Program Overview

Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at Xavier University is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as occupational therapists. This full-time, in-person program empowers students to become competent and caring occupational therapists, leaders, advocates, and scholars.

Program Overview

The OTD program integrates rigorous coursework with extensive clinical placements and research opportunities. Students master foundational knowledge while developing essential skills through hands-on experience, preparing them for a rewarding career as an occupational therapist.

Admission

To apply, students must submit their application via OTCAS, the common online occupational therapy application system. OTD classes begin in the Fall of each year, with an early action deadline of October 1 and a regular deadline of February 1. Applications will remain open until all seats are filled.

• Admission requirements can be found on the Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Degree Admission Requirements webpage.
• A diverse applicant pool is encouraged to apply.
• Student Groups & Organizations offer encouragement, motivation, and camaraderie for all.
• Conveniently, off-campus housing can be found in multiple locations near campus.

Information Sessions

Information sessions are available for prospective students to learn more about the OTD program. These sessions provide an opportunity to:

• Explore the cutting-edge facility with an exclusive tour of the OTD Clinic, Activities of Daily Living, and Technology labs
• Get answers to questions in a live Q&A with an OTD faculty member
• Learn about the admissions process and program prerequisites
• Explore the curriculum and hands-on learning experiences

Curriculum

The OTD program curriculum includes:

• Year 1:
  • Fall:
    • 501 Functional Neuroscience (3cr.)
    • 502 Occupational Sciences (3cr.)
    • 505 Occupational Therapy Professional Standards/Ethical Practice (3cr.)
    • 508 Occupational Therapy Theory (3cr.)
    • 510 Therapeutic Skills (2cr.)
    • 512 Therapeutic Skills Lab (2cr.)
  • Spring:
    • 520 Occupational Therapy Measurement and Assessment (3cr.)
    • 522 Occupational Therapy Quantitative Research Methods (3cr.)
    • 524 Occupational Justice (3cr.)
    • 526 Occupational Therapy Process Behavioral Health (3cr.)
    • 528 Behavioral Health Lab (1cr.)
    • 531 Occupation-Based Movement Analysis (1cr.)
    • 532 Focused Topic Occupational Therapy Evidence-based Practice (1cr.)
    • 534 Capstone Overview (1cr.)
• Year 2:
  • Fall:
    • 600 Occupational Therapy Process Pediatrics (3cr.)
    • 602 Pediatrics Lab (1cr.)
    • 606 Occupational Therapy Qualitative Research Methods (3cr.)
    • 608 Environmental Analysis (3cr.)
    • 610 Focused Topic School-based Practice (1cr.)
    • 630 Occupational Therapy Management and Supervision (3cr.)
    • 530 Focused Topic Grant Writing (1cr.)
    • 614 Level I Fieldwork Pediatrics (1cr.)
  • Spring:
    • 604 Capstone Development I (3cr.)
    • 620 Occupational Therapy Process Adults (3cr.)
    • 622 Adults Lab (1cr.)
    • 712 Level I Fieldwork Adult/Older Adults (1cr.)
    • 626 Assistive Technology for Lifespan (3cr.)
    • 628 Assistive Technology Lab (1cr.)
    • 633 Scholarship III: Scholarly Study (3cr.)
    • 634 Focused Topic Lab: Prosthetics, PAMs, Splinting (1cr.)
• Year 3:
  • Fall:
    • 700 Occupational Therapy Process Older Adults (3cr.)
    • 701 Occupational Therapy Process Older Adults Lab (1cr.)
    • 705 Capstone Project Development II (3cr.)
    • 706 Advanced Practice: Population Health & Community-Based Practice (3cr.)
    • 708 Occupational Therapy Leadership & Advocacy (3cr.)
    • 612 Focused Topic Academia (1cr.)
    • 624 Culture and Occupation (1cr.)
    • 714 Level I TIDE Fieldwork (1cr.)
  • Spring:
    • 720 Level II Fieldwork A (6cr.)
    • 722 Level II Fieldwork B (6cr.)
• Year 3.5:
  • Fall:
    • 800 Capstone Practicum (6cr.)
    • 802 Capstone Dissemination (3cr.)

Program Cost

Tuition details can be found on the Occupational Therapy Program Costs webpage. Additionally, OTD scholarships and financial aid are available to help students cover the costs of their graduate education.

Program Features

• International and immersive fieldwork experience aligned with Xavier's mission
• Community-engaged learning built into nearly 40% of courses
• Top-tier labs and facilities in the newly-constructed Health United Building
• Badges and certificates in MoCa, CarFit, QRP Suicide Prevention, and CITI Training for research
• Jesuit Education, cultivating a holistic approach to care

Accreditation

The Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Certifications

Upon graduation, students are prepared to sit for the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and become an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Students may also obtain certificates in MoCA, CarFit, QRP Suicide Prevention, and CITI Training for research.

Program Length

The full-time OTD program spans seven semesters over 3.5 years. Part-time options are not available.

Faculty Spotlight

Leah Dunn, EdD, OTR/L, focuses on research methods, advocacy, and leadership, emphasizing experiential learning and supporting capstone experiences and immersive experiences.

FAQ

• Is Xavier's Occupational Therapy program accredited? Yes, by ACOTE.
• What certifications does the OTD program prepare students for? NBCOT and certificates in MoCA, CarFit, QRP Suicide Prevention, and CITI Training for research.
• Is Xavier's OTD program in-person or online? In-person.
• How long is the program? 3.5 years, with summers off.