Occupational Therapy OTD, (Post-Professional)

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

The OTD degree is designed to provide occupational therapists with advanced clinical, practice management, teaching, and administrative skills. The program emphasizes integration of theory and practice, professional and clinical skills, critical self-assessment, clinical reasoning and decision-making skills, advocacy and health policy. The post professional program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills that practitioners bring from clinical practice and life experiences. Students complete an individualized capstone project related to their area of specialization. Program graduates should qualify for upper level management positions in a diverse range of practice environments and will be poised to become leaders in the profession.

Curriculum and Program Delivery

The OTD curriculum is composed of 24 credits of core courses that address the competencies required of leaders and advocates in the profession. These courses address advanced theory, advanced research, program development and evaluation, occupational science, and public policy and advocacy. Capstone course work requires the integration of these content areas into a clinical project, which is formally evaluated and presented through professional presentation and/or publication. Each student also completes 9 credits in either a pediatric or geriatric specialization, for a total of 33 credits for the doctoral course work. A combination delivery model of face-to-face and distance learning is used.

Classes meet on campus one weekend day at the beginning and end of each semester. The program is designed to be completed part-time (2 classes per semester) over a two year tri-semester period.

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.

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, three references, statement of professional goals
	Minimum GPA of 3.0 in graduate studies
	Interview

Accepted students begin the OTD program during in the fall semester. Specialization 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).
	Three letters of recommendation (one recommendation must be from a licensed occupational therapist).

Applicants must apply online.