Utica College

Programme overview

Utica University's entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) is an ACOTE-accredited, New York State-approved professional doctorate intended to develop clinicians who can practice as generalists and then progress into roles that influence the profession, community and policy. The curriculum is delivered through the School of Health Professions and Education and may be undertaken as a six-year dual pathway from freshman admission or as a three-year program for applicants holding a related bachelor’s degree.

What you'll study

The curriculum provides two years of foundation knowledge and skills for generalist practice across diverse settings, followed by a third year focused on advanced inquiry and professional influence. Students complete a total of 105 credits over eight semesters, which include fieldwork experiences and a 14-week capstone. Coursework emphasizes theory, best practice, advocacy, education, leadership and other areas that equip graduates to act as change agents within the profession.

Entry requirements

Freshman (dual-degree) applicants:

• High school GPA of 85.0 or higher
• High school rank in the top 25 percentile
• Demonstrated strength in science and math, including at least one year of biology, one year of another science (e.g., chemistry or physics), and three years of math

Transfer applicants must meet the University’s undergraduate transfer requirements.

Applicants entering the OTD with a bachelor’s degree must have:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2
• Completed prerequisite courses prior to starting the program, including:
• A 4-credit Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (or equivalent)
• A 4-credit Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (or equivalent)
• An applied anatomy course (gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, or equivalent)
• Kinesiology or Biomechanics
• Introductory Sociology or Anthropology
• General or Introductory Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Lifespan Psychology/Human Development/Developmental Psychology covering birth through adult
• Medical Conditions and Implications/Pathophysiology/a three-credit Medical Terminology course
• Statistics
• Research Methods (psychology- or sociology-based)

All prerequisite courses must be completed to be considered for admission. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions or the Department Chair for application details.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to enter clinical practice as generalist occupational therapists and to advance into roles emphasizing advocacy, education, leadership and research. The third-year curriculum explicitly targets development as an agent of change, supporting careers that influence practice standards, community health initiatives, professional education and organizational leadership within occupational therapy.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

While specific scholarships are not listed on this page, prospective students should consult Utica University's financial aid and graduate admissions offices for information on program-specific scholarships, graduate funding, and assistantships. Professional organizations and student chapters such as the Student Occupational Therapy Association and the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity may also provide networking and funding opportunities.