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: Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in OT

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 health care have evolved, so did the educational requirements for students. This certificate program 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. Following successful completion of this program, students receive a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies and are able to matriculate into Quinnipiac University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in OT

In two semesters of online coursework, occupational therapy practitioners can earn a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Quinnipiac University in their choice of three tracks:

School-Based Practice: This certificate program focuses on advanced topics in school-based practice. Students deeply explore legislation, assessment, intervention and innovative approaches to school-based practice.

Teaching and Learning: Students in this certificate program analyze learning theory and the relationship between learning theory and occupational therapy. Additionally, students explore various educational models and tools to enhance teaching and professional presentations.

Hand Therapy: Students explore best practices and evidence in hand therapy and synthesize their knowledge through a critique of clinical protocols and practice guidelines. This track is designed for practitioners who are currently working in a hand therapy setting.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

To be eligible to apply 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; a master’s degree in occupational therapy; or Quinnipiac University’s Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) 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.

Class Schedule

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

Occupational Therapy Course of Study

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.