Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Curriculum

Bridge from BS 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 health care have evolved, so have the educational requirements for students. This track is designed for individuals who currently have a BS in occupational therapy with initial National Certification Board for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT/AOTCB) certification that are looking to advance their education and earn their doctorate.

Students in the Bridge from BS 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 BS to OTD track, students will be assigned an adviser within the occupational therapy program who will help to determine an individualized plan of study.

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.

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 health care 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.