Master of Occupational Therapy
Our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program offers an unparalleled education, blending compassion with cutting-edge training to prepare you for a fulfilling career.
Samuel Merritt University’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program emphasizes holistic care, blending foundational sciences with occupation-based practice.
Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients regain independence, enhance functional abilities, and improve overall quality of life. Whether they are assisting children with developmental delays, supporting adults recovering from injuries, or aiding seniors in maintaining independence, becoming an OT offers the opportunity to make a compassionate, innovative, and meaningful difference in people’s lives.
The MOT program is an entry-level degree program designed for someone who has already earned a baccalaureate with a major in any area. Applicants will be evaluated for admission based upon the following criteria:
OT Admitted Student Profile
OT Admitted Student Profile, Fall 2022
Applicants 172
Admitted 92
Seats Available 42
GPA, last 60 semester units, average 3.63
(Range 2.92 - 3.99)
All science GPA, average 3.32
(Range 2.53 - 3.93)
Pass Rate (for MOT graduates)
In the MOT program, the total number of graduates who passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy in the past three years was 20 out of 22 students, which is a pass rate of 90.9%. The MOT pass rate in 2020 was 100% (of 7 students, 7 passed). The pass rate in 2021 was 100% (of 5 students, 5 passed) and the pass rate in 2022 was 80% (of 10 students, 8 passed).
The website for all OT program pass rates is located at: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) :
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
301-652-AOTA
Program | Accreditation Status | Last Visit | Next Visit |
Entry-level Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) | Full accreditation | 2018 | 2027 |
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The MOT program can be completed in 2.5 years.
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy (OTCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $159
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts.
Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,625/unit
Program Units = 74.5 units
Total Tuition Estimate* = $121,000
*The total tuition estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your Occupational Therapy graduate education at Samuel Merritt University is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a loan default rate of less than one percent. This means that students who borrowed to attend Samuel Merritt University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
The Occupational Therapy program is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education, including scholarships, work study, and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
OT applications will be reviewed on rolling admission. There is both an admission and a financial aid (scholarship) incentive to apply early. One-time, non-renewable scholarships are available:
1st priority application deadline: 11/11/24 20% scholarship*
2nd priority application deadline: 2/3/25 15% scholarship*
Final deadline: 5/5/25 10% scholarship*
*All scholarships are one-time, non-renewable, applicable to OT Fall 2025 start only
The MOT program offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for occupational therapy students include:
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) grants are available for students from certain geographical areas of the country. More information is available at www.wiche.edu.
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
Your financial aid package at Samuel Merritt University is personalized to you. We develop your financial aid package using guidelines set by the Department of Education and the estimated costs of each program. Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
Samuel Merritt University’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program emphasizes holistic care, blending foundational sciences with occupation-based practice.
Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients regain independence, enhance functional abilities, and improve overall quality of life. Whether they are assisting children with developmental delays, supporting adults recovering from injuries, or aiding seniors in maintaining independence, becoming an OT offers the opportunity to make a compassionate, innovative, and meaningful difference in people’s lives.
The MOT program is an entry-level degree program designed for someone who has already earned a baccalaureate with a major in any area. Applicants will be evaluated for admission based upon the following criteria:
OT Admitted Student Profile
OT Admitted Student Profile, Fall 2022
Applicants 172
Admitted 92
Seats Available 42
GPA, last 60 semester units, average 3.63
(Range 2.92 - 3.99)
All science GPA, average 3.32
(Range 2.53 - 3.93)
Pass Rate (for MOT graduates)
In the MOT program, the total number of graduates who passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy in the past three years was 20 out of 22 students, which is a pass rate of 90.9%. The MOT pass rate in 2020 was 100% (of 7 students, 7 passed). The pass rate in 2021 was 100% (of 5 students, 5 passed) and the pass rate in 2022 was 80% (of 10 students, 8 passed).
The website for all OT program pass rates is located at: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) :
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
301-652-AOTA
Program | Accreditation Status | Last Visit | Next Visit |
Entry-level Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) | Full accreditation | 2018 | 2027 |
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The MOT program can be completed in 2.5 years.
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy (OTCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $159
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts.
Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,625/unit
Program Units = 74.5 units
Total Tuition Estimate* = $121,000
*The total tuition estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your Occupational Therapy graduate education at Samuel Merritt University is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a loan default rate of less than one percent. This means that students who borrowed to attend Samuel Merritt University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
The Occupational Therapy program is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education, including scholarships, work study, and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
OT applications will be reviewed on rolling admission. There is both an admission and a financial aid (scholarship) incentive to apply early. One-time, non-renewable scholarships are available:
1st priority application deadline: 11/11/24 20% scholarship*
2nd priority application deadline: 2/3/25 15% scholarship*
Final deadline: 5/5/25 10% scholarship*
*All scholarships are one-time, non-renewable, applicable to OT Fall 2025 start only
The MOT program offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for occupational therapy students include:
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) grants are available for students from certain geographical areas of the country. More information is available at www.wiche.edu.
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
Your financial aid package at Samuel Merritt University is personalized to you. We develop your financial aid package using guidelines set by the Department of Education and the estimated costs of each program. Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C-” or better, and must be completed by the end of the spring term prior to the start of the program. Additionally, it is recommended that no more than two or three prerequisites be in progress during the spring. The department strongly prefers that all prerequisites are completed by the fall term prior to entry. Preferential admission will be given to applicants who have completed all academic prerequisites at the time of the application.
We accept online, hybrid, and on-campus classes from regionally accredited institutions. Classes may be taken at any regionally accredited institution, such as community colleges, CSUs, UCs, or private institutions. In California, the accrediting body is WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Please see the Prerequisite Course Resources section below for helpful information regarding prerequisites.
Required Prerequisites, Semester or Quarter Units
Recommended Prerequisites, Semester or Quarter Units
AP and IB Exam Credits
AP exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 and IB exam scores of 5, 6, or 7 may be used to meet prerequisite requirements, but are only acceptable if the exams scores are clearly noted on official university transcript.
Challenge Exams
A challenge exam may be taken in lieu of coursework. All challenge exams must be noted on the OTCAS application.
Interviews
An interview is required as part of the admission process; interviews will be in December and January prior to the Fall start of the program and will be conducted in a virtual format. Not all candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to an interview.
Students who need disability accommodations may request them by emailing the Disability Resource Center at drc@samuelmerritt.edu. Please give as much notice as you can. Further information about the Disability Resource Center can be found here.
Technology requirement for the program
In the Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs, no courses are taught solely online. Numerous courses include requirements for participating in online discussion forums and accessing course learning materials via Course Management Systems (Canvas); therefore, access to a computer and the internet is required. All students will be trained in the use of Canvas. Only one course, Introduction to Professional Documentation, is primarily delivered online. This course first meets on campus for four hours, and the remaining nine hours of content (including 30 hours of readings and assignments) is delivered asynchronously online.
GRE Scores
Results from the GRE exam are not required or considered for admission into the MOT program.
Internationally Educated Applicants
Students educated abroad may apply for admission. Regardless of previous professional training and academic degrees earned, SMU’s MOT curriculum must be completed in its entirety.
If your education was not part of a U.S.-based study abroad program, all international academic transcripts must be evaluated by a U.S. evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluations Services (NACES) for degree, course content, semester unit equivalencies, and cumulative GPAs prior to the application deadline. The evaluation must be sent to OTCAS as part of the application. Information on NACES may be found at www.naces.org.
Samuel Merritt University allows applicants to take classes online provided the courses are from a regionally accredited institution like the institutions listed below. The regional accreditation board for California schools is the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Please verify accreditation with the institution prior to signing up for classes, as credit will not be granted from non-accredited schools.
This is a resource shared by multiple programs; please see the program-specific websites for the listing of required courses.
California Virtual Campus: Online database of California College and University online/telecourse offerings. Search by subject or school name.
Course Atlas
California State University
University of California Extension Programs
Southern University of Health Sciences
Challenge/College Level Examination Resources
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a group of standardized tests that assess college-level knowledge in several subject areas. Many colleges grant credit to students who meet their minimum qualifying score. Qualifying scores vary by school but are typically 50. The tests are useful for students who have obtained knowledge outside the classroom, such as through independent study, job experience, or cultural interaction. CLEP also offers international and homeschooled students the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in subject areas and bypass undergraduate coursework. For more information, see the website: College Board Examinations (CLEP).
At SMU, you will join a program and an interprofessional health sciences community made up of a diverse student body and faculty, all dedicated to transforming the experience of health and healthcare for diverse populations. You will have multiple opportunities for hands-on, active learning during the classroom portions of the curriculum. These innovative learning experiences occur early and often, building on your strengths and challenging your growth as you train to become an occupational therapist.
Simulation-Based Learning
The Occupational Therapy program uses SMU's accredited Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC) for many of these hands-on learning opportunities. Students have lab sessions in the HSSC training rooms to gain familiarity with hospital-based equipment. Simulated clinical encounters with standardized patients (portrayed realistically by trained actors) are strategically placed throughout our curriculum, starting early and continuing often, in order to situate learning in realistic clinical scenarios prior to full-time clinical education experiences. In small groups, students practice patient encounters in a realistic manner, review their interactions via live and recorded video/audio, and debrief the experience with faculty and student observers to learn from their successes and mistakes. Explore SMU’s Health Sciences Simulation Center in more depth.
Community Participant Labs
Students have the hands-on opportunity to work directly with members of the community who have diagnosed conditions in our three Community Participant Labs (CPL). These include the pediatric CPL and the adult CPL. In addition, students work directly with those with psychosocial challenges at community mental health sites during several off-site rotations embedded into the curriculum of the Psychosocial course. Students contribute to our community’s health as part of their coursework. Learn more about Community Participant Labs at SMU.
Advanced Technology
Our students get a deeper look at human motion in SMU’s Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC). Through the use of motion capture technology and 3D kinematics, students have opportunities to develop a greater understanding of balance, biomechanics, and the impact of different interventions on movement. Discover all the MARC has to offer students and their learning.
What is Fieldwork?
Fieldwork is an integral part of the professional education of occupational therapists. During fieldwork, you will have the opportunity to apply and integrate academic learning. You will be supervised by fieldwork educators who are occupational therapists or other professionals, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings. Examples of fieldwork sites include hospitals, outpatient clinics, community-based health programs, and schools.
Fieldwork education at SMU is designed in accordance with the standards established by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
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 individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; 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. Individuals convicted of a felony may not be eligible for certification or licensing in occupational therapy.
Students are urged to contact the appropriate certification or licensure agency for further information.
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
12 South Summit Ave., Suite 100
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
301-990-7979
fax: 301-869-8492
Licensure Exams, Graduation, Number of Graduates, and Employment Rates
Outcome Data
Master of Occupational Therapy
There were 26 Master of Occupational Therapy graduates for the most recent entering cohorts that have had time to graduate (2019-2020 through 2021-2022) for a three year graduation rate of 100%.
The table below shows employment rates within six months and one year of graduation for Master of Occupational Therapy graduates by graduating year.
* Based on alumni surveys and externally subscribed databases.
Pass Rate for MOT Graduates by Calendar Year
(see Accreditation tab for 3-year totals)
MOT Program
Calendar Year | Licensure Pass Rate on the NBCOT exam (calendar year) | Number of students who passed the exam | Number of students who sat for the exam |
2017 | 100% | 37 | 37 |
2018 | 97% | 36 | 37 |
2019 | 95% | 20 | 21 |
2020 | 100% | 7 | 7 |
2021 | 100% | 5 | 5 |
2022 | 80% | 8 | 10 |
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy program data results for all programs.
These handbooks contain information and policies relevant to MOT students and are companions to the Samuel Merritt University Catalog and Student Handbook. This handbook contains the policies and procedures for the MOT program for which you will be responsible.
updated_final_version_2023-2024_otd_and_mot_student_handbook.docx(254.25 KB)What is the purpose of the required OT observation hours? The required OT observation hours allow the applicant the opportunity to deepen and clarify their understanding of OT by seeing and experiencing the therapeutic process firsthand. The accumulated hours provide you with a snapshot view of what the profession of OT is about and an overview of the positive difference occupational therapy makes.
How many hours are required and in what setting? 40-70 OT observation hours are required. The particular setting is up to you, but it does need to be a setting where OT services are provided.
Can you provide me with a listing of approved sites for my observation hours? SMU does not have a list of sites or locations for these hours; this needs to be part of each applicant’s research. Possible sites include local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation facilities, VA Medical Centers, schools, and camps. Because space availability may be limited in the pursuit of the hours, it is recommended that multiple venues/sites be considered.
Do I need to have observation hours in multiple clinical settings? Multiple clinical settings are not required, but it may be beneficial to you to gain exposure to a couple of different practice settings.
What is the timeline for the completion of the observation hours?Preferably the observation hours will be completed by the time of application, but it is acceptable for hours to be in progress at the time of application. Observation hours must be completed no later than the end of May prior to the fall start of the program.
Do I need a letter of recommendation from an OT? Yes, one letter of recommendation is required from an occupational therapist. All letters of recommendation are submitted directly to OTCAS as part of the application process.
Are there additional hints/tips as I plan my required OT observation hours? The following sites might be helpful in the initial pursuit of observation hours:
https://chan.usc.edu/education/volunteer-opportunities
https://www.coremedicalgroup.com/blog/pre-ots-guide-observation-hours
https://www.myotspot.com/ot-observation-hours/
https://www.studentdoctor.net/2019/06/17/ot-observation-hours/
How do I record/document my observation hours in the OTCAS application? Log hours here
Cognitive Learning Skills
The student must demonstrate the ability to:
1. Conceptualize a sequential progression of tasks and/or standardized testing and make objective conclusions based on the test results.
2. Apply critical thinking in the creation, development, generalization, and implementation of adaptations to normative methods of behavior and function.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic anatomical structures and physiological mechanisms that underlie conditions of human dysfunction and occupational performance.
4. Analyze the sequential steps, cognitive skills, and motor performance of specific functional tasks relevant to the safety, environment, and developmental life tasks of a patient/client. This analysis should also take into account ethnic background, gender, and cultural variables.
5. Select constructive activities suited to an individual's current physical capacity, intelligence level, and interest, so as to upgrade the individual to maximum independence, prepare for activities of daily living and appropriate life tasks, and assist in restoration of functions and/or aid in adjustment to disability.
6. Assess and identify cognitive and functional deficits, and determine adaptive or compensatory methods of functioning.
7. Apply critical reasoning and independent decision-making skills.
8. Assess patient/client safety and maintain or create safe environments during specific tasks, to enhance patient/client independence in a variety of potential environments.
Psychomotor Skills
The student must demonstrate the following skills:
1. Sitting: Maintain upright posture.
2. Standing: Student-controlled activity employable during lecture, clinical instruction and laboratory time.
3. Locomotion ability to:
a. Get to lecture, lab, and clinical locations, and move within rooms as needed for changing groups, partners, and work stations.
b. Physically maneuver in required clinical settings to accomplish assigned tasks.
4. Manual tasks:
a. Lifting ability sufficient to maneuver an individual’s body parts effectively to perform evaluation and treatment techniques.
b. Manipulate common tools used for screening tests and therapeutic intervention of the individual.
c. Demonstrate the ability to safely and effectively guide and facilitate patient/client movement skills and motor patterns through physical facilitation and inhibition techniques (including ability to give time-urgent verbal feedback).
d. Manipulate or guide another person's body in transfers, ambulation, positioning, and assisted or facilitated trunk, head, and limb movement.
e. Manipulate bolsters, pillows, plinths, mats, assistive/adaptive devices, and other supports or chairs to aid in positioning, moving, or treating a patient/client effectively.
f. Competently perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using guidelines issued by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
5. Gross motor ability to participate in recreational or movement activities that may involve tossing, catching, weight shifts, reaching, balancing on equipment, etc.
6. Small motor/hand skill usage ability to:
a. Legibly record/document evaluations, patient care notes, referrals, etc., in standard medical charts in hospital/clinical settings in a timely manner and consistent with the acceptable norms of clinical settings.
b. Demonstrate or complete activities or tests with adequate degree of fine motor dexterity.
c. Sense changes in an individual’s muscle tone, skin quality, joint play, kinesthesia, and temperature to gather accurate objective evaluative information in a timely manner and sense that individual’s response to environmental changes and treatment.
d. Legibly record thoughts for written assignments or tests.
7. Visual acuity to:
a. Read patient/client charts or histories in hospital/clinical settings.
b. Observe even the slightest aberrations of patient/client motor performance during tasks/tests.
8. Hearing or ability to receive and:
a. Effectively respond to oral requests/instructions from patients and team members.
b. Interpret the language used to communicate lectures, instructions, concepts, narratives, and questions and answers.
c. Auscultate for internal body sounds, e.g., heart, bowel, lungs.
9. Communication ability to:
a. Effectively communicate with team members.
b. Articulate detailed instructions to patients, caretakers, family, or other clinical personnel.
10. Self-care ability to:
a. Maintain general good health and self-care in order not to jeopardize the health and safety of self and individuals with whom one interacts in the academic and clinical settings.
b. Arrange transportation and living accommodations for/during off-campus clinical assignments to foster timely reporting to classroom and clinical center.
Affective Learning Skills
The student must be able to:
1. Demonstrate appropriate, affective behaviors and mental attitudes to ensure the emotional, physical, mental, and behavioral safety of the patient/client in compliance with the ethical standards of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
2. Sustain the mental and emotional rigors of a demanding educational program in occupational therapy that includes academic and clinical components that occur within set time constraints and often concurrently.
3. Acknowledge and respect individual values and opinions in order to foster harmonious working relationships with colleagues, peers, and patients/clients.
Samuel Merritt University has partnered with local Bay Area properties to offer students affordable housing close to the SMU Oakland campus.
This collaboration provides our students with unique opportunities to enjoy premium accommodations at reduced rates, making their experience in the Bay Area even more rewarding.
To explore the available options and find your perfect fit, contact property manager Dominick Lundberg dlundberg@twobliving.com.
You’ll be trained in clinical practice, research, leadership, and advocacy.
Our Master of Occupational Therapy program is hands-on from the start. Students build clinical and collaborative skills and engage with the community in ways that change people’s lives.
Our faculty are recognized experts in clinical reasoning, functional cognition, stroke care, and best practices in teaching and learning of graduate health professions students. They are dedicated to training students to become occupational therapists who help their patients live healthier and more fulfilling lives.