California is a large diverse state and it offers a wide array of occupational therapy schools to choose from. At last count, there were 186 schools offering a variety of degrees in occupational therapy. There are several important factors to consider when deciding what school is right for you.
Options to Consider When Looking For an Occupational Therapy School
There are many considerations when looking for the right school. We are all different and it takes time and research to decide what aspects are most important to you. With over 180 occupational therapy schools in California to consider. It’s important to first take the time to sort out the particular qualities that are important to you. For example:
- What type of city do you want to live in?
- How large a school do you want to attend?
- What are your financial limits?
- Exactly what occupational therapy degree are you seeking?
- What is the student to instructor ratio?
- How many students are in each graduating class?
Quality of Education is Primary Consideration for Occupational Therapy Schools in California
There is intense competition for admittance into the top schools in California, and for good reason – that name recognition will give you a heads-up on getting the job of your dreams.
Be sure to research the minimum educational requirements, GRE grades, hours of observation of a licensed occupational therapist needed and prerequisites needed, for starters.
Begin by visiting the website for the California Board of Occupational Therapists for the most up-to-date requirements. Then visit these websites for the following nine schools for occupational therapy in California to begin your search:
- California State University Dominguez Hills.
- Dominican University of California.
- Loma Linda University.
- Samuel Merritt University.
- San Jose State University.
- University of Southern California.
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, San Diego Campus
California Offers Exceptional Opportunities For Occupational Therapy
California has a vast network of world renowned medical hospitals, schools and clinics and thus allows unlimited opportunities for your future career in occupational therapy. It draws some of the best in the profession and has some of the highest wages in the industry. There is also political clout with a strong member association, the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) which “serves, promotes and supports” occupational therapists throughout the state. The OTAC formed in 1976 from a merger of northern and southern groups. It’s important to have these strong state organizations advocating for your rights to practice in your state.