Admissions
To be eligible for admission, the applicant must have earned a master's degree in occupational therapy or another related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants in the United States must be certified by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Applicants from other countries must submit verification of licensure and certification in occupational therapy. The applicant’s recommendations, phone interview, essay, and work experience are considered in the admissions screening process.
State Regulations for Online Programs
Please refer to Loma Linda University's Information page for online distance education programs
Program and Requirement Information
- Master’s degree in occupational therapy or a related field from an accredited institution and six months of professional practice
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in graduate studies
- Preferred six months of professional experience
- Certified in occupational therapy in the United States or an occupational therapy degree from a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved program outside of the United States. Please submit a copy with your application.
- Completed online application
- $60 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts for all college coursework
- Copy of current state license/certification in a US jurisdiction as a registered occupational therapist and NBCOT certification if US applicant
- Copy of current state/country licensure and education verification if a foreign applicant (Please refer to University policy on foreign applicants.)
- Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score with a minimum of 550 (213 if computer generated). All international applicants or those who speak English as a second language should refer to the School of Allied Health international student admissions information for additional admission requirements.
- Resume
- Three letters of reference
- Two- to three-page essay describing your personal interests, career goals, and how the OTD will help you achieve this. The essay should also describe your professional skills, professional accomplishments, and research interests/experience.
- Skype interview (to be scheduled after application has been submitted)
The OTD Program begins Summer & Fall
Open enrollment begins January 1 - August 1
It may be an option for you to start now depending on your schedule and personal needs. Options are available to complete the program in a year (intense track). Program typically takes 27 months to complete taking 2 classes per quarter. Please contact the Program Director, Dr. Julie Kugel, for more information.
Online appointments can be made with our program director, Dr. Julie Kugel, to review or seek counseling for admission into the OTD program. Please have transcripts (unofficials are ok) You may also scan or fax (Attention: Madge) your transcripts for review. Please note when applying you will need to request that your schools send official transcripts directly to our admissions office.
You may request further information by emailing our department. Please include full name and address, phone number, a valid email, and which program you are interested in. (The information we send may be downloaded above).