Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Overview

The Department of Occupational Therapy offers a doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD), an entry-level practitioner degree which is designed to give the motivated student increased exposure and experience in research, evidence-based practices and leadership roles. The full program requires 6 1/2 years: 4 years of undergraduate coursework (127 credits) and 2 1/2 years of graduate coursework including two summers of fieldwork (53 credits).

Admissions

During the junior year, students in good standing and with a GPA of at least 3.0 may apply for entry into the OTD track; admissions will be limited to top candidates and is not guaranteed. (Students not entering the OTD track will remain in the MS track).

Fieldwork Requirement

All students engage in three Level I fieldwork assignments during the undergraduate years: 40 hours for each rotation associated with practice courses in children and youth, mental health, and physical rehabilitation. Two 12-week Level II fieldwork assignments are completed during the two summers of the graduate years.

Capstone

Following successful completion of all coursework and fieldwork the OTD student must complete an off-site, 14-week Capstone Experience that furthers professional knowledge in one or more of the following eight areas:  clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, and education. Preparation for the Capstone occurs over the course of three semesters under the supervision of a faculty mentor and in conjunction with a community mentor.

Academic Regulations

All OTD students are expected to conform to the regulations stated in both The University of Scranton Graduate Studies Catalog and the Department of Occupational Therapy Student Handbook. Additional information about the program is available at the Occupational Therapy website.

Curriculum OTD Degree

Total undergraduate (127) and graduate (53) credits for the OTD Degree: 180

Courses	Fall Cr	Spring Cr	Summer Cr
Undergraduate Courses: BS in Health Sciences required for admission into the graduate program, including OT 491 and OT 493 (see Undergraduate Catalog for full listing of required courses) 127 cr
Fifth Year Courses
OT 581 - OT Level II Fieldwork-I (Equivalency Credit)			6
OT 520 - Advanced Occupational Performance I	3
OT 521 - Advanced Occupational Performance II		3
OT 526 - Neurocognitive and Neuromotor Challenges	3
OT 525 - Occupational Therapy in Community Settings	3
OT 530 - Topics in Occupational Therapy I	1
OT 531 - Topics in Occupational Therapy II		1
OT 542 - Understanding Disability and the Therapeutic Relationship		3
OT 550 - Graduate Seminar in Theory		3
OT 701 - Doctoral Capstone I	3
OT 702 - Doctoral Capstone II		3
Year 5 Credits	13	13	6
Sixth Year Courses
OT 582 - OT Level II Fieldwork- II (Equivalency Credit)			6
OT 703 - Doctoral Capstone III	2
OT 744 - Advanced Leadership Principles, Ethics and Pragmatics	3
OT 750 - Advanced Assessment Across the Lifespan	3
OT 730 - Topics in Occupational Therapy III	1
OT 780 - Capstone Experience		6
Year 6 Credits	9	6	6
Total Program Credits (127 credits undergraduate, 53 credits graduate) 180 credits total

Level II Fieldwork I and II are required 12-week clinical rotations that are completed on a full-time basis in different practice areas including physical rehabilitation, mental health, pediatrics, hand therapy, and community-based settings.