Program Overview

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Findlay is a three-year graduate program designed to equip students with the coursework, experiential learning, and fieldwork experiences necessary to fulfill leadership roles and advanced positions in the occupational therapy field.

Three-Year OTD Program

The program is designed to be completed in nine consecutive semesters with summer terms. An early assurance option is available to high school seniors who complete their bachelor's degree at the University of Findlay. A 3+3 Wellness and Health Promotion or Psychology to Doctor of Occupational Therapy path are available to UF undergraduates who qualify.

Curriculum Information

The program includes:

• 88 academic course credits
• 3 Level I Fieldwork credits (120 hours)
• 12 Level II Fieldwork credits (960 hours)
• 2 Doctoral Capstone Project credits
• 7 Doctoral Capstone Experience credits (560 hours)

Level I Fieldwork is integrated throughout the academic program, Level II Fieldwork follows the completion of all academic requirements, and the Doctoral Experience provides students with an opportunity to enhance their skills and expertise in specific areas of interest (i.e., clinical practice, administration, advocacy, research, and/or education).

Admission Requirements

Students wishing to apply for admission to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program must complete the admission criteria and prerequisite courses. Students enrolled at the University of Findlay are given special consideration.

Program Entry Points

Students interested in entering the OTD program can choose from the following options:

• Post-Baccalaureate: Students who have completed, or are in the process of completing, a bachelor’s degree and the required prerequisite courses from any university may apply through OTCAS one year prior to the year they intend to enter the OTD program.
• University of Findlay Students:
  • Early Assurance: High school seniors have the option to apply for Early Assurance, which reserves a seat in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program following the completion of their bachelor's degree and required criteria at the University of Findlay. Students must have a 3.5 GPA (3.5 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
  • Undergraduate Pathways: Students interested in the OTD program can choose any bachelor's degree that meets the OTD prerequisites, but the university offers several clear pathways that fulfill all program requirements. Pathways include exercise science, intervention specialist, wellness and health promotion, psychology, and social work. Students who choose one of these options will apply for the OT program during their senior year of undergraduate studies, and if accepted, begin OT courses in the summer following graduation.
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy 3+3 Pathways: University of Findlay is the only institution in the state of Ohio to offer two 3+3 pathways to OTD - Wellness and Health Promotion or Psychology. In the 3+3 model, students complete three years of undergraduate coursework and three years of graduate school to complete the doctorate in a total of six years. A bachelor's degree is earned after successful completion of the first year of OTD curriculum.

Experiential Learning

University of Findlay's Occupational Therapy Program makes experiential learning a priority. Students will "learn by doing" in a variety of settings. With curriculum focused on community outreach and fieldwork, OT students have many opportunities to practice what they learn in the classroom in real-life scenarios. The program also has an adaptive living house that allows students to learn and practice occupational therapy techniques.

Accreditation Status

The University of Findlay’s entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has been granted Accreditation with a 7-year review cycle by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Graduates 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 this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.