Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (EOTD)

Application Window and Start Date

The application window opens mid-July and closes in March.   
Apply early for priority consideration in next available class. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

 After completing the program and clinicals, students are eligible to take the year-round NBCOT certification exam.

Class Scheduling

Students attend year-round with traditional holidays off. Classes are typically held Monday through Friday during the day and change quarterly. The EOTD program is primarily face-to-face, supported by Canvas for supplemental and occasional distance education courses with active learning and faculty interaction. Clinical rotations may follow different schedules and require commuting. Additional time is needed for studying, group work, and assignments outside of class.

Prerequisites

• Proof of completion of B.A. or a B.S. degree in any field from an accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Human Anatomy with Lab *(Required 3-4 units minimum)
• Human Physiology with Lab *(Required 3-4 units minimum)
• Statistics *(Required 3-4 units minimum)
• Human Lifespan Development (The course must cover the entire lifespan from birth to older adult)
• Medical Terminology (We will accept some online CE courses. Please email the department for approval prior to enrolling in the course)
  • Courses older than 5 years at the time of application will not be accepted.
  • A grade of B- and above are required for all prerequisite courses. Grades below a B- will not be accepted.
  • We do not require the GRE
  • Prerequisite courses must be completed at an accredited college or university. While it is preferred that all prerequisite coursework be completed by the end of the Fall term (December), courses may be in progress during the Spring term. All prerequisites must be successfully completed before the June start date of the program.
  • Anatomy & Physiology combined courses are accepted. Must be taken in a sequence A&P I and A&P II.

Observation/Volunteer Experience

40 hours minimum of observation in an occupational therapy setting. Documentation of observation must be submitted on OTCAS. If you are unable to obtain observation hours you can submit related community service hours.

For more information, please contact the department at: [email protected] 

Resources

The following downloadable PDFs include program information including admissions info, program prerequisites & requirements, student expectations, and tuition rates for our Occupational Therapy degree offerings.

• Financial Information

Year 1

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Spring

Year 2

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Spring

Year 3

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Spring

Total Units: 137

¹Fulfills service learning requirement

Apply through OTCAS between mid-July and the first Monday of October for the Fall start. All application materials, including transcripts and references, must be received by the deadline. Only verified applications are reviewed, and verification may take 4–6 weeks.

Transcripts:

Send official transcripts directly to OTCAS.

• If using WES, no additional transcript is needed for LLU.

• If using another agency, send to both to OTCAS and LLU.

• For any questions about the receipt, processing, and verification of your application, please contact OTCAS Customer Service at 617-612-2860, or www.otcas.liaisoncas.com.

International Transcripts

International transcripts must be evaluated by a LLU-approved agency. Applicants using WES do not need to submit an official transcript to LLU.

• Have the evaluation sent directly to OTCAS.

• LLU also requires official international transcripts for acceptance.

• If using an agency other than WES, request your original transcript be sent directly to LLU.

Supplemental Materials to OTCAS:

• LLU Observation Verification and Reactions

• Personal Statement (max 2 pages)

• Medical Terminology Certificate (email copy accepted; request course approval beforehand)

Recommendations:

Three required: one from an occupational therapist, one faculty member, and one employer.

 LLU Secondary Application:

After OTCAS verification, you’ll receive a link to LLU’s secondary application—submit it within 2 weeks (no fee). You are not considered an LLU applicant until this is complete.

• For any questions regarding our prerequisites or Loma Linda University application process, please contact the Loma Linda University Department of Occupational Therapy at 909-558-4628, or [email protected].

Professional Registration

Upon successful completion of the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) degree—including all coursework, Level II fieldwork (completed within 24 months), and the capstone project—graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. This computer-based exam is offered on demand throughout the year.

Most U.S. states require licensure to practice, which is based on passing the NBCOT exam. Additional information about licensure requirements, including those for California (administered by the California Board of Occupational Therapy - CBOT), is available through the respective boards.

Important:
NBCOT applications include questions regarding felony convictions. A felony may impact a graduate’s eligibility for certification and licensure.

• For NBCOT: www.nbcot.org | (301) 990-7979

• For CBOT: www.bot.ca.gov | (916) 263-2294 | [email protected]

Cost of Attendance

Get details on the standard cost of attendance at LLU. View Estimates

Financial Aid - The majority of students apply for loans to finance their education at our university. For more information, see the Financial Aid page.

1. What is the application period for the EOTD program?

• The application portal for the EOTD program is open from mid-July until the end of fall. Please check OTCAS for updates.

2. Where do I find the application for applying to the EOTD program?

• The application for Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS). Go to www.OTCAS.org . You must apply to OTCAS first, and once your application is verified, you will receive the supplemental LLU application via email

3. Does my application need to be verified by the application deadline?

• No. Your OTCAS application must be submitted by the deadline. OTCAS may take 1-4 weeks to verify your application so we highly recommend applying early to avoid possible delays in the verification process.

4. Does OTCAS verify my transcripts first before I submit and pay for my application?

• No, OTCAS must receive your paid and submitted application first; no processing will be done until your application is official. You are responsible for checking your application status to ensure that all transcripts have been received by OTCAS so they may begin their verification process.

5. Can I transfer OT-related credits to the program?

• Applicants wishing to transfer prior OT-related credits towards our program must receive written approval by our program. Please submit a written request via email to [email protected] . Include the title of the course(s), number of units, syllabus, and the course you are wanting the program to consider for equivalency. A representative from the program will follow up in writing with a decision from the Admissions Committee.

6. I want to apply to LLU, but I do not see the option to choose LLU on the OTCAS application.

• The application portal for LLU is open from mid-July to the end of fall. If you are applying in July, make sure that OTCAS has opened the application portal for your desired academic year.

7. How many recommendations do you require?

• A minimum of 3 recommendations are required. Please submit one academic recommendation, one by an employer, and one by an occupational therapist if you are able. Once you have entered the names and email addresses of your recommenders, they will receive an email requesting them to fill out the recommendation evaluation form and then submit a letter of recommendation. All letters must be uploaded into OTCAS. It is your responsibility to check in your application status to ensure that your recommenders have submitted their recommendation evaluations and letters.

8. Does LLU require a personal statement?

• Yes, your personal statement may be uploaded on your OTCAS application, under Supporting Information. Suggested maximum length is 2 pages.

9. May I submit a resumé with my application?

• Yes, you may upload your resumé on your OTCAS application, under Supporting Information, or Program Materials. The resumé is optional.

10. Do you require the GRE?

• No, the GRE is not required for admission to our EOTD program at LLU.

11. What is the minimum GPA requirement?

• We require a minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.00.

12. Where do I find OT observation hours?

• You may inquire at any facility where there are occupational therapists, such as hospitals (in-patient and out-patient), rehabilitation centers, convalescent homes, school districts, private clinics, and assisted living facilities. When you inquire, ask if you are able to observe or shadow the OT, vs asking if you can volunteer. If the facility only takes volunteers, then you need to sign on as a volunteer, but request to be placed in the OT setting.

13. Where do I find your observation hours forms, and where do I submit my completed forms?

• The observation verification forms may be found at the link here. If you observed at more than one facility, you must submit forms for each separate facility. All forms for each facility, the observation verification by the OT, your reaction to the observation experience, and your time log, must be submitted in order for the observations to be accepted. Please scan the forms as one pdf and upload to the OTCAS application, under Program Materials. If the OT prefers to return the observation verification form directly to us instead of giving it to you, it may be mailed to: Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall A901, Loma Linda, CA 92350.

14. If I have not finished my observation hours, do I need to wait until I have completed them before submitting my application?

• You do not have to wait until you have completed all your observation hours before submitting your OTCAS application. You may upload documents of the hours you have already completed, with a notation that you are completing the rest of the hours, and indicating when we may expect the rest of the documents. Please keep in mind that the OT observation requirement is part of our criteria for acceptance. If your application shows incomplete hours and there is no indication of when you will submit the remaining hours, review of your application will be held up.

15. I did my observation hours a year or two ago and the OT signed my time sheet, but I do not have any other verification or letter from them. Am I able to count those hours?

• You will need to obtain additional updated observation hours at other OT settings and get verification from the OT. All observation hours must be verified with the occupational therapist’s verification evaluation form, timesheet, and your reaction to the experience.

16. I used the time log sheet provided by the facility that I observed, can I use that in place of the time log you provided? What if I did more hours than there are log spaces on your timesheet?

• Yes, you may substitute the time sheet provided by the facility. You may print out more time sheets if you need more space than the one sheet. 

17. Do I request transcripts to be sent to OTCAS as well as LLU?

• Initially, only OTCAS needs your official transcripts from all your colleges attended. If you are accepted to LLU, then we will require you to request official transcripts to be sent to LLU. Note: International applicants are required to request transcripts to be sent to LLU at the time of application.

18. I am still completing my prerequisites, am I allowed to apply or must I wait until my prerequisites are done?

• You may submit your application to OTCAS as long as you will be completed with your prerequisites by the end of the spring term before the program starts.

19. Where do I find the supplemental (or secondary) LLU application? Does it need to be submitted together with the OTCAS application?

• The supplemental LLU application is submitted separately from the OTCAS application. Your OTCAS application must be verified by OTCAS first, then they will release your name to LLU. When the LLU admissions office receives your name, they will send you an email with the link to the electronic LLU application, which must be completed and submitted before the deadline specified in the email. There is no additional fee for the LLU application.

20. When I submit my LLU supplemental application, do I need to request my recommenders to fill out the LLU recommendation form again?

• No, your recommenders do not need to fill out LLU’s recommendation form if they already did the one for OTCAS. Please leave that section of your application blank, otherwise your recommender will receive the request from LLU to fill out the LLU form. If you wish to add additional recommenders to the ones you submitted on OTCAS, then you may list the additional names on the LLU application.

21. When I submit my LLU supplemental application, do I need to request transcripts to be sent to LLU?

• No, we do not need your transcripts because we have access to them on OTCAS. If you are offered acceptance to LLU, then we will require official transcripts at that time. International students will be required to request their international transcripts and transcript evaluations to be sent to LLU at the time of submitting the supplemental application.

22. After submitting my application (both OTCAS and LLU), what happens next, and when will I hear if I am accepted?

• Once we have both your OTCAS and LLU applications, they will be reviewed and scored. If your application is recommended for the next stage, you will be sent an email inviting you to an online interview via Zoom. Decisions will come out in phases with several notifications prior to the Christmas holiday and then the rest in winter quarter.

International Applicants

23. I am an international applicant, what is required for my application to be processed?

Please read the information pertaining to international students at the link here.

The following are required for international students:

1. Final official transcripts with Bachelor's degree posted, and no in-progress courses.
2. Transcript evaluation of any international transcripts (see more details below).
3. TOEFL scores (valid within 2 years). LLU institution code is 4062.

The above documents must be submitted to:

Admissions Processing

Loma Linda University

11139 Anderson Street

Loma Linda, CA 92350

The final official transcript of an international applicant must be complete with all grades or degrees posted, and no outstanding or in-progress courses. The Bachelor's degree from an international institution must be verified as equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in the U.S. before we can continue to process your application.

Acceptance and I-20 cannot be offered to an international student until the final official transcript is received. Our program begins in June, and if you are still completing courses in the spring of the year you wish to begin, you may not be eligible to begin that year and might have to wait to apply for the following year. Please contact the International Student Office for more information or questions regarding immigration status, (909) 558-4560.

Do not send transcripts to LLU yourself, all transcripts must be sent directly from your colleges to LLU. Please follow the guidelines from the International Office - https://home.llu.edu/education/how-apply/international-students-scholars/international-academic-transcripts

Graduation Rates

*Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure.

Loma Linda Test Takers Reported by NBCOT

*Data reported here is based on the 2023 ACOTE standard A.4.2. The NBCOT results may be seen at this link: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance  

Occupational therapists (OTs) help people of all ages engage in meaningful daily activities (occupations) that promote health and independence. They assist individuals in overcoming the effects of injury, illness, or disability, enabling them to participate fully in life.

Common OT interventions include supporting children with disabilities in school and social settings, helping those recovering from injuries regain skills, and assisting older adults with physical and cognitive changes. OTs also provide recommendations for adaptive equipment and environmental modifications.

OT services include:

• Customized treatment plans to improve daily functioning.

• Home and job site evaluations with safety and performance recommendations.

• Performance assessments and targeted interventions.

• Adaptive equipment recommendations to aid mobility and independence.

• Patient and family education for better understanding and participation.

OTs are skilled in understanding the impact of physical, emotional, and social factors on daily life. They work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. According to U.S. News & World Report, OT is ranked 4th in Best Health Care Jobs and 19th in 100 Best Jobs.

The Department of Occupational Therapy has a responsibility to society to matriculate and graduate the best possible occupational therapy practitioners. The program requires that the acquisition of didactic knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of skills and professional attitudes and behavior. As a student of the Occupational Therapy program, certain essential functions are conducive to success, which are as follows: 

1. The responsibilities of the Occupational Therapy student require the following cognitive and professional abilities in the classroom and fieldwork facility: 
   1. Exhibit proficiency of the English language in order to communicate information clearly, accurately, and concisely whether verbally or in writing.
   2. Manage time effectively within academic and professional practice, such as but not limited to timeliness to classes and appointments, completion of assigned tasks, and meeting specified deadlines.
   3. Adjust priorities according to the needs of the program, department, and peers.
   4. Participate actively and responsibly in the overall program and in fieldwork assignments.
   5. Demonstrate appropriate professionalism in grooming and attire, non-verbal behavior, patterns of communication, team interaction, and stressful situations.
   6. Manage personal affairs and demonstrate coping skills in a manner that does not interfere with professional responsibilities.
   7. Follow appropriate channels of communication and authority for obtaining information and answers to questions.
   8. Interact in a mature professional manner with peers, instructors, and other health care professionals, both verbally and in writing. 9. Assume responsibility for professional behavior and growth.
   9. Demonstrate good problem solving skills.
   10. Demonstrate ability to analyze, synthesize, and interpret information.
   11. Demonstrate good safety awareness around tools, sharp objects, combustibles, and heated elements.
   12. Understand and adhere to universal precaution procedures.
   13. Interact and establish rapport with clients, and maintain client-centered focus.
   14. Comply with the institution's policies and procedures.
   15. Adhere to the professional code of ethics and standards of practice¹
   16. Abide by the core values of Loma Linda University²
2. The nature of Occupational Therapy practice demands that the student demonstrates:
   1. Professional behaviors and interpersonal skills
   2. Ability to make critical decisions in stressful situations and intervene effectively.
   3. Awareness and observation of safety precautions and the ability to assess potentially dangerous situations.
   4. Respect for confidential nature of client information.
   5. Sensitivity to non-verbal behavior and environmental clues.
   6. Ability to use feedback and develop adaptive strategies.
   7. Ability to work cooperatively in a team situation with other professionals.
   8. Ability to participate and negotiate in group decision-making.
   9. Ability to apply theory and concepts to treatment needs in an appropriate professional manner.
   10. Sensitivity to diversity in ethnics, gender, capabilities, generational and ideological perspectives.
3. The responsibilities of the Occupational Therapy student require the following neurophysiological abilities: 
   1. Physical Demands (classrooms, labs, fieldwork sites, and community-based programs)
      1. Navigate to and around classrooms and labs in Nichol Hall and lower campus, library, chapel, and lunch facilities.
      2. On an average day, participate in classes and labs up to 6 hours (with 10 minute breaks and lunch breaks).
      3. At assigned fieldwork experiences, be able to perform tasks of occupational therapy for the workday/hours as specified by the facility.
      4. Submit legible answers in quizzes and exams.
      5. Communicate effectively in classroom for questions, dialogue, and presentations; coordinate verbal and manual instructions with technique demonstration.
      6. Communicate appropriately with instructors.
      7. Read homework assignments.
      8. Collect information from sources such as libraries, books, journals, internet.
      9. Submit typed assignments, reports, and research papers.
      10. Make oral presentations in class.
      11. Use computers for online searches, research, email, and corresponding with fellow students and instructors.
      12. Use tools such as, but not limited to: goniometer, blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, measuring tape, scissors, x-acto knife, heatgun, electric skillet. 
      13. Attend fieldtrips to different facilities.
      14. Participate in and perform assessments of range of motion (ROM), muscle testing, patient management techniques, CPR, monitor vitals, wheelchair and ergonomic measurements.
      15. Participate in and lead group activities in classes and labs.
      16. Squat, crawl, bend, stoop, kneel, climb steps/stairs, reach above shoulders.
      17. Lift, move, carry up to 50 lbs.
      18. Demonstrate safe static/dynamic standing balance.
      19. Guard or transfer patients who may need physical assistance.
      20. Demonstrate fine/gross motor coordination.
      21. Be able to respond to a timer, alarm or call for help. 
4. Positive Attributes for a Successful Fieldwork Experience a. 
   1. Show initiation and interest
   2. Take responsibility for your attitude and professional behavior
   3. Be creative in solving problems
   4. Care about consumer’s issues
   5. Remember and apply safety precautions
   6. Listen and observe
   7. Seek feedback from supervisors
   8. Accept constructive criticism
   9. Manage time appropriately
   10. Submit professional work in timely manner
   11. Avoid excuses
   12. Use supervision time effectively
   13. Take on new projects when requested
   14. Seek additional resources and information
   15. Communicate in timely manner with academic fieldwork coordinator regarding any fieldwork concerns 

¹Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2015). American Occupational Therapy Association. www.aota.org. 

²Core Values of Loma Linda University. University Catalog 2018-2019, and Department of Occupational Therapy Student Handbook.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education granted us Candidacy Status to transition to an Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (EOTD) program. The first EOTD cohort began in Summer 2022. Visit ACOTE at School Directory – ACOTE (acoteonline.org) for more information.

Board pass rates will be available on the National Board for the Certification of Occupational Therapy at https://www.nbcot.org/educators-folder/schoolperformance in late 2025 

Join us here at Loma Linda and be a part of a university dedicated to “Make Man Whole” and transform lives through occupation, service, and whole-person care.

*View more LLU EOTD program accreditation information here.

Mission 

The Department of Occupational Therapy prepares compassionate, mission-driven practitioners who demonstrate excellence, integrity, and servant leadership. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, whole-person care, and service at individual, community, and societal levels.

Philosophy

We believe humans are complex, spiritual, and occupational beings. Meaningful occupations are essential to identity, health, and well-being. Our approach promotes occupational justice, client-centered care, and active engagement with environments and contexts. Using occupation as both a means and an end, we holistically address mind, body, and spirit to empower individuals and communities.

Curriculum Design

Guided by the Global Model of Learning, our curriculum integrates faith, learning, and service to prepare students as professional practitioners. Students learn through active, layered experiences in class, fieldwork, and the community.

• Foundation: Faith-based values and occupational therapy principles

• Three Pillars:

  • Practice

  • Community Engagement & Leadership

  • Research

• The Globe: Represents our global mission in service, advocacy, and wellness

Curricular Threads woven throughout the program:

• Occupation-based Practice

• Whole-person Care, Health Management, & Wellness

• Evidence-based Practice & Research

• Mission-focused Community Engagement & Service

• Professional Citizenship & Advocacy

Format
Classes are typically held Monday–Thursday, with Fridays open for lab practice. While the program is primarily in-person, select courses are delivered online via Canvas.