Program Overview

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Program Information

Degree

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Duration

103 Hours

Level

Graduate

Campus Location

Fort Wayne, IN

School/College

Brooks College of Health Professions

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is where science and knowledge of the human body meets individuals where it means the most: everyday life.

As a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) graduate from Trine University, you will be equipped to enable clients to develop, regain or adapt the skills to perform the activities needed to maximize functional independence.

Occupational therapists work in clinics, acute care including intensive care unit (ICU) settings, post-acute rehabilitation, school-based settings, or even in technology fields.

Trine University offers a premier opportunity to engage in an interdisciplinary environment that enhances students’ personal and professional journeys.

OT at Trine

As part of Trine’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, you’ll be immersed in our state-of-the-art Brooks College of Health Professions facility and master clinical skills and technology advances that reflect current and emerging practice.

Our curriculum includes five integrated clinical experiences, giving you extensive exposure to real-life occupational therapy practice before starting your 24-week full-time rotation.

Our program is built for students and incorporates content at multiple intervals, increasing in complexity, to ensure graduates are prepared for the workforce.

Your occupational therapy career

Once you complete your OTD degree at Trine, you will be prepared to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination.

You will have the training and clinical exposure to complete occupational therapy evaluations and design and implement treatment interventions for patients of all ages.

Your diverse experiences and interactions with Trine students in other health professions programs will equip you to effectively communicate among interdisciplinary healthcare teams, and you will be prepared to advocate for persons, groups and populations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Services, the number of jobs in the field are expected to grow 12% over the next decade.

Accreditation

HLC Trine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

ACOTE The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidity Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Additional Information

Cost and Investment

For information, visit the Cost and Investment page.

OTD Handbook

View the OTD Handbook

CARE

Trine University's OTD program is designed to provide a seamless transition from the classroom to clinical practice.

Our distinctive level I fieldwork model titled Clinical Application and Reflection Experience (CARE) offers early and consistent hands-on experience.

Starting in your first year and continuing throughout your 5 semesters on campus, you will engage in a series of rotations working alongside a classmate in real-world settings.

These placements, organized by our Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, will take place in a variety of settings, including pediatrics, adult rehabilitation, and geriatrics.

The rotations are designed to progressively build your skills and confidence, equipping you for success prior to beginning full-time level II fieldwork.

Our specialized CARE seminars provide a platform for reflection, mentorship, and further skill development.

This structured approach, combined with our spiral curriculum along with strong support from faculty and fieldwork educators ensures you are fully prepared for the challenges and rewards of a career in occupational therapy.

Doctoral Capstone Experience

The Doctoral Capstone Project is a culminating experience that provides students with in-depth exposure to a designated area of interest.

The project requires the synthesis of educational content gained throughout the curriculum, resulting in the creation of an innovative project that facilitates the advancement of the profession.

Students will collaborate with OTD faculty and community stakeholders to develop the project focus and project plan, including individualized student goals and objectives.

The capstone project is student-directed, which requires students to implement leadership skills as they actively manage each step of the capstone process.

Additionally, students will demonstrate adaptability to effectively navigate the dynamic nature of capstone project development and implementation.

Students will implement the project in the last semester of the program in OTD 7844 Doctoral Capstone Experience, followed by a presentation of the capstone project in the final week of the semester in which students will demonstrate synthesis and application of knowledge gained.

OTD Admissions Criteria

Trine University's OTD program does not offer credit for previous work experience, experiential learning, coursework, or advanced placement.

Transfer credit will not be accepted.

This policy ensures that all students complete the full scope of the OTD curriculum to meet program standards and achieve the competencies necessary for the degree.

Application Procedures

• Submit a completed application in the OTCAS system.
• Participate in a program interview, virtual or onsite.

OTD Direct Entry and Early Admission Path Criteria

Trine University's OTD program does not offer credit for previous work experience, experiential learning, coursework, or advanced placement.

This policy ensures that all students complete the full scope of the OTD curriculum to meet program standards and achieve the competencies necessary for the degree.

Direct Entry Path

• High school transcript showing a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal Essay- Candidates must complete a personal essay explaining why they desire to pursue an occupational therapy career.
• Evidence of Preparation: At the end of the candidate’s sophomore year at Trine, the candidate will submit evidence of preparation to the OTD program.
• Participate in a program interview, virtual or onsite.

Early Admission Path

• Trine University transcript (sophomores and juniors) showing a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal Essay- Candidates must complete a personal essay explaining why they desire to pursue an occupational therapy career.
• Evidence of Preparation: At the end of the candidate’s sophomore year at Trine, the candidate will submit evidence of preparation to the OTD program.
• Participate in a program interview, virtual or onsite.

OTD Graduation Requirements

Trine University OTD students are required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA (64 credits).

Per the course catalog, a 2.0 is an average score and is the lowest passing grade for graduate courses.

OTD students are allowed up to 8 course credits with a grade of C, however the cumulative GPA of 3.0 must still be maintained.

Following the successful completion of didactic coursework, students must pass 24 weeks of Level II Fieldwork rotations, the 14-week Doctoral Capstone Experience, and 1 credit Doctoral Capstone Presentation.

Trine University completes a degree audit for all students to ensure graduation requirements are met before a degree is conferred.

Withdrawal and Refunds

Refunds of tuition, room, and board due to withdrawal/drop are determined by the schedule on the Business Office website.

Refunds of tuition and room and board follow the schedule below.

• Week One—100%
• Weeks Two & Three—50%
• Week Four—0%

In the rare case an “exception” to the refund policy is granted, a $50 administration fee may be assessed.

Please note: If a student receiving financial aid withdraws during the semester, that aid is subject to the federal refund calculation.

Any student who is dismissed or suspended for misconduct shall not be entitled to any refund.

No refund is provided at any time on fees, books and supplies, or personal expenses.

NBCOT Program Data

NBCOT Program Data

Faculty

Courses

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APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM

• OTCAS Application