Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Curriculum

The Occupational Therapy department offers multiple avenues for registered occupational therapists to advance their education.

Bridge from BSOT to OTD

This program recognizes the fact that a number of experienced practitioners previously entered the field of occupational therapy when the bachelor’s degree was the accepted entry-level degree. As demands within healthcare have evolved, so did the educational requirements for students. This track is designed for individuals who currently have an entry-level BS in occupational therapy with initial National Certification Board for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT/AOTCB) certification to form a bridge from BS to an OTD.

Students in the Bridge from BSOT to OTD track will complete 12 credits of graduate coursework over the course of two semesters prior to beginning the doctoral phase of the program. Upon admission to the BSOT to OTD track, students will be assigned an adviser within the occupational therapy program who will work with students to determine an individualized plan of study. This program begins in the spring semester.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

To be eligible to apply directly to the online post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, students need to have completed either a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy with a separate master’s degree or a master’s degree in occupational therapy. The program provides students with an opportunity to integrate clinical experience with theoretical concepts within the clinical literature, incorporate advanced concepts of policy and advocacy into practice, and develop the capacity for clinical scholarship. Students can customize most assignments to their own area of interest so that they can immediately apply what they are learning into their practice environment.

On-Campus Residency Requirement

All students in the online post-professional OTD program are required to attend one summer course at Quinnipiac University for the duration of one week (OT 656). Students also are required to attend the Symposium Day at the completion of the second year to present their final project.

Interprofessional Program of Distinction

In addition to their degree, students in the post-professional OTD program will have an option to earn a Distinction in Interprofessional Healthcare Education. Visit the Interprofessional Healthcare page on our website for more information.

Class Schedule

OTD classes begin in the fall. The program requires five semesters: two academic years and summer between.

Occupational Therapy Course of Study

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A portion of this course is taken at Quinnipiac University to fulfill the residency requirement.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.00.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the occupational therapy doctorate program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Leadership: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of leadership skills.
2. Advocacy: Synthesize knowledge of healthcare policies and systems to be an advocate at an individual, group and population level.
3. Evidence-Based Practice: Critique clinical practice based on current theoretical concepts and evidence within the clinical literature.
4. Research: Contribute to occupational therapy clinical research and scholarship.