Program Overview

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Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program in AL – Faulkner University

Program Overview

The Faulkner University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is designed to prepare students for a career in occupational therapy. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and prepares students to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapists.

Program Semesters

• 8 semesters
• 110 credit hours
• 24 weeks of full-time clinical experiences
• 14 weeks of Capstone Experiential

Admissions

Degree and GPA Requirements

• Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to the start of the OTD program and have a cumulative undergraduate institutional GPA of at least a 3.0.
• Relevant graduate work may be considered at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Prerequisite Courses and Prerequisite GPA Requirement

• All applicants must complete each of the following prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better and must have a minimum prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale.
  • 4 credits Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and/or Kinesiology credits (lab not required)
  • 4 credits Anatomy & Physiology I or Anatomy credits (lab required)
  • 4 credits Anatomy & Physiology II or Physiology credits (lab required)
  • 8 total credits Psychology and/or Sociology
  • 3 credits Mathematical or Psychological Statistics credits

Letters of Recommendation

• Two letters of recommendation are required with the application.
  • One letter must be from a licensed occupational therapy practitioner (OT or OTA) who can provide information about your professional demeanor, communication skills, and understanding of occupational therapy.
  • One letter must come from a professor, a community leader (such as a coach, mentor, or former employer), or a trusted individual in a position of moral or ethical guidance who can speak to your character, sincerity, and dedication to completing a graduate professional program.

Observation Hours

• Minimum 20 hours observation required with licensed OT or OTA.
• 2 different settings are preferred.

Personal Statement

• The personal statement is expected to be your own work not generated, enhanced, or developed with AI.
• Complete the Supplemental Information, Attestations, and Essential Functions Form.

Curriculum

Course Sequencing

• Students must complete all program requirements according to the Degree-Plan Course Sequence guide.
• The program is aware that circumstances may arise that would require an extension of the time needed to complete the program course requirements and that delays may affect an on-time, on-schedule graduation.

Course List

• Year 1: Semester 1 (Fall)
  • OTD 6520: Basic Science I: Human Anatomy (5 credits)
  • OTD 6312: Movement Science I (3 credits)
  • OTD 6313: Pathology and Medical Management (3 credits)
  • OTD 6330: Basic Tenets of OT Practice I (3 credits)
  • OTD 6240: Service in Occupational Therapy I (2 credits)
• Semester 2 (Spring)
  • OTD 6420: Basic Science II: Neuroscience (4 credits)
  • OTD 6333: Basic Tenets of OT Practice II (3 credits)
  • OTD 6434: OT Across the Lifespan: Adult Population (4 credits)
  • OTD 6352: Treatment Techniques to Enhance Performance (3 credits)
  • OTD 6120: Fieldwork IA (1 credit)
• Semester 3 (Summer)
  • OTD 6331: Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
  • OTD 6430: OT Across the Lifespan: Pediatric Population (4 credits)
  • OTD 6350: Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
  • OTD 6200: Ethics, Service, and Multiculturalism in OT (2 credits)
  • OTD 6432: OT Across the Lifespan: Mental Health Population (4 credits)
  • OTD 6121: Fieldwork IB (1 credit)
• Year 2: Semester 4 (Fall)
  • OTD 7433: OT Across the Lifespan: Aging Population (4 credits)
  • OTD 7353: Adaptive Equipment and Patient Care Concepts (3 credits)
  • OTD 7350: Qualitative Research (3 credits)
  • OTD 7212: Clinical Communications (2 credits)
  • OTD 7122: Fieldwork IC (1 credit)
• Semester 5 (Spring)
  • OTD 7255: Wellness and Health within the Community (2 credits)
  • OTD 7342: Current Policies and Social Systems Related to OT (3 credits)
  • OTD 7256: Faith, Health and Quality of Life (2 credits)
  • OTD 7257: Servant Leadership (2 credits)
  • OTD 7241: Service in Occupational Therapy II (2 credits)
  • OTD 7300: Fieldwork Preparation (3 credits)
• Semester 6 (Summer)
  • OTD 7920: Fieldwork IIA – 12 weeks (9 credits)
• Year 3: Semester 7 (Fall)
  • OTD 7922: Fieldwork IIB – 12 weeks (9 credits)
  • OTD 8360: Doctoral Capstone Project (3 credits)
• Semester 8 (Spring)
  • OTD 8140: Doctoral Capstone Experience (14 credits)

Tuition and Fees

• There will be additional costs of the program not charged through Faulkner University, including background checks, clinical education expenses, vaccination, drug screens, health insurance, etc.
• It is estimated that students should plan for at least $14,000 each year for living expenses and transportation.

Withdrawal and Reimbursement

• Due to the nature of the program, withdrawal from one course in the curriculum is withdrawal from the entire program.
• Registration is considered a contract binding on the student.
• If the student officially notifies Faulkner University of the withdrawal, the withdrawal date is the date, as determined by the University, that the student began the withdrawal process or otherwise provided official notification to the Registrar’s Office, in writing, of his/her intention to withdraw.

Student Support Services

The College of Health Sciences Learning Resource Center (LRC)

• The College of Health Sciences Learning Resource Center (LRC) is dedicated to assisting students in developing into independent, lifelong learners who achieve in both academic and professional settings.
• The LRC is dedicated to providing high-quality instruction, knowledge progress, and moral and spiritual values so that the community can benefit from these efforts.

Accessibility

• In conjunction with Faulkner’s community principles and overall mission, the Center for Accessibility acknowledges disability as an integral part of the campus experience.
• We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity to all campus programs and services for individuals with disabilities.

Student Health Center

• The Health Center is located on the west side of the first floor of the Tine Davis Gym on the Montgomery campus and provides a Registered Nurse (RN) to assist students with basic health care needs.

Eagle’s TimelyCare

• Faulkner University offers medical telehealth visits for all Faulkner students.
• Students have access from their mobile devices or any web-enabled device (Smart Phone, iPad or computer) to Eagle’s TimelyCare, which provides 24/7 medical telehealth care.

University Counseling Center/Eagle’s Timelycare

• The University Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies (Harris-Parker Building) on the Montgomery Campus.
• The University Counseling Center provides confidential counseling services for personal, emotional, social, and mental health concerns students may experience while attending Faulkner.

Campus Ministries

• Campus ministries promote and support the culture of faith and Christian service at Faulkner.
• Campus ministries provide students with an opportunity to engage in fellowship, Bible study, devotionals, leadership, involvement, and evangelism with other Christians.

Food Services

• The J. L. Perry Cafeteria, located in the Student Commons on the Montgomery campus, offers a traditional college dining hall experience.
• The Grille, located in the Student Multiplex on the Montgomery Campus, is fast food service offering items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and steak quesadillas, wings, wraps, and salads.

Printing and Copier Supplies

• The College of Health Sciences provides toner and paper in the computer laboratories, and the learning resource centers.

Miscellaneous Spaces in the College of Health Sciences

• 9 private small group study spaces
• a private lactation room
• male and female locker rooms located near the lab spaces
• large student commons area with tables, couches, and chairs and multiple wall outlets to charge personal electronic devices

Professional Development

Student Professional Organization Membership

• The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national organization dedicated to serving the occupational therapy profession and the Alabama Occupational Therapy Association (ALOTA) is the state organization dedicated to serving the occupational therapy practitioners.
• All Faulkner OTD students are required to become student members of AOTA at the start of the program and maintain membership through graduation.

Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)

• The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) has elected officers from the OTD class.
• Students are required to be active members and participate in SOTA.

Professional Conference Participation

• Faulkner University strongly encourages students to get involved in leadership and professional activities including attending professional conferences and meetings.

Student and Program Outcomes

• The first cohort of students will graduate in May 2025.
• Student and Program Outcomes including total program graduates and graduation rates with a direct link to the NBCOT program data results will be posted as soon as the information is available on NBCOT.

OTR Certification and Credentialing

• Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• After successful completion of the exam, the graduate will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR).
• In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination.

Program Handbooks

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Handbook Cohorts 2, 3, and 4
• Fieldwork Manual for Students and Educators

Non-Discrimination

• Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards students, faculty, staff, and persons served in the program’s clinics.
• This includes prohibitions on discrimination based on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

Grievance Processes

• The College of Health Sciences has established formal policies and processes to handle submitted student complaints.
• Complaints should be registered formally when a Faulkner student has exhausted their efforts in resolving an issue with the University, its personnel, or any other current student.

Program Accreditation

• The Faulkner University entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
• Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).