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The MOT-Bridge program offers a unique blend of primarily hybrid learning with on-campus and fieldwork experiences spanning 18 months. This program is designed for practicing Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) seeking to advance their careers by earning a Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT).
This is a valuable opportunity for OTA and PTA practitioners to explore community-based settings and engage in evidence-based clinical practice through the lens of research and critical inquiry. The MOT program equips graduates to make a positive impact in their careers, while also earning a Wellness Coaching Certification, with a focus on wellness promotion, health equity, interprofessional collaboration, occupation-centered, evidence-based care.
Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam for occupational therapists. The program integrates exam preparation into core courses, ensuring readiness. Upon successfully passing the NBCOT exam and completing all program requirements, including didactic and experiential components, students will earn the Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR®)
OTA-PTA Bridge Program to MOT
Program Requirements and Prerequisites
- Graduated from an AOTA accredited OTA or CAPTE accredited PTA program
- Current OTA or PTA license in good standing with home state of practice
- At least 1 year of full-time practice as a COTA or PTA (equivalent to 1500 hours/avg 30 hrs. per week or more)
- Bachelor's Degree
- GPA 3.2
- A grade of B and above required for all prerequisite courses. Grades below a B- will not be accepted: (no time limit)
Prerequisites
- Human Anatomy with Lab
- Human Physiology with Lab
- Human Lifespan Development
Program Accreditation Information
The program is undergoing a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and receive Accreditation Status for to accept Fall 2025 cohort.
The Master of Occupational Therapy program is currently designated as "Inactive" by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE can be reached via phone at (301) 652-AOTA, and more information is available at www.acoteonline.org.
Only then will its graduates be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination to become a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR). Additionally, licensure is required to practice in all states, which is typically contingent upon passing the NBCOT Certification Examination.
Note: Please note that a felony conviction may impact a graduate’s ability to take the NBCOT exam or obtain state licensure.
NBOT Exam Results
Data reported here is based on the 2018 ACOTE standard A.4.6. The NBCOT results may be seen at this link: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
Loma Linda Test Takers reported by NBCOT
| Number of Test Takers | Percentage of test takers | ||
| Year | Number of Test Takers | passing within a year | passing (May-Dec) |
| 2019 | 51 | 51 | 100% |
| 2020 | 50 | 49 | 98% |
| 2021 | 54 | 51 | 94% |
| 2022 | 53 | 49 | *92% |
| 2023 | 45 | 45 | 100% |
*Please note the Class of 2022 and the Class of 2023 had a 100% pass rate (48/48 students each graduating class).
Graduation Rates
Loma Linda University is above the national average in acceptance of a diverse group of students. Students come to Loma Linda University from multiple cultural backgrounds, religions, and countries. The table below is a report of graduation rates of the MOT program over the last three years.
| Graduation Year | Students Entering/Graduating | Graduation Rate |
| 2021 | 53/54 | +100% |
| 2022 | 50/48 | 96% |
| 2023 | 53/45* | 89% |
| Total | 156/150 | 95% |
*Some students took LOA due to health and personal reasons
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.”
Cost of Attendance
Estimated Cost of Attendance 2025-2027 School Year
Expenses | Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Tuition | 30,704 | 30,704 |
| University Fees (i.e., parking, health insurance) | 3,520 | 3,520 |
| Lab/Medical Sim Lab | 673 | 329 |
| Background Check | 120 | 0 |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 1500 | 800 |
| NBCTO Exam Preparation | 225 | 275 |
| AOTA memberships | 75 | 75 |
| Miscellaneous expense | 200 | 200 |
| Total by Year (Estimated) | $37,017 | 35,903 |
View Financial Aid information here.