Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
College of Health Sciences
Degree Options:
Who Would be Interested in This Program?
The OTD Program is designed for occupational therapists with a master's degree who want to:
- Engage in occupation-based practice as a method of change to positively impact the future of the profession and the quality of occupational therapy services.
- Ethically and responsibly meet the needs of diverse client populations by addressing issues related to health disparity in rural and urban areas, as well as policy and legislation at local, state, and national levels.
- Serve as leaders of change at local, state, and national levels using tools such as program development, participatory action research, client education, and evidence-based practice.
- Use advanced clinical and ethical reasoning skills to improve occupational therapy services.
What Are the Requirements to be Admitted to the Program?
- A degree from an entry level occupational therapist program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). International applicants must have met all requirements for practice in their own country and graduated from an accredited or World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved occupational therapy program.
- Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). International applicants must provide documentation that they are eligible to practice as an occupational therapist in their home country.
- A master's degree.
- A graduate research methods course.
Where Are Recent Graduates of the Program Employed?
- Current students are employed in a variety of contexts, including clinical settings such as: home health, inpatient rehabilitation, early intervention, schools, hospitals and academic institutions.
