Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Occupational Therapy (3+3) Program

The Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Occupational Therapy (3+3) program at Jefferson East Falls Campus is designed for high school students who know early on that they want to become occupational therapists. This program allows students to seamlessly complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in less time than would be required to complete both of these degrees separately.

Program Overview

Undergraduate courses and extra-curricular experiences provide students with a foundation to develop the knowledge, values, and interpersonal skills needed for success as an occupational therapist. During the first three years of undergraduate coursework, students complete major requirements for the bachelor's degree, including the university's college studies courses and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program prerequisites.

Program Structure

Students who meet the graduate OTD Program progression criteria can matriculate into the doctorate program by enrolling in first-year OTD graduate coursework during their fourth year of undergraduate studies. At the end of the fourth year, students are awarded the bachelor's degree and, upon completion of graduate OTD program requirements, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Occupational Therapy (3+3) requires uninterrupted enrollment. Once accepted, students may not accelerate (i.e., take additional courses during the academic year or summer semesters to shorten program length) or decelerate (i.e., take a reduced course load in a semester and add another year to undergraduate study). Students unable to meet progression criteria within three consecutive years are not eligible to enroll in OTD coursework. They must change their major to the undergraduate major to complete the bachelor's degree.

Program Options

BS in Exercise Science Option

This BS in Exercise Science is offered in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. All OTD Program prerequisites are completed within the undergraduate degree requirements.

BS in Health Sciences Option

The BS in Health Sciences track is offered in the College of Health Professions. All OTD Program prerequisites are completed within the undergraduate degree requirements.

BS in Psychology Option

The BS in Psychology is offered in the College of Humanities & Sciences. All OTD Program prerequisites are completed within the undergraduate degree requirements.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Occupational Therapy (3+3) program includes a combination of undergraduate and graduate coursework. Students learn about the classes and schedule options available for completing their degree.

Program Details

• College: College of Rehabilitation Sciences
• Degree: Bachelor of Science, Doctorate, Bachelor's, Doctor of Occupational Therapy
• Campus: East Falls
• Format: On Campus
• Credits: 115
• Duration: 6 Years
• Starting Term: Fall
• Enrollment Options: Full Time

Leadership and Faculty

The program is led by experienced faculty, including Professor E. Adel Herge, OTD, OTR/L FAOTA, who serves as the Site Program Coordinator for the BS OTD Program in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Jefferson - East Falls Campus.