Doctor of Occupational Therapy - Phoenix Metro Campus

Overview
Program of Study
Message from the Program Director
Faculty
Program Accreditation, Exams, and Licensure
Admissions Requirements
Tuition & Scholarships
Phoenix Metro Campus
Career Information

Overview

Occupational Therapists (OTs) help people with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges achieve greater independence by improving their ability to perform everyday activities. They work in a wide range of settings (hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, schools, private practice, and beyond), conducting assessments and developing comprehensive treatment plans that include adaptive tools and equipment, therapeutic activities and exercises, and even training for caregivers.

As the most highly trained and credentialed professionals in their field, Doctors of Occupational Therapy (OTDs) often enjoy expanded career opportunities that may include moving into senior leadership roles, designing programs, conducting research, leading policy and advocacy initiatives, teaching in academic settings, and more.

SCU’s Phoenix-based Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is delivered predominantly online, allowing students to earn their doctorates and advance their careers in just two years, without relocating.

Program at a Glance

Full-time, accelerated, online-hybrid program (2 years)
Largely online; students come to campus just twice per term
Prepares graduates to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam
Fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional scholarship opportunities

Upcoming Start Dates

Fall: September 2nd, 2025

What Sets Our Program Apart?

REMOTE-FRIENDLY FORMAT

Our online-blended program makes it possible to pursue your dream of becoming a Doctor of Occupational Therapy without relocating. During Year 1, you’ll complete 70% of your requirements from home through self-paced and live online coursework, and come to our Phoenix Metro Campus (in Tempe Arizona) just two times per term (for 6-8 days and 11 days) for hands-on clinical training. During Year 2, you’ll work on a Capstone Project of your choosing while completing on-site clinical rotations at one of our partner sites near your home (subject to availability) or in a new city within the U.S.

ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP

As an OTD student at our Phoenix Metro Campus, you will receive personalized support and advisement from a dedicated Faculty Mentor. You’ll meet with your mentor at least twice per term (or as often as you need), to help you navigate the program, problem-solve, and succeed both academically and professionally. In addition, you’ll receive support from a Capstone Mentor who will provide expert guidance and support as you complete your Capstone Project.

STUDENT-LED CAPSTONE PROJECT

One of the most rewarding portions of your OTD program, your Doctoral Capstone project will give you the opportunity to explore and demonstrate innovative thinking in an area of particular interest to you. Your project will include written, experiential, and oral components and we’ll support you each step of the way through online capstone seminars and advisement from a Capstone Mentor who has expertise in your chosen topic. A Doctoral Capstone is an academic and professional milestone, often leading to publications, future research opportunities, and other career advancements.

TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED LEARNING

In addition to classroom lessons and hands-on clinical training, we support your learning through advanced teaching technology including:

Virtual Reality (VR): You’ll have the opportunity to use specialized VR technology to improve patient engagement and provide a safe yet dynamic environment for therapeutic interventions.
Complete Anatomy: Also known as 3D4 Medical, Complete Anatomy is a powerful simulated anatomy suite on which you can perform intricate tasks such as removing layers of tissue and visualizing details of the human body.
Draw It to Know It (DITKI): This interactive tool is perhaps our most popular, featuring YouTube-style videos that include drawings, animations, and digital worksheets to help you more easily learn about anatomy and physiology and successfully prepare for your exams.

BROADER INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Most of today’s healthcare colleges offer an “interprofessional education” through which students learn with, from, and about other disciplines. But at SCU, our Interprofessional Education is broader and, frankly, we think that makes it better. Unlike other colleges, we teach you about both conventional and complementary disciplines—not just one or the other—because we believe in both and we teach both, all under one roof.

AN INTEGRATIVE, WHOLE HEALTH APPROACH

All too often, healthcare providers “stay in their lanes” rather than building comprehensive care plans that include other disciplines, professionals, and approaches. In addition, they look strictly at the physical body as opposed to all the factors that may be influencing a patient’s health and well-being—genetics, lifestyle, mental health, relationships, physical environments, community support, and beyond. But at SCU, no matter what program you are in, you’ll learn to blend the best of conventional and complementary approaches (integrative healthcare) and to treat the entire mind, body, and spirit (whole health)—for true lasting wellness.

Doctoral-Degree-Level Occupational Therapy Program (Applicant Program)

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-6611 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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 in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Student Achievement

The SCU Phoenix OTD program’s first cohort of students entered in the Spring of 2025 with a graduation year in 2026. The available program outcome data is limited at this time. Upon graduation of the first cohort, outcome data on NBCOT exam pass rate will be available on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) program data results page.

Graduation Year	Students Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
2025	9/NA	NA
Totals	9/NA	NA

Program of Study

At-A-Glance

Full-time program. SCU strongly recommends that students not work while attending the OTD Phoenix Metro program.
Credit hours: 107 credits.
6 terms, and as little as two years to complete the program.
A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Students must complete all degree requirements within 12 terms (4 years) of matriculation.
Students must be able to achieve and maintain certain technical standards of knowledge and skill to become skilled and effective practitioners. The technical standards stated in the following document apply to satisfactory performance in all academic and clinical course work, as well as fulfillment of “non-academic” essential functions of the curriculum involving physical, cognitive, and behavioral factors that are essential to a professional healthcare practitioner and are requisite for program completion. Doctor of Occupational Therapy Technical Standards document

The Mission of the OTD – Phoenix Metro Program

Our mission is to educate students with a strong foundation in professionalism, professional reasoning, ethics, and practice skills to become competent practitioners and leaders in the field of occupational therapy. Through integrative whole person health education, grounded in evidence and occupation-based practice, we prioritize health equity and the provision of client-centered care to enhance occupational performance.

Program Learning Outcomes

Professional Reasoning: Professional reasoning is the process that practitioners use to develop and provide occupational therapy services with individuals, groups, or populations. Providing ethical OT services requires the therapist to use professional knowledge and skills to plan, direct, perform and reflect on client care. It is a complex and dynamic process that is connected directly to therapy action. Practitioners must reason in a given session (Schell & Schell, 2018). Our graduates will know how to apply professional reasoning skills in the promotion and provision of occupational therapy services in existing and emerging practice settings.
Evidence-Informed: Evidence-informed practice refers to the process of using the best available information combined with professional reasoning and expertise to provide services. As occupational therapists, we utilize information and our expertise in conjunction with an individual, group, or organization’s preferences, values, and needs to inform decision-making. At SCU, we value a culture of inquiry, assessment, research, scholarship, and judicious use of current best evidence to inform our decisions and work. Students learn to critically appraise scholarly literature and use this knowledge to develop and provide quality care.
Integrative Health: Integrative health involves coordinating the use of conventional and contemporary multimodal health approaches. The aim is for coordinated care across various contexts and professionals to collaborate with the client for holistic provision of services. A whole person approach supports individuals, communities, and populations to improve and restore health (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2021). Occupational therapists recognize the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors to promote health and well-being, including stress management and environmental modifications, At SCU and in the Phoenix OTD Program, we teach, learn, collaborate, and lead by creating an interprofessional environment where shared and unique skills can come together for the benefit of students and clients.
Client-Centered: Client-centered care and practice in occupational therapy is defined as “an approach to providing occupational therapy, which embraces a philosophy of respect for and partnership with people receiving services. It recognizes the autonomy of individuals, the need for client choice in making decisions about occupational needs, the strengths clients bring to an occupational therapy encounter and the benefits of client-therapist partnership and the need to ensure that services are accessible and fit the context in which a client lives.” (Law et al., 1995 p. 253) Client-centered care is an imperative component to the provision of occupational therapy services. Students in the SCU Phoenix OTD Program will utilize and implement this concept into their coursework and future practice.
Professional Development & Leadership: Professionalism and leadership are integral for the current and future state of occupational therapy. Professionalism is defined as “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or professional person” (Merriam-Webster, 2017, para. 1). Professionalism for occupational therapy is rooted in the profession’s core values, standards of practice, and ethical principles. Our program philosophy is that our students will demonstrate professional behaviors in class and in fieldwork placements to support client-centered practice, optimal outcomes, and employment success. Professionalism and leadership are closely connected, leaders are influential individuals and strong role models. Our graduates will know how to apply leadership skills and theories to support professional behaviors, advocacy for occupational therapy and the clients the profession serves while paving the way for the future of the profession.
Occupation-Based Practice: Within occupational therapy, occupation signifies personal and meaningful engagement in daily life. Occupations are central to a client’s (person’s, group’s, or population’s) health, identity, and sense of competence and have specific meaning and value to that client (AOTA, 2020). Our program philosophy asserts that occupational therapy empowers individuals to engage in meaningful occupations that promote health, well-being, and participation in daily life. Our graduates are expected to articulate and apply the connection between meaningful occupation, whole health, and well-being throughout the lifespan.

For full program information, view our catalog.

Start Schedules

Download the Spring Start Calendar

Download the Fall Start Calendar

Message from the Program Director

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the SCU Phoenix Campus OTD program. This innovative program is in Tempe Arizona and offers a hybrid entry-level OTD program in only 2 years. Our program has exceptional space at our Tempe campus where you will engage in several immersive lab experiences with resources and support to ensure your success.

Our faculty are seasoned educators and clinicians with expertise in nearly every aspect of practice. Offering you the diversity of content that is required for you to be successful as you enter your career as an occupational therapist. Additionally, our team is engaged in state, national and international professional organizations, ensuring that we are immersed in current practice trends, adding to your preparedness as an entry-level practitioner.

We are truly excited that you are interested in our program and the field of occupational therapy. It is an excellent career choice, and our program is ready to meet your needs and work to ensure your success. We believe that being able to attain your degree and continue to live in the diverse communities in which you prefer is a powerful model for success. Our innovative curriculum, we believe, is the future of occupational therapy education, and we are committed to working with you on your journey to becoming an entry-level practitioner.

Again, thank you for your interest in our program, we are excited to be a part of your professional journey towards becoming an occupational therapist!

Kalyn Briggs, PhD, OTR/L, CLA

Program Director, Occupational Therapy
Southern California University of Health Sciences, Phoenix Metro Campus

Faculty

SCUHS Faculty

Kalyn Briggs, PhD, OTR/L

Program Director, Doctor of Occupational Therapy - AZ

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Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, CYT, FAOTA

Capstone Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy - AZ
OTD AZ Core Faculty

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Cathleen C Johnson, OTD

Admissions Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program - AZ
OTD AZ Core Faculty

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Heidi M Nelson, PT, DSc, DPT, PCS

Dean, College of Health Professions

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DeAn Sellmann, ppOTD, OT, MS, BSOT

Program Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy - ppOTD

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Eileen Wang, OTD, MA, OTR/L, CSRS

Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy - AZ
OTD AZ Core Faculty

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Rene Wren, EdD, OTD, OTR, BCG

Curriculum Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program - AZ
OTD AZ Core Faculty

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View all SCU faculty

Program Accreditation, Exams, and Licensure

SCU OTD – Phoenix Accreditation

Every new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program must follow the accreditation process lined out by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

Occupational Therapy Program Accreditation

Doctoral-Degree-Level Occupational Therapy Program (Applicant Program)

The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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 in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

National Examination & Licensure

In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at SCU provides information pertaining to professional licensure for the program. Students should refer to the information below and contact the appropriate licensing board to ensure they will meet the licensure requirements in the state(s) in which they intend to practice upon graduation.
The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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 successfully completing this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program meets the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Some states have requirements in addition to educational requirements – prospective and enrolled students are encouraged to research licensure requirements for the state that they intend to practice in. These licensure requirements vary from state to state.

Neither acceptance for admission into the program nor the subsequent earning of a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree guarantees that a state or a foreign country will grant a graduate a license to practice occupational therapy. Each state and foreign country, through its legislative and administrative process, defines the standards of competency and scope of practice of occupational therapy within its jurisdiction.

Please note that licensure requirements are always subject to change. Although SCU will confirm the licensure requirements on a routine basis, we strongly recommend that you inquire with the licensing agency to confirm that you understand and will meet the requirements for licensure before enrolling in your program of choice. Additionally, while progressing through the program, we recommend that you check licensing agency requirements regularly to monitor whether they have changed in a manner that impacts your licensure plans.

All international students are strongly encouraged to check the credentialing requirements in the country where they intend to practice.

Progression and Graduation Requirements

Students must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA and earn at least a GPA of 2.75 each term to progress through the program and retain their student status. Students are required to complete all didactic and experiential coursework including Level I and II Fieldwork, the Mentored Doctoral Experience, and a Doctoral Capstone Project within 4 years of matriculation and achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.75.

Admissions Requirements

Holistic Admission Process

Academic history is balanced by personal traits that reflect those needed within the healthcare environment and by skills and background characteristics to provide an opportunity for admission of students with a wide variety of strengths. This process promotes a learning community that can learn together and from each other, as we all focus on developing toward excellence while celebrating differences. All admissions requirements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If applicants do not fully meet these criteria, they may still be considered for admission with the Dean’s approval, with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis.

3-Step Application Process

Meet all admissions requirements.

A bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above.
Students with a GPA below 3.0 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
No GRE required.

Gather the documents you need to apply.

Transcripts.
Plan for completing pending prerequisites.
Meet all admissions requirements.

Complete your application through OTCAS.

Applications are submitted through the OTCAS portal.
OTCAS Deadline for applications is June 20th, 2025.
All in-progress applications have to be submitted by the deadline.

Applications may be submitted with pending requirements; however, applications will not be reviewed until all requirements are met. Eligible applications with all the completed prerequisite coursework, including transcripts for undergraduate credit hours, will be reviewed upon submission.

Currently accepting students for Fall 2025 intakes.
The OTD program currently does not admit international students.
The OTD program at SCU does not accept any previous coursework or work experience as credit for required coursework for the program. The undergraduate transcript and prerequisite coursework will be reviewed prior to admission into the doctoral program in OTCAS per the admissions policy.
SCU will review and contact eligible applicants for virtual interviews.

The OTD program admission standards do not allow advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning.

Program Questions?

Connect 1-on-1 – schedule a phone appointment with an SCU Admissions Advisor to discuss your path to becoming a future healthcare professional and any questions about the SCU program. Schedule here.
Email – otdphoenix@scuhs.edu with any questions.
Call – our Admissions Department at 602-887-5780

I. Degree Requirements

In addition to the other prerequisites listed below, you may apply for the OTD Phoenix Metro program if you have completed a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. An accredited college or university is an institution that holds active accreditation recognized by the Department of Education.

II. Required Courses

All prerequisite courses must be completed at an accredited college or university. Applications may be submitted with pending prerequisite courses; however, the application will not be reviewed until the official transcript for each pending course is uploaded by OTCAS. Official transcripts verifying successful course completion for all submitted applications must be uploaded to OTCAS by the recommended date of June 6, 2025.

All prerequisite non-science courses must be completed with a minimum 2.75 grade or above. Overall GPA (calculated by OTCAS): 3.0 or above

Pass/fail grades will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, however, please note that pass/fail grades are not calculated into the OTCAS GPA.

Students who are missing a prerequisite course requirement or are looking to improve their GPA can choose to take an SCU Accelerated Science course and complete the requirements in as little as five weeks. SCU’s Accelerated Science courses are prequalified and guaranteed acceptance for this program. Click here to learn more.

CORE SCIENCE COURSES

Core science courses must be completed with a minimum 3.0 grade or above. Each course used to satisfy the requirements below must include a lab and have been completed no earlier than 5 years from the current admissions cycle. Introductory-level courses are accepted, but upper-level courses are preferred. Online courses and labs are accepted.

Human Anatomy* (4 credits, lab required)
Human Physiology* (3 credits) or A & P combined:
Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits, lab required)
Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits lab required)

An additional core science course of 3 credit hours will satisfy the core science prerequisites, any of these courses can satisfy the additional 3 credit hours.

Biology with lab
General Physics
Kinesiology
Biomechanics

*A combination human anatomy & physiology courses will be accepted, however, you cannot use the same course to fulfill both the anatomy and physiology prerequisites. If not titled “Human”, a course description must demonstrate a human focus.

*The core science prerequisite GPA includes human anatomy and human physiology.

GENERAL COURSES

Online courses and labs are accepted.

Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
Human Development (lifespan) (3 credits) or Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
English Composition* (3 credits)
Statistics (3 credits) – Must be within the math, social science, or health science department.
Medical Terminology (1 credit) – Recommended (not required)

*Any course not titled “English Composition” must be a writing-intensive course that includes instruction on comprehension, investigation, evaluation, explanation, and refutation.

III. Occupational Therapy Observation Hours (waived)

IV. Additional Requirements

Essay to be completed in OTCAS

Applicants are expected to demonstrate professionalism in their interactions with the program and our faculty and staff. Applicants who demonstrate unprofessional behavior at any time will not be considered for admission.

Academic or licensure infractions, misdemeanors, and/or felonies may prohibit participation in required supervised clinical practice, eligibility to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam and/or eligibility for state licensure. Due to this, all academic or licensure infractions, misdemeanors, and/or felonies must be disclosed on OTCAS and will be assessed by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis. Failure to disclose the above will result in the applicant’s denial and recension of an enrollment offer, if applicable. Additionally, programs are required to report an applicant’s failure to disclose this information to the American Occupational Therapy Association.

V. Preferences

All admissions decisions are made in accordance with our program mission, vision, and goals. Additionally, preference is given to applicants with evidence of the following:

Greater than the minimum GPA of 3.0 for overall and/or core science prerequisite GPA
Observation of occupational therapy practice in two different settings documented in OTCAS
Continuous (≥1 year) leadership and volunteer roles
Knowledge of, and interest in, the OT profession
Desire to work with underserved populations from diverse backgrounds
Knowledge of, and interest in, Diversity, health equity, inclusion
Lifestyle health and lifelong learning
Teamwork
Compassion
Integrity
Professionalism
Accountability
Initiative
Humility
Grit

VI. Admissions Process

Applicants must apply to the program through the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapists (OTCAS). Once a verified application is received, the Admissions Advisor will screen the application to ensure that it meets the minimum admissions requirements as outlined above. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All applications are reviewed based on the admissions requirements and the information provided. Competitive applicants will be invited to an interview. Priority interviews will begin in February. Students must be verified in OTCAS to be selected.
Candidates offered a seat in the program will have 7 days to respond to the conditional enrollment offer and complete the supplemental application, admissions agreement, and submit a $500 non-refundable deposit to be applied to their tuition. Being interviewed does not guarantee a seat in the program or on the waitlist.
All remaining applicants will be notified of their application status (accepted, waitlisted, or denied) by September.
Applicants placed on the waitlist may be offered a seat if an offered applicant withdraws from the program or an enrollment offer is rescinded. Waitlist applicants who are offered a seat must complete the supplemental application, and admissions agreement, and submit a $500 non-refundable deposit to be applied to their tuition within 72 hours.

*SCU does not refund OTCAS application fees under any circumstance, including loss of accreditation during the application cycle.

VII. Academic Standards for Enrollment

Once the class is fully seated, information about additional requirements will be provided. These may include the following requirements which must be completed prior to matriculation.

A physical examination completed by a licensed healthcare provider confirming the student’s ability to perform duties as outlined in the OTD program’s technical standards.
Proof of current immunization status
Government-issued photo ID
Active medical insurance
Criminal background check*
Pre-matriculation reading and/or assignments

*Any student that has resided or is currently residing in New York may be subject to additional fees for the criminal background check retrieval per state law of New York.

VIII. Student Employment Policy

Due to the rigorous nature of the program, students are discouraged from working. Didactic and clinical schedules will not be altered for employment.
Students are not mandated to hold any position of employment in the institution. University or program employment is not a term of acceptance or continuation in the program.
Students of the program are not employees of the hospitals or clinics and, therefore, work entirely under the preceptor’s supervision. Students are not to substitute for paid clinicians, clerical staff, or other workers at their assigned clinical sites.

IX. Technology Requirements

Please see the technology requirements for all new and continuing SCU students.

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition and Scholarships

SCU Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee

$113,955 tuition to complete the program.*

SCU’s Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee for degree programs allows you to plan your educational investment.

Benefits of our Fixed Tuition Guarantee:

Guarantees your per-credit-hour rate for the scheduled duration of your program**
Eliminates tuition price uncertainty
Allows you to plan your finances in advance

If you would like to learn more about fixed rate tuition, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at FinancialAid@scuhs.edu.

You can also visit the Office of Financial Aid website to learn more about available scholarships, loans, and more.

*Tuition rate reflected above represents the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2025-2026 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on this website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information.
**Some limitations apply. View the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee page for more information.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Merit Scholarship

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy Merit Scholarship is available to incoming students who have demonstrated academic achievement. The scholarship award is $2,000 and will be awarded over 6 terms. To be eligible for consideration, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and be continuously enrolled. Scholarships are limited.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy – Phoenix Metro – 6 Terms

	Charges from SCU by Term				Charges from Third Parties by Term
Term	Tuition*	Program Fees**	Medical Equipment Fee	Petition to Graduate Fee	Background Check	Total***
1	$21,300	$306	$170		$150	$21,926
2	$21,300	$306				$21,606
3	$20,235	$306				$20,541
4	$15,975	$306			$150	$16,431
5	$17,040	$306				$17,346
6	$18,105	$306		$225		$18,636
Totals	$113,955	$1,836	$170	$225	$300	$116,486

Per term tuition amounts listed above were calculated using the current curriculum plan for credit hours in the term shown times the rate per credit hour and assumes that the student stays on cohort and follows the normal academic progression.

*Tuition is charged at $1,065 per credit hour. Tuition is billed by credit hour and rates reflected above represent the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2025/2026 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on the website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information. Restrictions on our fixed rate tuition guarantee apply. To remain eligible for the fixed rate guarantee, students must graduate either on time or within one additional term of the published program length they are enrolled in. Refer to the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee section of the academic catalog for more information. Actual tuition per term will vary depending upon the number of credit hours enrolled.

**Program fees listed are for the 2025/2026 academic year and are subject to change. Program fees include charges for technology, malpractice insurance, professional affiliation, and ASB, and are charged every term that the student is enrolled.

** Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in this tuition and fee schedule may be required for this program. Total graduate indirect Cost of Attendance (COA) cost components for the 2025-2026 academic year are as follows: books/course materials $700, transportation $1,694, miscellaneous expenses $1,968, loan fees $414, living expenses $11,500. The actual COA varies and depends on multiple factors, including your program of study, when you entered your program, and whether you are a full-time student, among other things.

Phoenix Metro Campus

SCU’s Phoenix Metro Campus is located at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Tempe, AZ. The Phoenix Metro campus at Sonoran University of Health Sciences seamlessly integrates modern amenities such as labs, a student lounge, study rooms, a library, a yoga studio, a chi fitness room, and an on-site cafe, with the natural beauty of its surrounding desert landscape.

The SCU Phoenix Metro Campus at Sonoran University demonstrates both institutions’ commitment to sustainability, holding a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-platinum certification, the highest honor awarded for using best-in-class building strategies and practices.

Students will take all experiential learning requirements on the campus.

Campus Location

The campus is conveniently located in Tempe and is a short nine-minute ride from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Sonoran University of Health Sciences and the SCU Phoenix Metro Campus are located at 2140 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282.

Campus Map

Download the Campus Map

Career Information

What are career options in occupational therapy?

Occupational therapists (OTs) maximize health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities by facilitating participation in everyday living. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

As an occupational therapist, you’ll have many career options available to you across a wide range of environments, from home health to hospitals to assistive living and outpatient clinics (e.g., hand therapy) as well as many emerging and traditional practice areas including community-based service organizations, corporations, prisons, physician offices, schools, and academia.

Does occupational therapy offer a flexible career path?

The diversity of the occupational therapy field allows OT professionals to explore many career options. OTs are found in diverse areas of practice such as teaching in academia, consulting for large and small corporations for lifestyle health and ergonomic assessments as well as in traditional medical practice settings. These include Orthopedics, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Elite Sports, Tactical Sports, Family Medicine and in emerging practice areas inclusive of Community Mental Health Centers. OTs can also start their own business and fill state contracts for patients in need of occupational therapy services.

Your business can be as large or small as you like. You could be the only employee, or you could hire a team of interdisciplinary care providers (OTs, PTs, SLPs) and become an administrator overseeing clinical practice and office operations.

What is the career outlook?

19%

Expected growth between 2018 and 2028¹

#8 in Best Jobs

U.S. News & World Report Best Health Care Jobs³

$95,020

Median annual wage for occupational therapists in Arizona²

Resources

View the links below for additional career and job information.

“What Can Occupational Therapy Do For You?”

If you are curious about what you can do with a degree in occupational therapy, watch What Can Occupational Therapy Do For You? This informative video was produced by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

¹ Based on O*Net 2018-2028
² Based on O*Net 2023 wage data
³ https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/occupational-therapist

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Financing Your Dreams

We are proud to offer a fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional and program-specific scholarship opportunities.