Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is a doctoral level degree preparing students for advanced professional practice in occupational therapy within the US healthcare system.
Careers open to occupational therapy graduates
Institutions awarding this level in occupational therapy (281)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences · San Marcos
- The University of Montana · Missoula
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Arcadia University · Glenside
- Creighton University · Omaha
- Baylor University · Waco
- South College · Knoxville
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston · Galveston
- College of St. Scholastica · Duluth
- Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff
- MGH Institute of Health Professions · Boston
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- Gannon University · Erie
- Tufts University · Medford
- Texas Woman's University · Denton
- University of Central Arkansas · Conway
- University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center · Oklahoma City
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions · Provo
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- University of Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- University of North Dakota · Grand Forks
- Quinnipiac University · Hamden
- Thomas Jefferson University · Philadelphia
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- University of Mary · Bismarck
- Saint Joseph's University · Philadelphia
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- Utica College · Utica
- Chatham University · Pittsburgh
- Midwestern University · Downers Grove
- Pacific University · Forest Grove
- Duke University · Durham
- University of Michigan–Flint · Flint
- Touro College · New York
- Franklin Pierce University · Rindge
- Nova Southeastern University · Fort Lauderdale
- Washington University in St Louis · Saint Louis
- Ithaca College · Ithaca
- University of Findlay · Findlay
- Columbia University · New York
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- Regis University · Denver
- Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- Chapman University · Orange
- Samuel Merritt University · Oakland
- A.T. Still University · Kirksville
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- Cleveland State University · Cleveland
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center · Lubbock
- Carroll University · Waukesha
- Belmont University · Nashville
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- Slippery Rock University · Slippery Rock
- University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham
- Bellarmine University · Louisville
- Hanover College · Hanover
- Touro University Nevada · Henderson
- Southwest Baptist University · Bolivar
- West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies · Los Angeles
- Azusa Pacific University · Azusa
- Methodist University · Fayetteville
- Daemen College · Amherst
- Widener University · Chester
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- Grand Valley State University · Allendale
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- University of Maryland, Baltimore · Baltimore
- Marquette University · Milwaukee
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Nebraska Medical Center · Omaha
- Mary Baldwin University · Staunton
- Saint Ambrose University · Davenport
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- Drexel University · Philadelphia
- Northeastern University · Boston
- Loma Linda University · Loma Linda
- New York Institute of Technology · Old Westbury
- High Point University · High Point
- Florida International University · Miami
- University of New England · Biddeford
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant
- University of the Incarnate Word · San Antonio
- Duquesne University · Pittsburgh
- Sacred Heart University · Fairfield
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga · Chattanooga
- University of Puget Sound · Tacoma
- University of South Dakota · Vermillion
- University of Delaware · Newark
- Lebanon Valley College · Annville
- St. Catherine University · Saint Paul
- Marymount University · Arlington
- Arkansas State University · Jonesboro
- Emory University · Atlanta
- College of Saint Mary · Omaha
- Des Moines University · West Des Moines
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science · North Chicago
- University of California-San Francisco · San Francisco
- Western University of Health Sciences · Pomona
- University of Toledo · Toledo
- Drake University · Des Moines
- Rockhurst University · Kansas City
- Misericordia University · Dallas
- George Washington University · Washington
- Midwestern University-Glendale · Glendale
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- Idaho State University · Pocatello
- Spalding University · Louisville
- Nazareth College · Rochester
- Kean University · Union
- University of Evansville · Evansville
- Western Carolina University · Cullowhee
- Dominican College of Blauvelt · Orangeburg
- University of North Texas Health Science Center · Fort Worth
- Russell Sage College · Troy
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- Elon University · Elon
- Youngstown State University · Youngstown
- University of Mississippi · Oxford
- University of Lynchburg · Lynchburg
- George Fox University · Newberg
- Huntington University · Huntington
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- University of Wisconsin–La Crosse · La Crosse
- Wichita State University · Wichita
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · San Antonio
- University of Saint Mary · Leavenworth
- Springfield College · Springfield
- Mount St. Joseph University · Cincinnati
- New York Medical College · Valhalla
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- Simmons University · Boston
- Old Dominion University · Norfolk
- University of Scranton · Scranton
- University of Vermont · Burlington
- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University · Baton Rouge
- D'Youville College · Buffalo
- University of North Georgia · Dahlonega
- Campbell University · Buies Creek
- Eastern Washington University · Cheney
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- Seton Hall University · South Orange
- Brenau University · Gainesville
- University of South Alabama · Mobile
- Rush University · Chicago
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine · Philadelphia
- Mercer University · Macon
- University of Hartford · West Hartford
- Samford University · Birmingham
- Wheeling Jesuit University · Wheeling
- SUNY Upstate Medical University · Syracuse
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- Trine University · Angola
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- Maryville University · Saint Louis
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- University of Dayton · Dayton
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences · Boston
- Hardin–Simmons University · Abilene
- Georgia Southern University · Statesboro
- Missouri State University · Springfield
- California State University, Fresno · Fresno
- Augusta University · Augusta
- Tennessee State University · Nashville
- Winston-Salem State University · Winston-Salem
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport · Shreveport
- Oakland University · Rochester Hills
- Messiah University · Mechanicsburg
- Concordia University Wisconsin · Mequon
- Marshall University · Huntington
- Husson University · Bangor
- Marist College · Poughkeepsie
- Mercy University · Dobbs Ferry
- Concordia University · Saint Paul
- Florida Southern College · Lakeland
- University of Massachusetts Lowell · Lowell
- Mount St. Mary's University · Los Angeles
- Western New England University · Springfield
- Walsh University · North Canton
- University of Mary Hardin–Baylor · Belton
- Emory and Henry College · Emory
- The University of Texas at El Paso · El Paso
- Stockton University · Galloway
- Northern Illinois University · DeKalb
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- Neumann University · Aston
- Governors State University · University Park
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans · New Orleans
- University of North Florida · Jacksonville
- Radford University · Radford
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
- Florida Gulf Coast University · Fort Myers
- University of Mount Union · Alliance
- Harding University Main Campus · Searcy
About
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is a doctoral level degree, representing the highest level of academic achievement in the field of occupational therapy in the United States. This degree is awarded by accredited institutions and is designed to prepare students for expert clinical practice, leadership, and research roles. The OTD sits at the top of the educational hierarchy for occupational therapy, above bachelor's and master's degrees, and it is essential for those aiming to become licensed occupational therapists. It is intended for students who have completed prerequisite undergraduate coursework and are committed to a career in healthcare focused on helping individuals develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. The degree is recognized by accreditation bodies specific to occupational therapy programs, ensuring quality and rigor. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national licensing exam, a requirement for professional practice in all US states.
- Doctoral level degree, highest in field
- Accredited programs ensure quality education
- Prerequisite undergraduate coursework required
- Prepares for clinical practice and leadership
- Leads to eligibility for national licensing exam
- Focus on occupational therapy in healthcare
How to get in
Admission to an OTD program typically requires completion of a bachelor's degree with specific prerequisite courses related to science and healthcare. Applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and often a personal statement or essay demonstrating their motivation and understanding of occupational therapy. Many programs also require relevant volunteer or work experience in healthcare settings. Admission is competitive, with selective criteria based on academic performance such as GPA, standardized test scores like the GRE (when required), and other holistic factors. Some programs accept applicants directly from undergraduate studies, while others prefer or require applicants to have prior healthcare experience. The Common Application is sometimes used for application submission, and financial aid options like FAFSA are available to eligible students.
- Bachelor's degree with prerequisites
- Competitive admission process
- Application materials include essays and recommendations
- Healthcare experience often preferred
- Standardized tests may be required
- Financial aid via FAFSA possible
Format and schedule
The OTD program generally spans three years of full-time study following undergraduate education. The curriculum is structured to include classroom instruction, laboratory work, and extensive clinical fieldwork or internships, which provide hands-on experience in diverse healthcare environments. Clinical placements are a critical component and are supervised to ensure competency development. Evaluations are continuous and include practical assessments, written exams, and performance evaluations during clinical rotations. Programs may offer some flexibility with part-time options or online coursework for certain theoretical components, but the clinical training requires in-person attendance. The credit hours required align with doctoral level standards and are regulated by accreditation bodies to maintain educational quality.
- Three years full-time study
- Includes clinical fieldwork and internships
- Continuous evaluation through exams and assessments
- Hands-on training in healthcare settings
- Some online coursework possible
- Accredited credit hours required
What next?
Graduates with an OTD degree are prepared to enter the workforce as licensed occupational therapists, eligible to take the national certification exam required for professional practice across all US states. They can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community health organizations. The degree also opens pathways to leadership roles, advanced clinical specializations, and academic or research careers. Some graduates may choose to pursue post-doctoral fellowships or additional certifications to further specialize. The OTD credential is recognized by employers and professional bodies, supporting strong career prospects. Alternatively, holders of this degree can engage in teaching or contribute to policy development in healthcare. Transfer or articulation agreements are generally not applicable at this level since it is a terminal degree.
- Eligible for national certification exam
- Work in diverse healthcare settings
- Pathways to leadership and specialization
- Opportunities in research and academia
- Recognized by employers and professional bodies
- Terminal degree, no further transfer
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to apply for an OTD program?
Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree with prerequisite courses in sciences and healthcare-related subjects. Academic performance and relevant experience are also important.
Is the OTD degree required to become a licensed occupational therapist?
Yes, the OTD is the doctoral level degree that prepares graduates to sit for the national certification exam required for licensure in all US states.
How long does it take to complete the OTD program?
Typically, the program lasts about three years of full-time study following undergraduate education, including classroom and clinical training.
Can I work while studying for the OTD degree?
Due to the intensive nature of the program and clinical requirements, full-time study is generally expected, though some theoretical courses may offer flexible formats.
What career options are available after earning an OTD?
Graduates can work as licensed occupational therapists in various settings, pursue leadership roles, specialize clinically, or engage in research and teaching.
Are OTD programs accredited and recognized?
Yes, programs must be accredited by recognized occupational therapy accreditation bodies to ensure educational quality and eligibility for licensure.
Do I need to take standardized tests to apply?
Some programs may require tests like the GRE, but requirements vary. It's important to check specific admissions criteria for each institution.
Is financial aid available for OTD students?
Eligible students can apply for financial aid through FAFSA and other sources, but funding availability depends on the institution and individual circumstances.