Online Occupational Therapy Master’s Bridge
journey today.
Pursue Advanced Study in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Occupational therapy (OT) professionals play a vital role in helping individuals regain independence and enhance their quality of life by promoting health and well-being. GCU’s Online Occupational Therapy Master’s Bridge program offers a strategic pathway into the MS in Occupational Therapy program.
The bridge program is designed to fulfill the prerequisite requirements for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy through essential undergraduate coursework. You will explore concepts such as foundations of human behavior and mental processes, data analysis and interpretation, the terminology used in healthcare settings and how social structures impact health and wellness.
Bridge Your Bachelor’s to a Future in Occupational Therapy
This occupational therapy bridge program can support students who hold a non-OT bachelor’s degree and are seeking a pathway into the occupational therapy master’s program. Through the bridge program, you can develop a deeper understanding of the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for a career in occupational therapy. This preparation can help ensure a smoother transition into the graduate-level curriculum.
GCU’s is committed to helping you discover your purpose as a future healthcare professional through our integration of faith and learning.
Convenient Online Learning
As an online student at GCU, you’ll have access to a wide range of online learning tools through our Learning Management System. These include interactive eBooks, discussion forums tailored to OT topics and calendar reminders to help you stay organized throughout your studies.
MS in Occupational Therapy Bridge Program Coursework
The bridge program coursework provides the knowledge and skills needed to establish a strong academic base in key areas of occupational therapy. You’ll explore areas like psychology and behavioral sciences, therapeutic interventions, research methods and evidence-based practice. These competencies can give you a solid foundation as you prepare for graduate-level study.
You will explore coursework in essential occupational therapy topics such as:
Psychological theories
Physical, social and cognitive development over the lifespan
Probability and statistics
Concepts, theories and methods in sociology
Human anatomy and physiology
The definition, use and origins of medical terminology
The development of abnormal psychological patterns and disorders
Understanding cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine systems
Complete Your OT Master’s Bridge at an Accredited University
Grand Canyon University has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, ensuring a strong academic foundation for students pursuing degrees in occupational therapy. This longstanding accreditation reflects GCU’s commitment to supporting future occupational therapists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about the master’s in occupational therapy bridge program.
Through targeted coursework in psychology, anatomy, human development and healthcare terminology, you’ll build a strong base for advanced study in occupational therapy. This program is ideal for those seeking a career change or looking to fulfill requirements for entry into a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.
Yes, occupational therapists typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy, as well as valid state licensure. The requirements for licensure vary depending on the state, but all candidates must pass a qualifying exam and complete a minimum amount of field work hours.1
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for occupational therapists to increase by about 14% from 2024 – 2034, much faster than average, with an estimated increase of 10,200 jobs, per year, in the field.1 This level of growth suggests a growing need for qualified occupational therapists.
Take the next step toward a career in occupational therapy by enrolling in GCU’s OT bridge program.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2025, Aug. 3). How To Become an Occupational Therapist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists, retrieved October 2025.