Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional Program: OTD)

Program Overview

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The University of Illinois Chicago's Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is a post-professional degree that enhances advanced professional skills for occupational therapy practice, leadership, and scholarship. Delivered online or in a hybrid format, it emphasizes applying research to improve OT practice and participation opportunities, with a focus on career development and advancement for practicing occupational therapists. Admission requires an entry-level occupational therapy credential and a minimum GPA of 3.00.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

• Focus: Advanced professional skills for occupational therapy practice, leadership, management, scholarship, and education.
• Delivery: Completely online or as a hybrid in-person/online combination.
• Benefits for practicing occupational therapists:
• Career development and advancement opportunities.
• Innovative program development and evaluation opportunities.
• Less emphasis on original research compared to a PhD.
• More focus on applying existing research and evidence to improve everyday OT practice and participation opportunities.
• Scholarship of practice and mentoring model:
• Working closely with faculty members within their lines of inquiry.
• Mentored work that is relevant, forward-thinking, and impactful.
• Admission based on demonstrating a good match between student interest and faculty scholarship and expertise.

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Program Components:

• Core Courses: Research, theory, and proseminar.
• Advanced Practica: Clinical, teaching/education, leadership/management, and scholarship of practice applied research.
• Elective Courses: Customized to student interests and career goals.
• Field Exam: Required for graduation.
• OTD Project: Major work in an advanced area of specialization.

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Admission Requirements:

• Prior Degree: Entry-level occupational therapy credential (bachelor's or master's level) or current enrollment in the UIC Professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.
• Certification: Proof of certification or eligibility for certification in occupational therapy in the U.S., or an occupational therapy degree from a WFOT-approved program outside the United States.
• GPA: Minimum of 3.00/4.00 for all work beyond the baccalaureate level and at least 3.00a for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
• GRE General Test: Recommended minimum score of 150 on the verbal and quantitative sections.
Scores below 150 are acceptable if the GPA is sufficiently high to demonstrate academic potential.
• English Competency Test Score (for international applicants):
• TOEFL: 80 with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Test); 60 with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21 (revised Paper-Delivered Test)
• IELTS: 6.5 with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores
• PTE-Academic: 54 with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56
• Required Application Materials:
• UIC Application and P-OTD Application
• Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Curriculum Vitae
• Financial Documents (for international applicants)
• Academic Translations (for international applicants)

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Degree Requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 68 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate.
• Coursework:
• Core Courses: 28 semester hours
• Electives: 14 semester hours minimum, with total number determined by entry status.
• Fieldwork: 4-12 semester hours.
• OTD Project: 12 semester hours.

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Assessment:

• Fieldwork: Evaluated by fieldwork supervisors based on established performance criteria.
• OTD Project: Evaluated by faculty committee using established criteria.
• Coursework: Evaluated using a variety of methods, including exams, assignments, presentations, and participation.

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Teaching:

• Faculty: Experienced and accomplished occupational therapists with diverse research interests and areas of expertise.
• Teaching Methods:
• Online lectures and discussions.
• Case studies and simulations.
• Hands-on learning experiences (for hybrid option).
• Collaborative projects and assignments.

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Careers:

• Possible career paths:
• Clinical practice in various settings (hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, etc.)
• Leadership and management roles in occupational therapy departments or organizations.
• Research and teaching positions in academia.
• Program development and evaluation specialists.
• Advocacy and policy work related to occupational therapy and disability.
• Opportunities:
• Advanced career opportunities and increased earning potential.
• Greater influence on shaping the future of the occupational therapy profession.
• Increased opportunities for research, collaboration, and innovation.

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Other:

• Interdepartmental Concentration: Students can complement their studies by enrolling in concentrations like Gender and Women's Studies.
• Financial Aid: Available to eligible students.