Occupational Therapy OTD, (Post-Professional)

OT Doctoral Program Coordinator: Ellen McLaughlin, EdD, OTR/L

At Misericordia University, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of occupational therapy leaders. Ideal for those aspiring to take on educational or administrative roles, the Post-Professional OTD (PPOTD) degree  emphasizes evidence-based practice, public policy and advocacy, clinical scholarship and program development. The clinical dissertation experience uniquely supports an individualized advanced project. Each student also completes 6 credits of electives, for a total of 24 credits for the doctoral coursework.

Curriculum and Program Delivery

All courses in the post-professional doctoral program are offered in an online format. PPOTD Weekends are held on campus once or twice per year, and students have the option of attending these on campus or virtually. The typical course sequence is over a 4 semester or 16 month period, although individualized time frames may be designed upon approval of the PPOTD Program Director.

Program Goals

The OTD program goals are focused in areas of research, advanced practice, leadership and administration. Graduates will:

1. be proficient in critically appraising, applying and contributing to evidence that supports occupation-based practice.
2. synthesize and apply advanced theoretical concepts and clinical skills in selected areas of practice.
3. enhance their leadership and advocacy skills to promote occupational participation in light of human dynamics and private and public policy influences.
4. design and administer effective, fiscally responsible client-centered programs.
5. Integrate principles of teaching and learning into knowledge translation efforts to the benefit of students, the community and/or the profession.

Admission Criteria:

A Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy or related field. Students with Master’s degree in a related field must have an undergraduate statistics course and a graduate level research course.

	Licensed OT
	Completed application including official transcripts, two references, statement of professional goals
	Minimum GPA of 3.0 in graduate studies
	Interview

Accepted students begin the PPOTD program during in the fall semester. Elective credits may be taken prior to formal matriculation into the OTD program. Refer to the Misericordia University web site for application and interview dates.

To apply for admission, students must submit the following:

	Online application form
	$60 application fee
	Application statement of purpose and practice goals
	Current Resume
	Official transcripts for occupational therapy education
	Copy of NBCOT certification
	Copy of current state license/certification in a US jurisdiction
	Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score with a minimum of 550 (213 if computer generated).
	Two letters of recommendation (one recommendation must be from a licensed occupational therapist).

Applicants must apply online.

Up to 6 credits of prior graduate level coursework may be applied to post-professional OTD requirements. Request for consideration must be made at point of acceptance.