Professional Development Opportunities for OTs
Fall 2008 Advising for Entry-Level MS Program
Summer 2008 Advising for BS/MS Program
Open Position: Fieldwork Director

The Occupational Therapy Program at San Jose State University (SJSU) is one of the best established programs in the West. Founded in 1943, our national reputation for excellence is based on a superior academic curriculum, distinguished faculty, and accomplished graduates. Our MissionThe Mission of the Occupational Therapy Department at San Jose State University is to develop occupational therapists for positions of responsibility and leadership in a culturally diverse society. To that end, the program is dedicated to graduating occupational therapists who use a client-centered approach that supports the client's engagement and participation in meaningful occupations in context. What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational Therapy is a field in which one can bring together a variety of interests -- medicine, psychology, psychiatry, work activities, music, art, dance, and crafts (adopted by the Representative Assembly, American Occupational Therapy Association, March 7, 1981).

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Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?

The term "occupation" means all the activities that occupy meaningful day-to-day living, including work, self-care, and leisure. Occupational Therapy is a health profession that helps people who have been affected by accident or injury, disease, aging, developmental delay, or psychological
disability to make the necessary lifestyle changes to become more self-sufficient and independent.

A career in Occupational Therapy offers the opportunity to work in an exciting and growing health care field. In addition to working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes, therapists work in public and private schools, day care facilities, patient homes, corporations, and private practice.

Occupational Therapists apply their knowledge to treat diverse individuals, such as:

As of 2007 a masters degree will be necessary in order to practice as an entry-level occupational therapist in the United States. Therefore, San José State added 30 graduate units to the current program of study for junior/junior transfers within the occupational therapy program. When successfully completed, students will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination and to practice as an OTR (occupational therapist, registered).For further information, contact the Occupational Therapy Department Office at 408-924-3070.

Where Can I Find Out More?

Check out our internet resources page for more links.

Candidates must meet the requirements for admission to the University as well as the requirements for the Occupational Therapy Department. The application process is as follows:

For transfer students applying to BS/MS Occupational Therapy program, Pattern I, an application to the CSU can be filed online www.csumentor.edu. In addition, submit an application packet (call the OT Department to receive at 408-924-3070). This packet includes a personal data form, 2 volunteer evaluations (40 hours with an OTR, and 40 hours at a community agency), and 1 set of transcripts during the application period.

For on campus SJSU students applying to BS/MS Occupational Therapy program, Pattern I, submit an application packet (call the OT Department to receive at 408-924-3070). This packet includes a personal data form, 2 volunteer evaluations (40 hours with an OTR, and 40 hours at a community agency), and 1 set of transcripts during the application period (online copies from Admissions and Records are acceptable).

For people with a completed bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, biology, etc.) applying to the Entry-Level MS Program, Pattern II, submit an application packet (call the OT Department to receive at 408-924-3070 or email: otgrad@casa.sjsu.edu; application also available by clicking on http://www.sjsu.edu/ot/ms.html#forms. This packet includes an application form, an evaluation form for volunteer experience (100 hours of volunteer or paid experience with an occupational therapist), and a form for letters of recommendation.  Please click on “entry-level m.s. Pattern II ” on this home page for further application criteria.  Applicants must also apply to San Jose State University--the online application to San Jose State Graduate Studies is available at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/

For Freshmen, apply to the University with Occupational Therapy as your major, attend scheduled freshmen orientation, meet with the Occupational Therapy departmental advisor.

For people with a bachelors/baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited or WFOT approved program who are applying to the post-professional (online) Master's program, apply online to the university starting October 1. Please click on online Master's program for detailed information about the application process and to download application forms. You will need three letters of recommendation, sealed and sent to the OT department. Complete the Departmental Student Application Form.

Deadlines for admission to the occupational therapy programs for Fall 2008:
Combined BS/MS (Pattern I): April 4, 2008
Entry Level Master's (Pattern II): Feb. 10, 2008
Advanced MS (Distance Format): Open until the class is filled.

1. For further information on the BS/MS program
   (Entry level combined baccalaureate and master program),
   Please contact Professor Amy Killingsworth. akillingsworth@casa.sjsu.edu
2. For further information on the entry level masters program
   (For people with baccalaureate degrees in other fields)
   Please contact OTGrad@casa.sjsu.edu or Rochelle McLaughlin at rmclaughlin@casa.sjsu.edu
3. For further information on the post-professional distance masters program (for people who have a degree in occupational therapy and are already practicing occupational therapists), please contact Dr. Pam Richardson at Pamela.Richardson@sjsu.edu.