The Occupational Therapy Program at San José State University, founded in 1943, provides an education that enables its students to become competent clinicians who are effective problem solvers and communicators, and active leaders prepared to work in a culturally diverse society. The strong emphasis on teaching and advising assures that the program retains its reputation for graduating excellent practitioners. Graduates of the program are in high demand and are hired by private and public health care institutions and agencies.
The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) provides social, educational and leadership opportunities for students as they progress through the program. Students study with faculty who are nationally recognized for their excellence in such areas as: adolescent and community mental health, gerontology, independent living skills, pediatrics, psychological adjustment to disability, work evaluation and leadership.
The Occupational Therapy Program at San José State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda MD 20814-3425, (301) 652-2682. It is the oldest accredited Occupational Therapy program in the California State University system.
The Pattern I curriculum is designed for undergraduate students. It enables them to obtain the education and degrees necessary to be eligible to practice as an occupational Therapist. Once the M.S. degree in Occupational Therapy is completed, the student is eligible to sit for the national certification examination. Successful completion of the examination qualifies the candidate to apply for national certification and state licensure.
A new student declares a major of B.S., Occupational Therapy. Applications are accepted beginning October 1 for the subsequent Fall semester. It is important that students apply as soon as possible. For current admission procedures, please visit www.sjsu.edu/ot
Prospective students who possess a baccalaureate degree and are interested in a degree in occupational therapy are advised to contact the Department of Occupational Therapy prior to submitting an application to San José State University as an occupational therapy major.
Once admitted to San José State University, students must submit the following documents directly to the Department of Occupational Therapy: 1) transcripts of all higher education institutions attended, 2) verification of volunteer or work experience on the departmental form, and 3) departmental application form.
1. Acceptance to the University as an Occupational Therapy major
2. Completion of all lower division general education requirements
3. Documentation of the successful completion of 80 hours of volunteer work
a. 40 hours under the supervision of an occupational therapist
b. 40 hours under the supervision of a community agency supervisor
4. Volunteer hours should be completed within 3 years of enrollment
5. Completion of required courses for the major
6. Overall SJSU GPA of 2.0.
7. Completion of departmental Personal Data form
Student must earn a "C" (2.0) in each of the following courses, and may repeat each course only once. The courses must be completed within 7 years of enrollment: Human Anatomy with a lab (BIOL 65); Physiology with a lab (BIOL 66); Neuroanatomy (BIOL 109), Elementary Physics (lab is not required) (PHYS 1); General Psychology (PSYC 1); Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 110) or a community college course, Social Problems (SOCS 80 or ANTH 011), Statistics (STAT 95 or HS 67). Studio Arts or Skills Course (such as ART 46): a college-level course such as ceramics, painting, weaving, or woodworking that requires the use of tools and materials to create a product. For questions related to the transfer of credits, please refer to the World Wide Web Page: http://artic.sjsu.edu. The Catalog is available at http://info.sjsu.edu.
Departmental Honors in Occupational Therapy can be awarded to a student who has achieved a G.P.A. of 3.0 overall in the university and 3.5 in the major. The student must take and pass either OCTH 185 or OCTH 180H. Students will participate in self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem solving projects under the direction of a faculty member.
As of 2007, all new graduates will be required to have an entry-level post baccalaureate degree in order to sit for the national certification examination to practice as an OTR (occupational therapist, registered).
After successful completion of the Master of Science program in Occupational Therapy, students are eligible to sit for the national certification examination. Successful completion of the examination qualifies the candidate to apply to the following boards for national certification as an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) and for California Licensing. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) 800 South Frederick Avenue, Suite 200 Gaithersberg, MD 20877-4150, California Board of Occupational Therapy 444 North 3rd Street, Suite 410 Sacramento, CA 95811 916-322-3394.
A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and may preclude attainment of state licensure.
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