Admissions

Columbia University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy are proud to be one of the oldest yet exceptionally progressive programs that prepare occupational therapists. Our long tradition of excellence began in 1941, when the first students were admitted to a two-year diploma course. Since that time, thousands of graduates have enriched the lives of consumers all over the world. This is why we are consistently ranked among the top programs by USNews and World Report.

Our professional program prepares competent occupational therapists who, by virtue of their graduate professional education, can enter the field of health care primarily as practitioners, with beginning skills in research, administration, indirect service, and education. The curriculum is based on the premise that students attain competence by learning in collaboration with their peers; by applying what they learn in a classroom to practice settings; and by developing skills for lifelong learning.

Students come into this program with a strong foundation in the liberal arts, including the humanities and sciences. Professional education builds on and refines this knowledge base and develops skills in concept formation, analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving.

Our students work closely and collaboratively with our nationally distinguished faculty in and out of the classroom. Clinical experiences begin in our first semester and are embedded throughout our programs, giving students the ongoing opportunity to apply therapeutic principles. Experiences with community partnerships further add to their knowledge and skills in prevention, and in community engagement. And, students are involved in research projects that add to the growing body of knowledge in the field of occupational therapy.

Located in upper Manhattan and part of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, our students have access to all the resources of Columbia University in addition to the breadth of resources within New York City. Our community is a wonderful place in which to live and learn. All of this contributes to how we see the need, we meet it, we exceed it.

Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Requirements

Institutions are required to provide certain general disclosures for educational programs, regardless of modality, that prepare students for professional licensure.

The required information relates to whether or not the educational program meets the requirements for professional licensure in all other states.  Where applicable, an institution must also indicate when such a determination cannot be made.

Professional licensure and certification requirements may vary state to state. This information is also subject to change.  Students should contact the appropriate licensing agency for his or her home state to obtain the most up to date information.

Columbia University’s Program in Occupational Therapy is accredited by Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®) and thereby does meets the academic requirements for licensure in all 50 states.

Date of Last Revision: 6/18/20

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• Admissions Requirements
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• Information Sessions
• Directions to the Program
• Admissions Staff

Contact our staff with any questions by emailing otadmissions@cumc.columbia.edu or by calling 212-305-5267.