Occupational Therapy OTD, (Post-Professional)

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

The Post-Professional OTD degree addresses competencies required of leaders and advocates in the profession and emphasizes evidence based practice, current theories and trends, public policy and advocacy, occupational science, scholarship and program development. The comprehensive and specialized knowledge gained through the curriculum is essential in acquiring an advanced doctoral degree that will support future professional goals.  The capstone coursework requires the integration of these content areas into an individualized advanced project. Each student also completes 9 credits of electives, for a total of 33 credits for the doctoral coursework.

Curriculum and Program Delivery

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

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 PP-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).
	Two letters of recommendation (one recommendation must be from a licensed occupational therapist).

Applicants must apply online.

Up to nine (9) credits of prior graduate level coursework may be applied to post-professional OTD requirements. Request for consideration must be made at point of acceptance.