How MSOT Programs in California Are Integrating Assistive Technology and Innovation
As the field of occupational therapy advances, MSOT programs in California are evolving to include more hands-on training with innovative tools that support modern clinical practice. These MSOT programs with a focus on assistive technology and innovation help students build the knowledge and technical skills required to meet the complex needs of today’s clients.
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Stanbridge University provides students with access to advanced rehabilitation technologies, immersive lab environments, and outcomes-focused training designed to support their path toward licensure.
Robotic Rehabilitation Devices in California MSOT Programs
Robotic rehabilitation systems are becoming more common in occupational therapy programs that aim to prepare students for specialized practice. These tools enhance therapy for patients recovering from neurological injuries and allow students to apply intervention strategies using motion-guided technology.
The Gloreha Sinfonia is a robotic glove that supports hand and finger mobility by providing passive, active assisted, and active exercises. The MediTouch ArmTutor delivers guided shoulder and elbow therapy, offering real-time feedback on range of motion and motor patterns.
Stanbridge University was the first MSOT program on the West Coast to implement the Gloreha Sinfonia robotic glove and the MediTouch ArmTutor rehabilitation system¹ ². In the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab, students learn how to integrate these tools into treatment planning for upper-limb rehabilitation and motor recovery.
Social Robotics in Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Innovation in occupational therapy also includes the use of social robotics, particularly for pediatric clients. Tools like QTrobot are designed to support children with autism through structured, interactive routines that model communication skills, emotional regulation, and facial expressions.
Students engage with QTrobot in the Social Robotics Lab, where they explore how technology can support social-emotional learning goals. This experience at Stanbridge allows them to connect therapeutic strategies with real applications in pediatric occupational therapy, using structured curricula and consistent robotic interaction.
Advanced Anatomy Training With Synthetic Cadavers
In addition to robotics, some MSOT programs in California are expanding anatomical education through synthetic cadaver technology. Stanbridge University introduced the first SynDaver Synthetic Cadaver Lab on the West Coast³, giving students the opportunity to study lifelike anatomical models in a safe and consistent learning environment.
These synthetic cadavers replicate human tissues, muscles, and organs, allowing for highly detailed anatomical instruction without the use of live dissection. The lab supports coursework in clinical anatomy and reasoning, helping students build a stronger foundation for hands-on patient care.
Technology and Innovation in the Stanbridge MSOT Program
The occupational therapy master’s program at Stanbridge prepares students to become occupational therapy professionals through graduate-level research, immersive lab training, and exposure to advanced rehabilitation technologies. This hands-on approach supports clinical skill development and helps students successfully prepare for NBCOT-OTR certification.
Program highlights include:
- 1st Gloreha and Meditouch Robotic Rehab Devices on the West Coast¹,²
- 1st SynDaver Synthetic Cadaver Lab on the West Coast³
- 97% NBCOT Certification Pass Rate, 2024, OC campus⁴
This technology-supported learning environment helps students strengthen their clinical reasoning and prepares them to confidently transition into professional practice.
Learn More About the MSOT Program at Stanbridge University in California
Join the next generation of occupational therapy professionals and build your skills through graduate-level research, immersive lab experiences, and exposure to assistive technologies shaping today’s occupational therapy field.
If you’re exploring MSOT programs in California with a focus on assistive technology and innovation, the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Stanbridge University offers a technology-enhanced academic experience that supports preparation for the NBCOT-OTR certification and continued professional growth.
Attend an upcoming MSOT Information Session to connect with faculty, tour the labs, and learn more about the program.
Visit our MSOT program page to see how the curriculum is designed to help students gain confidence and competence in occupational therapy practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
MSOT programs in California may include robotic rehabilitation tools, synthetic cadaver labs, and social robots. Stanbridge University students train with the Gloreha Sinfonia glove, MediTouch ArmTutor, and SynDaver synthetic cadavers.
Robotic systems give students experience in tracking joint motion, guiding exercises, and measuring therapeutic outcomes. Devices like the MediTouch ArmTutor help students understand how to support motor recovery in real time.
Social robotics involves using robots to support therapy for communication, emotional expression, and attention. QTrobot is designed for pediatric clients, especially children with autism, to help improve social engagement in therapy sessions.
Synthetic cadavers provide a lifelike and reusable way for students to study anatomy without live dissection. They help build confidence in identifying muscles, nerves, and organ systems in preparation for clinical application.
Stanbridge University is the first MSOT program on the West Coast to use Gloreha and MediTouch robotics1,2 and the SynDaver synthetic cadaver lab.3 The program also features immersive training labs and achieved a 97 percent NBCOT pass rate in 2024 at its Orange County campus.4
Hands on use of advanced technology improves clinical reasoning, problem solving, and patient care readiness. It also helps students build confidence and skills that support strong performance on the NBCOT certification exam.
¹Source: Stanbridge University. “Stanbridge University Acquires Advanced Italian Rehabilitation Robotics Technology.” 20 September 2022. /news/stanbridge-university-acquires-advanced-italian-rehabilitation-robotics-technology/9302400. Viewed on 28 March 2023.
²Source: Waterman, Alan, Clinical Project Manager at MediTouch. Email to Sarah Hamilton, Director of Media and Communications. 16 December 2021.
³Source: Sakezles, Christopher, President, SynDaver Labs. Email to Victoria Sauer, Director of Marketing, Stanbridge University. 16 October 2014.
⁴Source: NBCOT-OTR Pass Rates, 2022-2024, Orange County campus; National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance. As viewed on April 21, 2025.