Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Program Overview

Belmont University's Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program prepares students to become highly competent entry-level occupational therapists. The program emphasizes advanced practice development, leadership, professional growth, and community engagement. With a high NBCOT pass rate and a robust faculty team, Belmont's OTD program equips graduates to excel in the rewarding field of occupational therapy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Belmont University aims to equip graduates with the expertise to excel in this rewarding healthcare profession. The program focuses on enabling students to help individuals flourish through meaningful activities and occupations.

Key Objectives:

• Graduate Entry-Level Competent Occupational Therapists:
Prepare students to become proficient and confident entry-level occupational therapists with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
• Advanced Practice Development:
Guide students in selecting an area of advanced practice, building upon their generalist skills and aligning with their individual interests and career aspirations.
• Leadership & Advocacy:
Foster leadership qualities and equip students to advocate for the profession and their clients, promoting inclusivity and equity.
• Professional Growth & Engagement:
Encourage lifelong learning and engagement with the occupational therapy field, staying current with advancements and contributing to evidence-based practice.
• Service & Community Engagement:
Provide opportunities for students to serve the community alongside faculty and peers, including international service-learning opportunities.

Program Highlights:

• Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
• High NBCOT pass rate, consistently exceeding national averages.
• Robust faculty team with diverse practice areas and specialties.
• Emphasis on service-learning, including international immersion experiences.
• Active participation in student organizations (BSOTA and COTAD) for professional development and advocacy.
• Extensive network of alumni contributing significantly to various facets of the profession.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Fall Semester: 18 Hours (12 credits)
• Foundations & Ethical Decision Making in OT
• Occupational Behaviors & Lab
• Psychosocial Dynamics in Mental Health
• Kinesiology/Anatomy & Lab
• Clinical Pathophysiology
• Introduction to Scholarship
• Leadership & Public Policy
• Spring Semester: 18 Hours (15 credits)
• Adult Human Development
• Occupational Performance I & Lab
• Clinical Studies I
• Neuroscience: Assessing Human Performance & Lab
• Quantitative Research Processes
• Educational Strategies in OT
• Summer: 6 Hours (5 credits)
• Managing OT Delivery Systems
• Qualitative Research Processes
• Special Topics in Therapeutic Modalities

Year 2:

• Fall Semester: 17 Hours (14 credits)
• Technology & Environmental Interventions I & Lab
• OT Research I
• Occupational Performance II & Lab
• Clinical Studies II
• Interventions in Cognition & Perceptual Disorders & Lab
• Capstone Planning Seminar I
• Level I Fieldwork & Seminar II
• Elective:
Independent Study in OT (1-3 credit hours)
• Spring Semester: 21 Hours (18 credits)
• Occupational Performance for Psychosocial Interventions & Lab
• Childhood & Adolescent Development
• Occupational Performance III & Lab
• Clinical Studies III
• Technology & Environmental Interventions II & Lab
• Level I Fieldwork & Seminar III
• Capstone Project Planning II
• OT Research II
• Elective:
Independent Study in OT (1-3 credit hours)
• Summer: 9 Hours (9 credits)
• Level II Fieldwork

Year 3:

• Fall Semester: 9 Hours (9 credits)
• Level II Fieldwork
• Spring Semester: 10 Hours (10 credits)
• Capstone Project

Assessment:

• Combination of written exams, clinical performance evaluations, research projects, presentations, and portfolio development.
• Emphasis on ongoing feedback and development throughout the program.

Teaching:

• Dynamic teaching methods including lectures, seminars, simulations, case studies, group discussions, and hands-on practical experiences.
• Experienced faculty with diverse clinical backgrounds and expertise.
• Guest speakers, field trips, and mentoring opportunities to enhance learning experiences.

Careers:

• Occupational Therapist
• Educator
• Researcher
• Entrepreneur
• Students are encouraged to participate in professional organizations like BSOTA, TNOTA, and AOTA.
• Opportunities to pursue Leadership development through Belmont GOLD and Mental Health First Aid Responder training.