Although the College does not specify a set number of hours, the Admissions Committee looks for a solid letter of recommendation from an OT supervisor in a clinical setting. Special Opportunities UC occupational therapy students are encouraged to become active in the student OT association, which offers a variety of services to the College and to the community while, at the same time, helping to prepare the student for professional life. This association sponsors in-service programs which bring clinicians from the community onto the campus. In addition, the association supports the student by providing tutoring and advising. Clinical opportunities are provided throughout the student's academic program, but are highlighted during four fieldwork experiences.
Graduates often find their first job as a result of a successful placement.
Faculty members remain active in the field, practicing in their specialty areas which include pediatrics, gerontology, home-based service, consultation in technology services, industrial rehabilitation, and mental health. In addition, their commitment to the community and to the profession can be seen in their services to a variety of advisory boards and the state OT association. Research is being carried out by faculty members in the areas of rehabilitation counseling, school-based practice, program evaluation, fieldwork education, and higher education. Besides classroom instruction, faculty members serve as advisers to students admitted into the program. Advisers are assigned to students upon admittance and remain unchanged throughout their four years.