Program Overview

Occupational Therapy

Entry-Level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Hybrid Program at Laredo, TX

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program prepares students with a bachelor's degree to become compassionate, evidence-based practitioners, scholars, and leaders who are committed to advancing participation in meaningful occupation across the lifespan. Grounded in a transformative, student-centered learning model, the curriculum integrates critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and reflective practice to support the development of professional identity and lifelong learning. Students engage in rich academic, simulated, and community-based experiences that emphasize the dynamic interaction of person, environment, and occupation. The program fosters a strong culture of inquiry, innovation, and inclusion, preparing graduates to generate and apply knowledge that promotes health, well-being, and belonging for individuals, groups, and communities.

This entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is a hybrid program that includes online didactic courses, in-person skills labs (on-site in Laredo), and clinical courses totaling 113 credit hours of coursework over 3 years. Level I Fieldwork is embedded in the first 2 years with Fieldwork Practicums. Level II Fieldwork follows the successful completion of all didactic courses with the capstone experience at the end of the 3rd year. All fieldwork education and doctoral capstone must be completed within 24 months of completion of academic coursework.

Admissions Requirements

• Application Opens: July 17, 2026
• Program Application Deadline: January 31, 2027
• The program has a rolling admissions process; applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the class is filled, and the alternate waitlist is complete.
• The Laredo hybrid program will be capped at 14 students.
• Interviews will be held September 2026 through February 2027.

Admissions Criteria

• Bachelor's degree in any area of study from an accredited college/university at the time of matriculation into the OTD program in Fall 2027
• Prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better completed by the Spring semester before starting the OTD program in the fall.
• Documentation of a minimum of 20 clock hours of unpaid observation with a licensed occupational therapist is required at the time of application.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation are required from individuals who can speak about academic abilities/aptitude, potential for clinical work, and professionalism.

Application Process

1. Create an account and follow directions listed at the OTCAS website once it opens in mid-July.
2. Complete and submit the OTCAS application as soon as possible.
3. Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
4. Pay appropriate fees to OTCAS.
5. Once the OTCAS application reaches verified status, it will be released to UTMB, and a supplemental application will be required.
6. UTMB Enrollment Services will process prerequisites and submit the application to the department for admission review.
7. Interviews will be conducted from September through February, with both virtual and in-person options available.

Fees

• The guiding principle for establishing the OTCAS application fees is to cover operational and administrative expenses.
• Fees are subject to change:
  • Base fee for one OTCAS application: $169
  • For each additional OTCAS designation: $71
  • UTMB Supplemental Application Fee: $40
  • UTMB Non-Refundable Enrollment Fee (if accepted): $200 to be credited to the first semester enrollment

GPA - Grade Point Average

• Cumulative Minimum: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Prerequisite Minimum: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Observation Hours

• Documentation of a minimum of 20 clock hours of unpaid observation with a licensed occupational therapist is required.
• Official verification of completed hours must be submitted with the application.

Prerequisite Courses

• Total Credit Hours: 26
• OTD applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better:
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab
  • Human Movement or Physics (Biomechanical)
  • Lifespan Human Development
  • Statistics
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Language, Philosophy, and Culture (formerly Humanities)

References

• Evaluators must submit ONLY electronic references directly to OTCAS.
• Applicants may enter up to five (5) evaluator names on the OTCAS application.

Transcripts

• Applicants must arrange for OTCAS to receive official transcripts directly from every regionally accredited U.S. institution attended.

Curriculum

The entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program includes both didactic and clinical courses totaling 113 credit hours of coursework over a period of 3 years.

• Level I Fieldwork is embedded in the first 2 years with Fieldwork Practicums.
• Level II Fieldwork follows successful completion of all didactic courses with the capstone experience at the end of the 3rd year.
• All fieldwork education and doctoral capstone must be completed within 24 months of completion of academic coursework.

Requirements for Graduation

• Completion with a passing grade ("C" or better) in all didactic coursework.
• A final cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.
• Completion of a doctoral capstone project experience.
• Completion of the required UTMB IPE Certificate Program.
• Participation in the on-campus NBCOT Board certification preparation workshop.
• Discharge of all financial obligations to UTMB.

FAQ

• Do I need to take a Graduate Record Exam (GRE)? No, it is not required.
• Do all prerequisites need to be completed by the application deadline? No, however, all prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the summer semester prior to enrollment.
• Are prerequisites offered on UTMB campus? No, all prerequisites must be completed at an accredited institution prior to enrollment.