Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online

What you'll study

The curriculum provides a generalist foundation across occupational therapy theories and practice areas while the OTD adds mentoring in servant leadership, training in research methods, and specialized preparation in a chosen area of practice such as clinical practice skills, research, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, or theory development.

• Example coursework: Occupational Therapy for Adult Populations; Doctor of Occupational Therapy Seminars I–IV; Leadership in Occupational Therapy; Specialized Occupational Therapy Preparation.
• Fieldwork: two 12-week fieldwork education rotations (totaling 24 weeks).
• Capstone: a 14-week doctoral capstone consisting of a capstone project plus an individual 14-week capstone experience to implement the project.

Entry requirements

All application materials are submitted through OTCAS and admissions operate on a rolling basis. Applicants must have or be expected to complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation. Minimum academic and application requirements include:

• Completed OTCAS application and official transcripts (English or translated) showing a bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2.
• Three letters of recommendation (one from an occupational therapist and at least one from a professional who has observed the applicant’s work).
• Documentation of at least 40 hours of volunteer/observation in professional occupational therapy settings (hours in multiple settings encouraged).
• Personal statement via OTCAS plus a supplemental question addressing spiritual/life experiences and clinical observation that influenced the applicant’s decision.
• Prerequisite coursework completed within seven years prior to enrollment; all prerequisites except Medical Terminology must be taken at an accredited school with grades of C or higher (Credit/No Credit not accepted). A maximum of 6 credit hours of prerequisites may be pending at application. Medical Terminology may be taken as a certificate or continuing education course.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination; successful completion yields eligibility for the Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) credential. State licensure is required to practice and is generally based on NBCOT results. The program emphasizes leadership, clinical specialization, research and program development roles; note that a felony conviction can affect eligibility to sit for the NBCOT exam or obtain state licensure.

Scholarships & funding angle

Admissions are rolling and applicants are encouraged to apply early to be considered for scholarships and departmental incentives. For the fall start, the program generally closes applications by May 5, though materials may be reviewed after that date by contacting the Department of Occupational Therapy.