Online Doctoral Occupational Therapy Program

Post-professional Programs in OT - Online Doctoral Level Programs -
See more at: Postprofessional OT Doctorate Programs

Arizona

Arizona School of Health Sciences, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Department of Occupational Therapy
A.T. Still University
5850 E. Still Circle
Mesa, AZ 85206-3618
Phone: (480) 219-6070; Fax: (480) 219-6100
E-Mail: lnishijima@atsu.edu
Web page: www.atsu.edu/ashs/online_programs/index.htm

Contact Person: Linda Nishijima, Program Manager

Degree(s) Offered:  Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Major Area(s) of Study: The role of occupational therapy in prevention and health promotion and wellness; program development and evaluation.

Area(s) of Concentration: The mission of the post-professional program OTD program is to enable occupational therapists in any practice area to develop roles and skills beyond that of the therapist-clinician; to educate them to become practitioner-scholars who can translate knowledge (including cross-disciplinary theories and research) into practice and who are capable of serving as agents of change in new and expanded arenas.

Distance Learning Options: This program is conducted through elearning (online) in its entirety.

Admission Requirements:
  • Initial certification as an occupational therapist from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
  • A master’s degree or higher from a US regionally-accredited college or university.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all prior undergraduate and graduate level coursework and degrees completed; minimum occupational therapy program GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale).
  • No GRE required.
  • An up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae.
  • A letter of intent providing a description of why the ATSU-ASHS OTD program was chosen by the applicant and how the program aligns with the applicant’s intended career goals.
  • Two letters of reference.
  • Interview (conducted via phone or SKYPE, based upon applicant preference) to identify the goodness of fit of the program for the applicant.
  • Official sealed transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • All students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English.
For further details and for international applicants interested in applying to the OTD program, please visit our website.

Special Features: This online program is entirely web-based allowing students to work at home at their convenience. It is supported by an online/virtual library. Students are admitted to the program once per academic year in the Fall Quarter and participate with a cohort of peers throughout the program.

Developed for the practicing occupational therapist, the program is designed to be completed in two years, including summers, based upon a part-time plan of study. The program requires a minimum of 48 quarter credit hours beyond the Master’s degree and includes the following coursework:

  • Occupational Therapy Doctoral Seminars (24 credits required – six four-credit seminar courses: The Role of OT in Health Promotion and Wellness; Program Development and Evaluation I & II; Strategic and Business Planning; Leadership and Advocacy; Writing for Publication)
  • Electives (8 credits required – two four-credit elective courses – such as: Disability Studies, Organizational Behavior, Policy Analysis, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning).
  • Doctoral Project (16 credits – eight two -credit doctoral project courses taken in sequence together with one’s cohort of peers throughout the duration of the program)
In addition to coursework, program requirements include completion of a doctoral project and submission of a professional portfolio with artifacts representing the attainment of core competencies.

Financial Aid: Financial support, including private and federal loans, is available for students accepted into the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program at the Arizona School of Health Sciences through the Student Financial Assistance Office. This office assists students in developing a comprehensive financial assistance package based on individual needs. 800.626.5266, ext. 2529; http://www.atsu.edu/ashs/programs/occupational_therapy/financial_assistance.htm.

Institutional Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association; http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/ - See more at: http://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Find-School/Postprofessional/PostprofessionalOT-D.aspx#sthash.UEjJeu4k.dpuf

 

California

Loma Linda University Department of Occupational Therapy
School of Allied Health Professions
Nichol Hall A901
Loma Linda, CA 92350-0001
Phone: (909) 558-4628; Fax: (909) 558-0239
E-mail: mmercado@llu.edu
Web site: http://www.llu.edu/otd

Contact person: Julie Kugel, OTD, OTR/L, Program Director, Postprofessional Doctor of OT Program, jkugel@llu.edu

Degree(s) Offered: Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Area(s) of Concentration: The capstone project is developed by the student to allow for creativity and innovative programming and research.

Distance Learning Options: Program is fully online.

Admissions: Master's degree from an accredited institution, 6 months of professional experience, current license in occupational therapy.

Special Features: The program is consistent with the mission of Loma Linda University, a Seventh Day Adventist Christian health sciences institution, "to make man whole." Service to mankind is the ultimate goal of a helping profession. By developing advanced skills and expertise, students can increase their effectiveness in program development and implementation, professional knowledge, as well as research and leadership skills.

Financial Aid: Some financial support is available. Contact us for more information.

Institutional Accreditor (Regional): Western Association of Schools and Colleges; http://www.wascweb.org/


University of Southern California Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
1540 Alcazar, CHP-133
Los Angeles, CA 90003
Phone: (323) 442-2850 or (866) 385-4250; Fax: (323) 442-1540
E-mail: otdept@usc.edu
Web site: www.usc.edu/ot/

Contact Person: Sarah Kelly, OT/L, Director of Admissions

Degree(s) Offered: Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD); PhD in Occupational Science

Major Area(s) of Study: Occupational Science; Occupational Therapy

Area(s) of Concentration:
OTD: Four leadership tracks provide for the customization of a laser-focused route to achieve academic and professional goals within a specific concentration: advanced clinical practice track; research track; policy/administration track; pedagogy track.

PhD: Research - qualitative and quantitative research approaches, translational research, randomized controlled trials, gerontology, development, neuroscience, Lifestyle Redesign

Distance Learning Options: Not available at this time.

Admission Requirements:
OTD: Complete the Graduate Examination Record (GRE) general test within the last five years with a minimum score of 153 on the verbal section, 144 on the quantitative section, and 3.5 on the analytical writing section; evidence of completion of a baccalaureate or master's degree in occupational therapy; GPA of 3.0 or greater.

PhD: Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test within the last five years with a minimum score of 156 on the verbal section and 146 on the quantitative section; evidence of completion of a baccalaureate degree; GPA of 3.0 or greater.

Special Features:
OTD: With a multitude of paths from which to choose, OTD graduates will develop new occupational therapy interventions based on studies in occupational science, design and oversee occupational therapy programs that focus on the health-giving features of occupation, influence public policy with knowledge of how occupation impacts health, or become clinical faculty members in occupational therapy education programs.

PhD: The PhD in Occupational Science Program is designed to prepare career scientists who will produce impactful translational research. The hallmark of our program is the immersion of students in research laboratories under the direction of the PhD faculty mentors with extramurally funded research programs. Within these laboratories, doctoral students gain experience in interdisciplinary research and grantsmanship including study design, data collection, data analysis, dissemination, and theory building.

Financial Aid: Traineeships, salaried employment in community teaching assistantships, research assistantships, scholarships, student loan.

Institutional Accreditor (Regional): Western Association of Schools and Colleges; http://www.wascweb.org/


Connecticut
Quinnipiac University 275 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518-0569
Phone: (877) 403-4277
E-Mail: quonlineadmissions@quinnipiac.edu
Web page: www.quinnipiac.edu/qu-online

Contact Person: Valerie Schlesinger, Director of Admissions

Degree(s) Offered:  Occupational Therapy Doctorate; OTD Bridge Program

Major Area(s) of Study: The occupational therapy doctorate is designed for practicing registered occupational therapists who want to merge their experience and practical skills with prevailing professional knowledge and scholarship. The program enables occupational therapists to advance their skills in order to become future leaders and evidence-based scholars of the profession.

The online program offers an opportunity for practicing occupational therapists to continue their education without interrupting their careers. The pace of the program is designed to further the American Occupational Therapy Association's Centennial Vision by creating practitioners equipped to lead the profession to meet society's occupational needs and to be agents of change within their communities and the occupational therapy profession.

Area(s) of Concentration: Practitioners develop refined skills in one of three tracks, allowing increased specialization and direct practical application. Each student will designate a chosen track at the end of the first year of study. Tracks are designed to offer the students the ability to focus on a particular area of interest. The three tracks are designed to cover a variety of populations and settings, allowing the student latitude to focus study to a particular area within the track if desired. The tracks are as follows:
1) Children and Youth: Continuum of Participation
2) Environmental Adaptations
3) Adult Healthcare Continuum: Rehabilitation, Community and Wellness

Distance Learning Options: Online

Admission Requirements: Visit Web site for full admission details at www.quinnipiac.edu/qu-online

Special Features: All classes are taught be experienced full-time faculty. Student support is provided seven days per week by QU Online which is a part of the university. Support is also offered by a dedicated online librarian, as well as virtual meetings with the faculty.

Financial Aid: Visit Web site for more details: www.quinnipiac.edu/qu-online

Institutional Accreditor: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education; http://www.neasc.org/


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