Why Choose Occupational Therapy Schools in California?

What makes occupational therapy schools in California such a great choice? From cutting-edge hospitals to community-based care, students of Occupational Therapy are exposed to a diversity of patient needs and treatment environments. In a field where demand keeps growing, forward-thinking programs like the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at SCUHS give you the practical experience and professional network to thrive. 

At SCU, we believe great OT education doesn’t stop at theory—it comes to life in practice. At our California campus, students gain access to premier clinical sites, a growing job market, and a vibrant network of healthcare leaders. Let’s break down why California is one of the best places to earn your OT degree—and build a fulfilling career.

What Sets SCU Apart from Other Occupational Therapy Schools

Not all OT programs are created equal. At SCU, we go beyond the traditional online model to deliver a truly engaging, hands-on learning experience designed for today’s healthcare landscape.

Synchronous Learning + Hands-on Experience

Unlike many programs that rely on pre-recorded, asynchronous lectures, our courses are live and fully interactive. You’ll learn in small, virtual classrooms where faculty know your name, and where you prepare to learn by doing, not just listening.

Students come together for three weeks on campus each term to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. These immersive sessions allow for practical skills development, peer collaboration, and direct 1-on-1 faculty mentorship. Our small classroom sizes are reflective of our faculty’s commitment to personalized learning of holistic principles that are best taught through individual praxis, not industrial sized lecture halls. At SCUHS you’ll be guided by the steady hand of a mentor who knows your name.

Expert Faculty and Proven Results

Learn from esteemed faculty such as Dr. Heather Thomas and Dr. Emily D. Grullón, and many others, who are shaping the academic landscape of occupational therapy whilst also connecting with successful alumni. SCU’s career services and alumni connections provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, employment, and professional growth.

Our California campus brings world-class expertise, medical leadership, and a passion for advancing occupational therapy.

Lifestyle Medicine Focus

SCU is a recognized leader in lifestyle medicine, teaching students to address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. This approach equips graduates to improve patient outcomes in diverse settings, from hospitals to community-based care.

Head-Start Toward Additional Credentials

Earning an OTD at SCU gives students a head start on additional certifications that enhance their expertise and career opportunities. Our curriculum includes Physical Agent Modality (PAM) courses, which can be applied toward the California PAM certification, helping graduates expand their treatment capabilities. 

Additionally, our Wellness & Lifestyle Health coursework qualifies as a substitute for the 10-hour conference requirement for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) Certification Exam. These added credentials give SCU students a competitive edge, allowing them to enter the workforce with specialized skills that set them apart in the rapidly evolving field of occupational therapy.

High Pay, High Demand: Why California is a Top State for OTs

California is one of the best states to work as an Occupational Therapist. With high demand, excellent salaries, and diverse career opportunities, it’s no surprise that so many occupational therapists are choosing to build their careers here.

Not only do OTs in California earn significantly more than the national average, but they also have access to a broad range of specialties, cutting-edge healthcare, and some of the most dynamic job markets in the country. 

High Demand for OTs

California is one of the top states for OT employment, and demand is only growing. Why?

• Aging population: More seniors need rehabilitation services, home healthcare, and mobility support.
• Expanding healthcare services: The state’s push for preventative and rehabilitative care has created more OT positions in hospitals and outpatient settings.
• Diverse patient needs: California’s diverse population means OTs often work with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and healthcare needs.

This combination makes California one of the best places for occupational therapists looking for job security and career growth.

Diverse Career Opportunities

California’s OT industry isn’t limited to hospitals and rehab centers. OTs here can pursue careers in a wide range of specialized fields, including:

• Tech-driven telehealth: Collaborate and heal remote patients using cutting-edge digital platforms and virtual care technologies developed right here in California.
• Corporate wellness & ergonomics: The world’s most influential companies call California home, help them design healthier workspaces and prevent injuries.
• Pediatrics & school-based therapy: Support children with developmental and learning challenges across California’s extensive school systems, making a direct impact on future generations.
• Private practice & sports rehab: Help athletes, performers, and active adults in industries ranging from entertainment to elite sports, helping clients achieve peak performance and recovery.

The vast variety of roles means you can shape your OT career to match your interests and lifestyle.

With high salaries, strong job growth, and endless career possibilities, it’s easy to see why California is one of the best states for occupational therapists. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your OT career to the next level, this is the place where opportunities—and paychecks—are bigger.

Why California is Leading the Way in OT Innovation and Training

Occupational therapy is evolving fast, and California is at the forefront of healthcare innovation. With access to world-class hospitals, cutting-edge technology, and progressive treatment approaches, OT students in California are preparing for a field that is becoming more advanced—and more exciting—every year.

From VR therapy and 3D-printed adaptive devices to integrative healthcare models, students in California experience an OT education that goes beyond the traditional classroom. Let’s explore why learning in this environment gives future OTs an edge.

Access to Top Healthcare Facilities

California is home to some of the most prestigious hospitals, research institutions, and rehabilitation centers in the country. This means OT students here have opportunities for:

• Clinical rotations in top-tier healthcare facilities, gaining real-world experience with leading professionals.
• Exposure to complex and specialized cases—from neurological rehab to pediatric therapy.
• Networking with experts in cutting-edge OT fields, opening doors for career growth.

Learning in this environment means students graduate with hands-on experience that sets them apart.

Early Exposure to Emerging Technologies

The future of occupational therapy is deeply connected to technology, and in California, students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools early in their education. Virtual reality therapy is transforming rehabilitation, telehealth is expanding access to care, and 3D printing allows for personalized adaptive devices. AI-driven rehabilitation tools are also emerging, giving OT students a competitive edge in modern patient care.

Diverse & Progressive Healthcare Approaches

California isn’t just ahead in technology—it’s also a leader in integrative and holistic health practices. OT students gain experience in:

• Blending traditional rehabilitation with innovative wellness strategies, including mindfulness-based therapy and alternative interventions.
• Working with diverse patient populations, from urban trauma centers to rural healthcare programs.
• Learning in an environment that values interdisciplinary collaboration, where OT intersects with mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine.

This exposure ensures that graduates enter the workforce ready to adapt, innovate, and lead in an evolving field.

Innovation, Flexibility, and Career Readiness—SCU’s OTD Program Has It All

The field of occupational therapy is changing, and so is OT education. At SCU, we’re making it faster, more flexible, and future-focused. Our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program blends online learning with immersive hands-on training, integrates cutting-edge technology, and even lets students enroll without a bachelor’s degree—only 90+ college credits required.

With an accredited curriculum, high-tech training tools, and a streamlined path to licensure, we prepare students for diverse career opportunities in a rapidly evolving field. Here’s what makes SCU’s OTD program stand out.

Accreditation & Career Readiness

A degree is only valuable if it leads to licensure and real career opportunities. That’s why SCU’s OTD program is ACOTE-accredited, meaning students graduate fully prepared to:

• Sit for the NBCOT exam and become licensed occupational therapists.
• Enter the workforce with confidence, knowing they’ve trained with the latest methods and technologies.
• Step into diverse career paths, from clinical settings to specialized OT fields like telehealth, pediatrics, or corporate ergonomics.

We don’t just get our students to graduation—we set them up for long-term success in a field that’s constantly evolving.

Ready to Study Where Innovation Meets Opportunity?

With cutting-edge training, top-tier healthcare facilities, and access to diverse patient populations, occupational therapy schools in California offer students an unmatched learning experience. From emerging technologies like virtual reality therapy and 3D printing to a thriving job market with some of the highest OT salaries in the country, earning your degree here puts you at the forefront of the field.

At SCU, we’ve designed our OTD program to give students the flexibility, hands-on training, and career preparation they need to thrive. Whether you’re an OTA looking to advance, a career changer, or just starting your OT journey, this is the place to make it happen. Ready to kickstart your future in occupational therapy? Then take a look at our admission requirements and apply today!

FAQs

Why should I consider occupational therapy schools in California?

California is home to some of the most respected OT programs in the country, offering access to top-tier healthcare facilities, advanced technology, and a diverse population for clinical training. For those who plan to work in California after graduation, the state also offers strong job prospects and some of the highest OT salaries nationwide.

How long does it take to complete an OT degree in California?

Master’s-level OT programs (MOT) take about two to three years, while Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs typically take two and a half to three and a half years. Some accelerated programs allow OTAs or career changers to finish sooner. At SCU, our OTD program can be completed in just over two years—and you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to apply. Students with 90+ qualifying credits can enter directly, saving time and moving into the field faster.

What fieldwork requirements do OT programs in California have?

Accredited OT programs require both Level I and Level II fieldwork. Level I is introductory, while Level II involves full-time clinical rotations in hospitals, rehab centers, or community settings. These hands-on experiences are essential for licensure.

How does SCU’s online-blended format work?

Students complete 80% of coursework online, allowing for flexibility, while four short in-person sessions provide immersive hands-on training. This format makes it possible to earn an OTD without relocating or pausing your career.

Does SCU help students with clinical placements?

Yes! We work closely with students to secure high-quality fieldwork placements near their location. This ensures they gain real-world experience in a variety of OT settings.