Doctor of Occupational Therapy – Los Angeles Metro

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Overview

What can I do with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree?

Occupational therapists help people with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges regain independence in everyday activities. As an OTD, you’ll also be positioned for expanded opportunities such as senior leadership roles, program design, research, policy and advocacy work, and teaching in academic settings.

Is this an entry-level degree, or is it for OTs who are already practicing?

This is an entry-level OTD, designed to prepare you to become a licensed occupational therapist for the first time, not an advanced credential for OTs already practicing (that’s a “post-professional OTD,” offered by some other schools). If you’re not yet an OT, this program (or the OTA-to-OTD Bridge, if you’re already a licensed OTA) is the right fit.

How long will it take me to complete the program?

About two and a half years of full-time study. For the exact term structure and credit hour total, check the Program Details page.

Do I need to relocate to attend?

No. The program uses an online-hybrid format. In Year 1, you’ll complete most coursework remotely through live online classes, then travel to the Whittier campus periodically each term for hands-on training. In Year 2, you’ll complete a capstone project and clinical rotations, which may be near your home or in a new city.

When can I start the program?

SCU enrolls a new cohort each fall. For the current start date, please check the  Program Overview page.

Is this a cohort-based program, or can I go part-time?

It’s full-time and cohort-based. You’ll move through coursework and clinical training with the same group of classmates, and part-time enrollment is not an option.

What kind of technology will I use throughout the program?

The program uses hands-on and simulated learning tools, including a Clinical Driving Simulator, 3D printing for splints and assistive devices, virtual reality, digital anatomy platforms like Complete Anatomy, and interactive study tools such as Draw It to Know It (DITKI).

Will I be able to work while I'm in the program?

SCU strongly discourages students from working while enrolled, given the rigorous nature of the didactic and clinical schedule.

Admissions

What are the minimum requirements to apply to SCU’s OTD LA Metro program?

A minimum of 90 undergraduate credit hours (a bachelor’s degree is not required) combining science and liberal arts coursework from an accredited institution, along with a competitive cumulative GPA. No GRE is required. For the current minimum GPA and full requirements, check the Admissions Requirements page.

Do I need a bachelor's degree to apply to SCU’s OTD LA Metro program?

No. You can apply with 90+ qualifying college credits, without a completed bachelor’s degree. You can also earn your Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) concurrently with your OTD through SCU’s embedded bachelor’s option, since many courses count toward both degrees at no added time.

Do I need observation or shadowing hours to apply?

There’s no strict minimum, but the admissions committee prefers applicants who’ve observed OT practice in two different settings, documented through OTCAS. It’s worth getting some firsthand exposure before you apply, even though it’s not required.

How competitive is admission, and how does holistic review work?

Admission is competitive, but SCU uses holistic review rather than ranking applicants on GPA alone. Your academic history is weighed alongside leadership, volunteer work, and demonstrated interest in the profession.

Is there a pathway for Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs)?

Yes. SCU’s OTA-to-OTD Bridge lets current OTAs earn a full Doctor of Occupational Therapy in roughly two and a half years. More details are available on the OTA to OTD Bridge page.

Can I transfer credit or get advanced placement?

No. The program does not allow advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning.

Tuition & Financial Aid

How much does the program cost?

SCU offers a Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee, which locks in your per-credit-hour rate for the scheduled duration of your program so you can plan your finances without worrying about mid-program increases. You can check the Tuition and Scholarships page for current per-credit-hour rates and total program cost.

Is the cost of an OTD worth it compared to the salary?

That depends on your circumstances and goals. You can compare program cost against occupational therapist salary data for your target market, factor in SCU’s Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee and available scholarships, and talk with Financial Aid about realistic repayment scenarios before you commit.

What scholarships are available to me?

SCU offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, along with other institutional aid opportunities. You can check the SCU Scholarships page for what’s currently offered.

How can I finance my graduate education?

Your options typically include federal loans, private education loans, scholarships, and personal resources. Please visit SCU’s Graduate Student Aid page for the most current guidance and a personalized financing plan.

Accreditation, Exams & Licensure

Is the program accredited?

Yes. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Find full accreditation details, including ACOTE’s contact information, on the Accreditation, Exams, Licensure page.

Will I be eligible to sit for the national certification exam?

Yes, and upon passing, you’ll earn the Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) credential.

What happens if I don't pass the NBCOT exam on my first attempt?

You can retake it, though fees and waiting periods apply, and you generally can’t practice independently until you pass. It’s worth taking the exam-prep resources built into your coursework seriously throughout the program, not just at the end.

Do I need a state license to practice?

Yes. All states require licensure, usually based on your NBCOT exam results. Note that a felony conviction may affect your eligibility for the exam or state licensure, so any legal or academic infractions must be disclosed during the application process.

Will my license be recognized if I move to a different state after graduation?

NBCOT certification is a national credential, but state licensure requirements vary, and some states require more than just passing the exam. Check the licensing board requirements for any state where you plan to practice.

Location & Contact

Where is the campus located?

16200 Amber Valley Dr., Whittier, CA 90604.

Who do I contact with questions about the program?

You can email Admissions@scuhs.edu or call 562-475-4604. You can also schedule a 1-on-1 call with an SCU admissions advisor to talk through your specific path and questions.

Integrative, Whole Health Approach

Why should I care that SCU is focused on Integrative, Whole Health?

Because healthcare is increasingly moving in this direction. You’ll be entering a healthcare system that places greater emphasis on whole-person care, prevention, and collaboration across disciplines. An Integrative, Whole Health education will prepare you to understand the many factors that influence health, the range of approaches available to patients, and how your profession fits into the bigger picture.

Why should I care that SCU provides an Interprofessional Education?

Because in the real world, healthcare is rarely delivered by one profession alone. Learning with and about other healthcare disciplines will help you understand what other providers do, when their expertise may benefit your patients, and how to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate care effectively.

Will focusing on Integrative, Whole Health take away from learning my own profession?

No. You will still develop the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become an expert in your chosen profession. Integrative, Whole Health adds a broader understanding of the patient, other health professions, and the healthcare system in which you’ll practice—it doesn’t replace professional expertise.

Couldn’t I learn this at any healthcare university?

You may encounter elements of it elsewhere. At SCU, however, this broader perspective is part of the environment in which you’ll learn from the beginning—not simply a topic you’ll encounter in an individual course or elective.