n.d.; CSU East Bay, n.d.). Coursework generally covers anatomy, physiology, psychology, pediatrics, mental health, kinesiology, geriatrics, gerontology, and occupational therapy principles and techniques.
      Step 2: Complete Supervised Fieldwork
      Fieldwork education is a required, crucial part of preparing to become an occupational therapist. It gives students the opportunity to carry out clinical and professional responsibilities under the supervision and role modeling of an experienced practitioner (AOTA, n.d.-a).
      Step 3: Pass the NBCOT Certification Exam
      The third step is passing the certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). This exam is built to measure entry-level competence and tests a candidate’s knowledge and skills in the field (NBCOT, n.d.-a). Passing it is a crucial step toward obtaining national certification, and it’s a core requirement for state licensure to practice as an Occupational Therapist (OT) (AOTA, n.d.-b).
      Step 4: Obtain State Licensure
      All 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam, require occupational therapists to be licensed to provide occupational therapy services (AOTA, n.d.-b). A license grants the legal privilege to practice occupational therapy in the state in which a person is licensed. Importantly, an occupational therapy license is not the same as the certification earned by passing the NBCOT exam — licensure and certification are two distinct credentials, though certification is generally a prerequisite for licensure (AOTA, n.d.-b).

    Sources:

    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-a). Become an occupational therapy practitioner. aota.org/career/become-an-ot-ota
    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-b). State occupational therapy licensure. aota.org/career/state-licensure
    • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. (n.d.-a). Certification exam. nbcot.org
    • Russell Sage College. (n.d.). Master of Occupational Therapy (M.S.). sage.edu
    • California State University, East Bay. (n.d.). Occupational Therapy Pre-Healthcare Pathway. csueastbay.edu

  • Answer: As the demand for healthcare, behavioral care, learning support, and return-to-work services has grown, so has the need for skilled professionals to meet it — and the occupational therapy profession has evolved right along with that demand. These developments have expanded occupational therapy educational programs and increased job opportunities across the field.
    How the Profession Developed
    Occupational therapy traces its founding to March 1917, when a small group of six professionals — including a psychiatrist, an architect, a social worker, a vocational educator, and an arts and crafts teacher — met at Consolation House in Clifton Springs, New York, to establish the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy, the organization that would later become AOTA (Wikipedia, n.d.; OT Centennial, n.d.-a). The profession grew directly out of World War I, when the U.S. government sent occupational therapy reconstruction aides to work with wounded and shell-shocked soldiers, and the war helped the broader public recognize the therapeutic value of purposeful activity (OT Centennial, n.d.-a).
    From there, occupational therapy grew from a relatively unknown field into a recognized and respected profession, largely through the passage of major federal laws that expanded where and how OTs could practice. When Medicare was created in 1965, it began covering select occupational therapy services, driving new demand for practitioners; occupational therapy has been part of the Medicare program ever since (NARIC, 2018; OT Centennial, n.d.-b). A decade later, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (today’s IDEA) guaranteed a free, appropriate education to children with disabilities and named occupational therapy as a covered special education service, opening the door for OTs to work in public schools (NARIC, 2018). Then in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibited discrimination based on disability and opened new avenues of OT service in areas like workplace accommodations and environmental accessibility (OT Centennial, n.d.-c). Together with continued advances in technology and clinical research, these legislative milestones have allowed practitioners to develop increasingly innovative intervention approaches for their clients and patients.
    With a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and holistic treatment, occupational therapy now plays an increasingly crucial role in helping patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and disabilities. Over more than a century, the profession has helped pave the way in showing how purposeful, everyday occupation supports performance, recovery, and overall well-being.

    Sources:

    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-a). OT Centennial: 100 Years of Occupational Therapy. otcentennial.org
    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-b). Reflecting on 50 Years of Occupational Therapy in the Medicare Program. otcentennial.org
    • American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-c). Important Events in Occupational Therapy in the 1990s. otcentennial.org
    • National Rehabilitation Information Center. (2018). Occupational Therapy: A Brief History. naricspotlight.com
    • Wikipedia. (n.d.). American Occupational Therapy Association. en.wikipedia.org

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

  • Answer: Yes. Gurnick Academy for Medical Arts offers pre-requisite General Education courses for both the OTA Program and the MOT Program. Please contact admissions if you are interested in obtaining the pre-requisites for your OT education. 

    Gurnick Academy also offers credit granting for General Education coursework and students are able to transfer into the OTA and MOT Programs if they have obtained their pre-requisite courses at a different institution. Please contact admissions and/ or the OT Program Director if you are interested in transferring into the OTA or MOT Program with pre-requisite credit from another institution.

  • 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: No. The program is designed to be offered in a cohort model, meaning students progress through the curriculum together as a single group from orientation through graduation. Instruction is sequential — each class builds directly on the knowledge and skills developed in the one before it, so coursework, labs, and fieldwork are intentionally layered rather than delivered as standalone units. This structure allows students to steadily build clinical reasoning and technical competence over the course of the program, with earlier foundational courses supporting the more advanced, hands-on coursework and fieldwork experiences that follow in later quarters.
    Because the cohort model relies on this building-block sequence, students move through each quarter together, and the program’s pacing is designed so that no student needs to catch up on foundational material out of order. This consistency also supports the kind of peer learning and mutual accountability that comes from advancing through the program as a group.
    For full details on quarter-by-quarter sequencing, program length, and the weekly class schedule, please see the Program Length and Schedule sections in the web page above.

  • Answer: Yes. Pre-requisite courses for the MOT Program include: 

    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. 

    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.

  • 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.

  • Answer: The program length is 24 months* or 2,055 clock hours, or 113 quarter credit hours. Clinical work is 1,120 hours. 

    *96 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks

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

  • Answer: 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Answer: No. All externships are unpaid positions.

  • 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: 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.)

  • Answer: This is a Master’s Degree program.

  • Answer: We have a dedicated Career Services department that may assist with job placements for all students who complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

  • Answer: 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.)

  • Answer: 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?

  • Answer: 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.)

  • Answer: 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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