If you’re interested in a career in occupational therapy, pursuing a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) may be strategic for your professional development.
Occupational therapy doctorate programs help you learn skills that are valuable to this in-demand field. They can also help current OT professionals advance their practice or qualify for leadership or teaching positions.
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Occupational therapists help others learn to live independently following a serious medical situation or diagnosis. They can also assist those with developmental disabilities or mental illness. Read on to determine if online OTD programs can help you reach your career goals.
Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy Programs
Online occupational therapy doctoral programs can help prepare you for a variety of entry-level and advanced career options within the field of occupational therapy (OT).
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The training involved in doctorate programs is more in-depth than the curriculum of bachelor’s or master’s degrees or of pre occupational therapy online or on-campus programs. As a result, you may be able to choose from a wider selection of job opportunities upon graduation. OT professionals aim to help patients regain independence after an injury, illness, disability, or other medical situation.
Some of the topics covered in Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs include:
- The human body, including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and biology
- How to assess an individual’s movement and diagnosis
- How to create a program that helps a patient perform daily skills, like personal care
- Procedures to measure progress and make adaptations as necessary
- How OT methods and duties can differ based on a client’s age, diagnosis, and culture
These skills are applied in a variety of settings and situations. For instance, some professionals who are trained in OT work in physical, mental, or substance abuse rehabilitation. Some work with children in educational settings, while others work with the elderly. Occupational health workers can also be prepared to address facility accommodations and expectations for compliance and return-to-work scenarios.
Current OT professionals may pursue an OTD in order to develop programs and experiments that enrich the future of occupational therapy. They may go on to become researchers, educators, or leaders in the field.
Occupational Therapy Careers & Salaries
Most individuals complete occupational therapy doctorate programs with the intention of becoming an occupational therapist. Some plan to become managers within a practice or hospital setting.
Some OT professionals apply their knowledge to ongoing research and teaching new generations of occupational therapists in postsecondary programs. Some individuals work as consultants to large businesses with occupational health programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for occupational therapists is $85,570.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers | $102,720 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Occupational Therapists — Home Healthcare Services | $98,700 |
| Occupational Therapists — Skilled Nursing Facilities | $98,390 |
| Occupational Therapists — Hospitals | $95,590 |
| Occupational Therapists — Offices of PTs, OTs, SLTs, and Audiologists | $80,450 |
| Occupational Therapists — K-12 Schools | $77,290 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides | $61,520 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
While becoming an occupational therapist is a goal for many students of online OTD programs, there are many concentrations available that allow you to focus on your preferred area of specialty.
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Entry-level OTD programs are intended for bachelor degree holders who want to become occupational therapists. Meanwhile, post-professional OTD programs are intended for OT professionals who want to advance their skills, qualify for leadership positions, or influence program policy and development.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Curriculum & Courses
The courses available in occupational therapy doctoral programs vary from school to school. Here are some examples of core classes you may encounter in your OTD studies:
- Anatomy and Physiology: This course examines the various parts of the body as well as function and movement.
- Therapy Approaches for Children: In this course, you’ll focus on movements and processes that are appropriate for young and growing bodies.
- Occupational Therapy for Adults: This course examines potential scenarios and challenges when working to help adults gain independence.
- Considerations for Senior Citizens: Senior citizens may have special considerations due to health risks and physical limitations.
- Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Modalities: This course helps you learn how to accommodate specialized medical equipment in everyday activities.
- Research Fundamentals: In this course, you’ll learn how to conduct evidence-based research and use your findings in practical applications.
- Client Care Practices: Courses like this help prepare you for interaction with future clients by teaching best practices and ethical concerns for occupational therapists.
- Movement Analysis: This course helps you understand and appreciate limitations, challenges, and progress throughout occupational therapy sessions.
- Health and Wellness Promotion: In this course, you’ll learn how to help clients incorporate healthy behaviors into their lifestyle.
- Health Care Delivery Systems: This course helps you understand the American health care system as well as legal considerations based on insurance and public program regulations.
The goal of OTD curriculum is to prepare students for engaging with clients and providing them with achievable goals and therapeutic solutions to help them with everyday tasks.
How to Know If a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Program Is Right for Me
There are a range of therapy, rehabilitation, and outreach career paths out there. The one that’s best for you will likely depend on your interests and long-term goals.
Before you enroll in an OTD occupational therapy program, you may wish to review the program details to make sure it’s a good fit for you. When researching OTD programs, here are some questions to consider:
- Will this program allow you to reach many of your long-term career goals?
- Does the curriculum reflect the types of skills you would like to learn?
- What types of field opportunities are offered through this program?
- Do my professional aspirations require a doctorate-level degree?
- What other training is required for my dream career? Are there any overlaps between this and an online OTD program?
Many professionals earn a doctorate in occupational therapy to help advance their career or to experience new opportunities in their current job.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements for online OTD programs vary from school to school. Frequently requested items include:
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume and work experience
- Official transcripts of previous education
- Statement of purpose
You may also be asked to participate in interviews with faculty and complete additional essays as part of the application process. Entry-level OTD programs only require you to hold a bachelors, while post-professional OTD programs are intended for current OT professionals with a masters.
Occupational Therapy Programs Accreditation
When selecting an OTD program, you may wish to pay particular attention to schools that are regionally accredited. You can verify your school’s accreditation status by visiting CHEA, or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
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Regionally accredited schools have been evaluated for academic excellence. As a result, a degree from an accredited institution may be a requirement for future licensing or certification. Many employers also require candidates to have earned their doctorate through an accredited program.
ACOTE Accreditation
In addition to attending a regionally accredited school, it’s also strategic to select a program that’s accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
ACOTE is the programmatic accreditation authority for occupational therapy programs. Programs that have been accredited by ACOTE meet the educational guidelines for future occupational therapists, including fieldwork and coursework. The goal of ACOTE is to ensure that occupational therapists are safely trained and educated according to industry standards.
Occupational Therapy Licensure and Certifications
While the exact license and certification requirements can vary from state to state, here are the general steps to becoming a licensed occupational therapist:
- Complete your bachelor’s degree in a health, science, or physiology field.
- Earn an ACOTE accredited masters or doctorate in occupational therapy.
- Finish the fieldwork requirements as set by AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association).
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Apply for OT licensure in your state.
You can check with your state to verify their specific requirements for obtaining and maintaining OT licensure. Additional AOTA certifications are also available for those who want to further specialize within the field.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you’re interested in pursuing need-based tuition assistance, you can complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form lets you apply for federal aid and determines your eligibility.
You can also search for any scholarships or assistantships that are provided to doctoral students through your school or program. In addition, some employers offer educational assistance or tuition reimbursement programs. Private scholarships and funding provided by professional organizations may also be available.
What Is an OTD Degree?
A Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree is designed for professionals who want to practice occupational therapy. OT professionals help individuals who are recovering from a medical situation by teaching them new ways to perform daily tasks independently.
Through this program, you can learn how to help individuals with a variety of diagnoses and lifestyles. You may work with people from different age groups, cultures, and backgrounds with many different unique challenges. Fieldwork, coursework, and research opportunities can help enrich your knowledge about these topics so you can help others rebuild their ability to complete daily tasks and regain their independence.
What Can You Do with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy?
Those who earn their Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree often go on to become licensed occupational therapists. Some current OT professionals earn an OTD to pursue leadership positions in the field or become researcher or educators.
Others incorporate their occupational therapy knowledge into other types of therapeutic and community health-focused programs, encouraging wellness and safe movement for all. Professionals with a doctorate in occupational therapy can be found in hospitals, care facilities, schools, clinics, and research institutions. Some also work as independent consultants or with a therapy-focused practice.
How Long Is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program?
The length of time required to complete a doctorate degree in occupational therapy depends on the structure of the program. In general, a doctorate program will take 3 to 5 years to complete. This depends on the number of credit hours required for graduation, any field work or practical hours that must be completed, and your dissertation.
Most professional doctorate programs in OT require a capstone project instead of a dissertation. If the program you select does not require a final dissertation, a doctoral program can typically be completed in 3 years by a student enrolled full-time, year-round. An entry-level OTD program consists of more credit hours and will take longer to complete.
What Does a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Do?
An occupational therapist has the opportunity to assist individuals who are coping with or recovering from an illness, injury, surgery, or disability. Occupational therapists first meet their clients and assess their challenges and goals. They develop treatment plans to help clients develop the ability to perform regular daily tasks, such as bathing, maintaining a clean home, and feeding themselves.
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Licensed OTs are also tasked with monitoring progress and making any recommendations for adjustments to a client’s residence to accommodate their new way of performing tasks. Occupational therapists’ duties can range depending on the type of patient they’re working with.
Is a Doctorate Required for Occupational Therapy?
Currently, a masters degree in occupational therapy is the minimum educational requirement for becoming an occupational therapist. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) is changing the educational requirements for occupational therapists, though, in 2027.
After July 1, 2027, all occupational therapists entering the field will be required to have a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. This change will only affect occupational therapists who graduate after this date. It will not impact current OT professionals or those who will graduate before July 1, 2027.
An OT doctorate can still be a benefit to current or incoming professionals, as it may help you qualify for both entry-level and advanced career opportunities down the road.
What Are the Benefits of OT Doctorate Programs?
Depending on your professional goals and interest in an OT doctorate program, there can be many benefits to pursuing this type of degree.
These may include:
- Eligibility to apply for management or executive roles within an organization
- Deeper understanding of OT technologies, techniques, and experiences
- Potential career paths in areas like education, research, and consulting
Though an OT doctorate is not currently required to practice, it can be beneficial for many students who are looking to advance their careers or become occupational therapists for the first time. This program’s deep dive into practices, evidence-based research, ethics, and procedures can provide greater insight into the field of occupational therapy.
Are Occupational Therapists Doctors?
Occupational therapists who earn an OTD or PhD in Occupational Therapy are considered doctors, but it is different from being a medical doctor (MD) who completed medical school.
Some occupational therapists may choose to also become MDs in conjunction with their clinical doctorate of occupational therapy education, but this is not required. As per ACOTE guidelines, a doctorate in occupational therapy will be the minimum requirement for occupational therapists with graduation dates after July 1, 2027.
What’s the Difference Between Masters vs. Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Programs?
There can be many benefits to both a masters and doctorate program in occupational therapy. Here are some of the differences.
| Masters in Occupational Therapy | Doctorate in Occupational Therapy |
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The areas of study will be similar, with an OTD program providing a more extensive curriculum.
Is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Worth It?
Yes, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy is worth it for many students. Occupational therapy is a career field that is rewarding for many professionals, with opportunity to enrich the lives of many individuals. In addition, the Bureau or Labor Statistics projects 14% job growth for occupational therapists over the next ten years, which is much faster than average.
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There are a range of roles and specialties that an OT professional may pursue. With a doctorate, experienced occupational therapists may qualify for senior or leadership roles in the field. Some doctoral graduates pursue opportunities in education and research.
Universities Offering Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Bay Path University offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Students can select a concentration in Administration, Advanced Clinical Practice, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Education, Mental Health, or Productive Aging. All classes meet entirely online. Students who attend full-time can typically complete the degree in 4 terms, while part-time students usually finish in 8 terms.
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Boston University offers a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Courses cover concepts like social policy, health promotion and wellness, educational theory and practice, outcome measurements, and research methods. The program is housed 100% online. Most students can complete the program’s 33 required credit hours in 18 months of full-time study.
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Chatham University offers a Doctorate for Post-Professional Occupational Therapists. This program is designed for occupational therapists interested in pursuing leadership roles in academic, healthcare, and advocacy settings. Students can attend classes fully online. Many students can complete the degree requirements in just 16 months when taking two classes at a time.
Chatham University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher
Columbia University offers a 100% online program for a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. The curriculum is intended for post-professional clinicians who want to deepen their practice skills and gain valuable leadership techniques. On average, students attending full-time can complete their studies in 24 months. Potential courses include Ethics and Occupational Justice, Neuroscience of Cognition, and Assessment and Intervention.
Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Creighton University offers a post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy. The curriculum aims to equip students with clinical skills, interpersonal and professional behaviors, the ability to create and improve practice programs, and educational techniques. This program utilizes a convenient online learning format. Upon graduation, many students pursue fulfilling careers in leadership, research, academia, and advanced practice.
Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers an online program for a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. This program may be an ideal fit for occupational therapists seeking advanced education in clinical practice or leadership skills. Students can select a concentration in either Education or Management and Leadership. The curriculum covers topics like data analysis, global interprofessional, organizational change, and public health.
Fairleigh Dickinson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Gannon University offers a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. Potential courses include Community Health and Wellness, Expanded Models of Practice, Teaching in Practice and Community, and Entrepreneurship for the OT Professional. Students typically attend classes part-time and complete their degree requirements in 2 years. All classes meet fully online.
Gannon University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
George Washington University offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy intended for post-professional students. The curriculum is centered on core values of intuition, vision, teamwork, direction, strategy, and community. The program’s asynchronous online learning model is designed with working professionals in mind. On average, students can graduate in 2.5 years of attendance.
GW is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Indiana University—Purdue University—Indianapolis offers a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. The curriculum aims to help students develop the expertise needed to establish and support holistic health in their patients. This program is housed online and can typically be completed in 36 months. In addition to virtual coursework, students must complete valuable hands-on experiences in the field at approved clinical sites.
IUPUI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Loma Linda University offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Graduates often pursue clinical, educational, and leadership roles in settings like academia, hospitals, community organizations, private practices, and research institutions. On average, students can complete their studies in 2 years or 9 quarters. Classes meet fully online.
Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Mary Baldwin University offers a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. Practicing occupational therapists who intend to pursue advanced practice, academic, and leadership roles may find an excellent next step in this program. The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours. Students can attend all classes conveniently online.
Mary Baldwin University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Marymount University offers a 100% online program for a Transitional Doctor of Occupational Therapy. The program is intended for students who have completed their master’s in occupational therapy and are currently practicing as licensed professionals. New students are admitted two times each year. Most students can complete the program’s 30 required credit hours in 5 semesters of full-time attendance.
Marymount University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Misericordia University offers an entirely online program for a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. This program focuses on theory-based, occupation-focused knowledge for students pursuing advanced clinician and leadership roles in their field.
On average, students can complete the program in 3 years. Potential classes include Contemporary and Emerging Interventions, Public Policy and Advocacy, and Occupational Development.
Misericordia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
NYU—Steinhardt offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. This program is intended for currently practicing occupational therapists seeking further education to prepare for advanced roles in their field. Students can attend classes fully online using full-time or part-time attendance schedules. Courses cover topics like ethics, analytic reasoning, evidence-based practice, and foundations for intervention.
NYU – Steinhardt is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Nova Southeastern University offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Students who want to prepare for clinical research, teaching, or advanced practice professional roles may find an excellent fit in this program. While classes meet primarily online, students are typically required to attend occasional on-campus intensives.
Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Quinnipiac University offers a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. This program aims to help registered occupational therapists develop the skills needed to serve as change agents in their field. The curriculum consists of 32 credits. Aside from one week of in-person residency at the beginning of the program, classes are held online.
Quinnipiac University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Radford University offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy. This program is tailored to practicing occupational therapists who plan to pursue advanced teaching, clinical, administrative, or researcher roles. Students can attend all classes using the program’s convenient online learning model. The program can typically be completed in 8 semesters when attended part-time.
Radford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions offers an online program for a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Most students can complete this post-professional curriculum in 16 months. The program admits incoming students twice each year. Students can choose concentrations in Aging, Assistive Technology, Education, Hand Therapy, Health and Wellness Coaching, Leadership, Pediatrics, or Advanced Practice.
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Salus University offers a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Students can select a specialty in Health and Wellness, Low Vision Rehabilitation, or Remedial Vision Rehabilitation for Pediatrics and Acquired Brain Injury. Students in the part-time track often finish in 27 months, while full-time students usually finish in 16 months. Classes meet fully online.
Salus University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
St. Catherine University offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. The curriculum encourages students to prioritize critical thinking, creativity, intellectual inquiry, and social responsibility in their practice. The program requires the completion of 35 credits and can typically be finished in 2 years. Courses cover topics like educational methods, social determinants of health, organizations and systems, and evidence-based practice.
St. Catherine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Temple University offers a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Potential classes include Outcome Measure and Analysis, Emerging Issues in Public Health, and Leadership in the Health Professions. To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 21 credits and 160 hours of field experience. Didactic courses meet online, while internship hours are completed at an approved clinical site.
Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Texas Tech University offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy designed for post-professional students. This 100% online program is designed with busy working professionals in mind. Master’s prepared students must complete a minimum of 27 credits, while bachelor’s prepared students must complete 33 credit hours. Incoming students can select one of three start dates each year.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Thomas Jefferson University offers a 100% online program for a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. The curriculum equally emphasizes foundational clinical, leadership, entrepreneurship, and academic skills.
Tracks are available for students who currently hold either bachelor’s or master’s degrees in occupational therapy. Degree requirements and program length are dependent on students’ educational backgrounds and existing credentials.
Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Touro University offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Students who are passionate about promoting socially responsible occupational solutions may find an ideal fit in this program. This curriculum is housed fully online and requires the completion of 36 credit hours. On average, students can complete their degree requirements in 16 months of full-time attendance.
Touro University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher
Towson University offers a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. The program’s flexible online format and part-time learning options are designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.
The program requires the completion of 33 credits. Potential classes include Advanced Occupational Therapy Assessment and Intervention, Healthcare Policy, Ethics and Social Justice in Human Services, and Health Leadership.
Towson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Alabama—Birmingham offers an Occupational Therapy Doctorate. Students with occupational therapy degrees may pursue the post-professional track, while students with unrelated undergraduate degrees must select the entry-level track. The program offers additional specializations in Low Vision Rehabilitation and Healthcare Quality and Safety. Both online and in-person attendance options are available.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Kansas offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy. The curriculum incorporates four foundational focuses in evidence-based practice, leadership, specialty practice, and education.
Most students can complete the program’s 36 required credit hours in just 3 years. Classes cover key concepts like quantitative research, professional development, theory and practice, and program evaluation.
The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Missouri—Columbia offers a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. This program is designed for practicing occupational therapists interested in additional education to support their long-term career goals. The curriculum is housed fully online and requires the completion of 36 credit hours. On average, students can complete their degree requirements in 2 to 3 years.
The University of Missouri – Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Utica University offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy designed for post-professional students. The curriculum is designed to help students develop the skills needed to serve as successful practitioners, educators, advocates, theorists, and leaders. The program utilizes a 100% online learning model to support working students’ busy schedules. Incoming students can select one of two yearly start dates.
Utica University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Valparaiso University offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Tracks are available for students already holding master’s degrees or bachelor’s degrees in occupational therapy. Degree requirements and program length vary based on students’ academic backgrounds. This program is housed primarily online but does have occasional on-campus requirements.
Valparaiso University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Accredited OTD programs can be the gateway to a fulfilling career in the healthcare field. There are entry-level OTD programs for those with a bachelors and an interest in occupational therapy. These programs could help you work toward licensure as an occupational therapist.
There are also post-professional OTD programs for current OTs who want to advance in their field or pursue leadership, research, or educational positions. Online OTD programs provide students with flexible learning opportunities, and many also offer concentrations so you can focus your studies on your preferred specialty area within the field.
You can start exploring accredited universities today to find the program that’s right for you.
