“Occupational therapists make a significant and positive impact on the quality of life of their clients. In this incredibly rewarding career, you provide services to people of all ages with sensory, cognitive, psychological, and physical difficulties—helping them to develop or regain important life skills. This might mean helping an individual learn to live and thrive independently or assisting someone to return to their daily routine after an injury or surgery"
- Samuel Merritt University, 2022
We Need Your Support
The majority of students in the Occupational Therapy program use loans to cover the cost of tuition and housing during the 2.5-3 year program duration. Upon graduation, loans are promptly ready for repayment. In order to practice as an occupational therapist and earn an income to repay the loans, students must pass The National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
The costs of the NBCOT exams are not covered through our program, the exam is an out-of-pocket expense of $555 per student plus study packs which are an additional $75.
Who You Are Supporting
Our Goal
Our goal is to raise enough money to cover our entire cohort 2023/2024 NBCOT exam and study pack costs, the cohort consists of 55 students composed of both masters and doctoral students.
Our 2023/2024 OT Cohort
Kaila Graham, OTDS
"Hello, I am a second year doctoral student in the 2023/2024 cohort. From the beginning of our program we are academically prepared through lectures, clinics/labs, and exams for success to pass the NBCOT exam upon graduation; however, the financial burden of this test is placed on us the students. Having the financial means to help cover additional study materials and the exam itself would allow someone like me to be able to take one less shift at work to put in extra study times. Passing the NBCOT will allow me to join fellow occupational therapists in working to improve the quality of life of others"
Cristyn D. Amaral, OTDS
"Hello, I am a second year doctoral occupational therapy student in the 2023/2024 cohort. As a first generation student and a parent, graduate school has been a financial hardship and the NBCOT exam expense is a high out of pocket expense for students. Your support is valued and appreciated by my classmates and myself. Thank you!"
Our 2023/2024 OT Cohort
Help us address this real, often unexpected, financial burden with a gift to the "2023/2024 Cohort NBCOT Examination Relief Fund" this Giving Tuesday.
Equivalent cost of basic study materials for NBCOT Certification Examination
Cover multiple expenses like examination registration fee, costs of basic study materials, and licensing fees
Cover the full cost of the NBCOT Certification Examination and associated expenses for 1 student. Named scholarship opportunity for donor or in the name of donor's loved one