Program Overview

Occupational Therapy: Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate

The Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (ELOTD) is designed for students entering with a degree in a field other than Occupational Therapy. This program combines a diverse curriculum, research, service learning, and fieldwork to provide students with a comprehensive education in occupational therapy.

Overview

As a student in the ELOTD program, you will develop into an occupational therapist with a passion for civic engagement, equipped to address the current and future occupational needs of individuals, populations, communities, and healthcare systems. Upon graduation, you are eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam.

Program Outcomes

The Tufts Department of Occupational Therapy has one of the country's top-ranked programs, promoting participation in meaningful activities for individuals, communities, and populations with diverse needs and experiences.

Application Requirements

• ELOTD applicants use the OT Common Application (OTCAS) to apply
  • Application Fee
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal Statement: Please use the OTCAS prompt
  • Kira Assessment: Starting in 2023, all applicants will complete virtual asynchronous interviews using the Kira Assessment platform
  • GRE General Test scores are not required for applicants who have a degree from an accredited U.S. institution by time of enrollment
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable
  • Transcripts
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Certificate of Hepatitis B Vaccination will be required upon acceptance/enrollment

Prerequisites

All prerequisites must be passed with a grade of B- or better and taken at an accredited college:

• One course in abnormal psychology or psychopathology
• One course in human/lifespan development
• One general course in the area of psychology, sociology, anthropology
• One course in human cell-based biology or human anatomy
• One course in human physiology
• One course in introductory statistics

Tuition and Financial Aid

See Tuition and Financial Aid information for GSAS Programs. This program is eligible for federal loans and Tufts tuition scholarships.

Faculty

The faculty members in the Occupational Therapy department have diverse research interests and areas of expertise, including:

• Nancy Baker: Chronic Pain, Virtual Reality, Musculoskeletal Health, Ergonomics
• Janet Brooks:
• Jennifer Buxton:
• Meredith Grinnell: Tele-health technologies, patient participation in healthcare outcomes
• Jessica Harney: Rehabilitation Management, Evaluation and Treatment of physical dysfunctions
• Margaret Morris: Occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in pediatrics
• Monica Pessina: Design and analysis of outcome-based studies in the acute care setting
• Brynn Speroni: Brain Injury, Neurological Disorders, Substance-Use Community Programming
• Elizabeth Whitney:
• Ryan Whitney: Complex medical pediatric occupational therapy, fieldwork education

Related Programs

• Occupational Therapy: Post-professional Master's
• Occupational Therapy: Post-Professional Doctorate
• Assistive Technology Certificate
• School-Based Practice Certificate
• Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Certificate

Program Details

• School/Department: Occupational Therapy
• Program Director: Jessica Harney
• Location: Medford/Somerville
• Format: On-campus
• Commitment Options: Full-time
• Average Duration: 9 Semesters
• Credits: 106
• Tuition per Credit: $1270
• Eligible for Aid/Scholarship: Yes

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in occupational therapy, preparing them for a career in this field. With a strong focus on research, service learning, and fieldwork, graduates of the ELOTD program are equipped to address the occupational needs of individuals, populations, communities, and healthcare systems.