Doctor of Occupational Therapy

ACOTE Praises Our Program’s Strengths

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) has granted Candidacy Status to our OTD program, noting zero identified weaknesses in their official program review. This rare distinction reflects the exceptional academic quality, expert faculty, and student-centered design you will find in the occupational therapy program at UWS.

Here are excerpts from ACOTE’s report highlighting our program’s standout strengths:

• Delivers a cost-effective education, with lower tuition and fewer required credits than comparable regional programs
• Offers flexible and remote learning formats, including limited residency requirements, asynchronous coursework, and the ability to complete the program without relocating—ideal for students with work or family commitments
• Enhances clinical training through a robust standardized patient program featuring both physical and mental health simulations
• Promotes interprofessional collaboration through shared learning experiences with other UWS graduate health programs
• Demonstrates strong program leadership, with a program chair who brings extensive academic and grant experience, curriculum development expertise, and accreditation knowledge

The full report, including all strengths, areas of concern (none), and ACOTE’s final action are below:

ACOTE’s Candidacy Application Review Findings

The following are the results of the Candidacy Application Review:

Strengths:

• Expands access through inclusive admission criteria that welcome applicants from all undergraduate backgrounds, provided prerequisite coursework is met
• Offers flexible and remote learning formats, including limited residency requirements, asynchronous coursework, and the ability to complete the program without relocating—ideal for students with work or family commitments
• Provides multiple academic pathways, including a traditional three-year track and an accelerated two-year option for motivated students seeking quicker entry into the workforce
• Facilitates a smooth transition for practicing OTAs by not requiring additional prerequisites, making the program OTA-friendly and accessible
• Emphasizes applied learning and professional practice through a doctoral capstone experience, eliminating the traditional dissertation requirement
• Delivers a cost-effective education, with lower tuition and fewer required credits than comparable regional programs
• Enables remote participation, making it the only OTD program in Oregon offering this level of geographic flexibility
• Demonstrates strong program leadership, with a program chair who brings extensive academic and grant experience, curriculum development expertise, and accreditation knowledge
• Leverages institutional innovation and a national reputation in holistic healthcare education, supported by UWS’ success in delivering remote graduate programs
• Provides access to dedicated campus facilities, including specialized labs and a nearby cadaver anatomy lab, with plans for a future occupational therapy center
• Enhances clinical training through a robust standardized patient program featuring both physical and mental health simulations
• Promotes interprofessional collaboration through shared learning experiences with other UWS graduate health programs
• Utilizes institutional expertise in accreditation, benefiting from the university’s successful track record across multiple graduate programs
• Strengthens infrastructure through integrated support from The Community Solution Education System, including shared resources for course development, marketing, and assessment
• Supports student success with comprehensive university wide services in admissions, financial aid, and academic support, ensuring continuity from enrollment through graduation

Remaining Issues:
Upon review of the Candidacy Application and the additional materials requested, there are no remaining issues related to compliance regarding the Candidacy Application.

ACOTE Action:
Grant Candidacy Status and proceed with the pre-accreditation review of the program.

Admissions Requirements

University of Western States admits new students into the OTD program in January of each year. You are encouraged to start the formal application process up to 12 months before your expected entry date. It is not necessary for you to have completed all prerequisites before applying.

You must meet the following entry requirements for the OTD program:

1. A bachelor’s degree in any field with the prerequisite courses* listed below.

OR

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) with at least two years of professional experience may apply with a minimum of 90 undergraduate credit hours completed over four years including prerequisite courses* listed below.

Applicants with in-progress coursework will still be considered for admission and are asked to submit final transcripts upon course completion

*The following prerequisite courses must have been completed within the past 7 years and earned with a grade of C or higher:

• Abnormal Psychology (3 semester credits or equivalent)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 semester credits or equivalent; lab recommended)

2. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in undergrad coursework. Students with a GPA below 3.0 should contact the Admissions Office for an individualized review of their coursework.

3. Name and contact information for at least 2 non-related professional individuals to complete a reference form.

4. Demonstrate English language proficiency. See International Student Information.

5. Access to a reliable computer, basic computer skills, and a dependable connection to the Internet.

6. Successful virtual interview with OT faculty

7. Successful completion of a background check through our approved partner

8. Application fee of $50

Graduation Requirements

The OTD degree is conferred upon an individual who has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Successful completion of all required coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (except for the 1st semester per Policy 1218 Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress)
• Grade of pass for all pass/fail coursework. Grade of B or higher in all graded courses except in SCI5102 Functional Anatomy and SCI5201 Functional Neuroscience, in which a grade of C is satisfactory
• Successful completion of 24 full-time weeks of fieldwork with satisfactory scores
• Successful completion of 14 weeks (minimum) of the Doctoral Capstone Experience and a Doctoral Capstone Project
• Successful completion of Post-Capstone Project Analysis and Presentation
• Completion of NBCOT Practice Exam administered by the program and OTD Program Assessment Surveys

The OTD program must be completed within 6 academic years of the date the student started the program. This includes temporary withdrawals and any other period of non-enrollment. All Level II Fieldwork and the Doctoral Capstone must be completed within this timeframe.

Accreditation & Licensure

Accreditation

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at University of Western States has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).

More information about ACOTE accreditation is available at www.acoteonline.org. You may contact the Accreditation Council via the following:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 301-652-AOTA ext. 2915
Address: 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814

Licensure

Pending full accreditation, graduates of the University of Western States OTD program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).

In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT® certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT® certification examination or attain state licensure.

More information can be found on the UWS Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage.

Program Data

Tuition & Fees

Visit our Tuition and Fees page to learn more.

Financing Your Future

University of Western States remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.

Financial Aid

Catalog

Please refer to our Academic Catalog for more information on the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Mission

To prepare competent, compassionate occupational therapists who integrate foundational knowledge, professionalism, interprofessional collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and leadership with a commitment to whole person health and advancing occupational therapy scholarship.

Vision

To be a leader in educational excellence empowering students to become visionary leaders in occupational therapy who champion holistic quality of life and advance the profession through innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care.

Direct Costs

• Admission to the university includes a $50 application fee (Direct) or $150 to OTCAS and a $300 tuition deposit to secure a seat in the desired entering class. Both fees are one-time and non-refundable. The tuition deposit is applied to the first term of tuition.
• The Accelerated OTD program is 6 semesters with a flat rate of tuition per term.
  • Program Flat Rate: $16,333.33 per semester
  • Per Credit Rate: $990
  • Required Fees – $817* per term
  • Total Cost for OTD Program completion (Tuition, Fees, Books, Supplies, Polo Shirt, AOTA Membership) = $105,403*

Indirect Costs of Attendance

• Costs incurred for living and transportation as well as books and supplies to support your education are indirect costs not charged by the university. Housing costs will vary greatly depending on what area of the country you reside. These figures represent estimated living expenses for one person in the Portland metropolitan area. With careful planning and budgeting, expenses and resulting debt may be minimized. View this estimate of the total cost for the current academic year at UWS, including living expenses.
• Annual COA for OTD Students
• No single figure perfectly represents the cost of indirect expenses as living arrangements and personal spending habits vary widely. The university financial aid office will be happy to assist, please contact them at [email protected]
• Parking and Transportation:
  • If students plan to drive to campus, they will need to purchase a temporary parking permit ($5.00/weekday) at the campus store. Parking permits are not required for bicycles, motorcycles/scooters using designated spaces, or for those who walk or use public transportation. Further parking and transportation information is available here.
  • Public transportation single trip tickets: $2.50 per one ride.
• Additional Fees/ Fines: Additional fees are incurred on an individual basis, dependent upon each student’s specific needs, and are charged at the time they are incurred.
  • Deferment of Tuition Payment: $30 per term.
  • Returned Checks: $35 per each returned check.
  • Student ID/Key Card Replacement: $10 per each item.
  • Diploma Replacement: $50 per diploma.
  • Late Payment on Past Due Accounts: $50 per occurrence.
  • Printing Fee (black and white): $0.10 per page – printing on campus in excess of 100 pages per term.
  • Printing Fee (color): $0.30 per page – printing on campus in excess of 100 pages per term.
  • Parking Fine: $25 for vehicles parked improperly, in prohibited areas or without valid permit.
  • Parking Fine: $50 for street parking, careless driving or in disabled parking without valid permit.
  • Library Lost Materials: $25 + replacement cost for replacement of lost materials.
  • Library Lost Materials (out of print): $150 – if no replacement exists for lost materials a flat fee is assessed.
• For additional questions regarding direct costs of attendance or payment information please contact the business office at [email protected].

*Fees are subject to change

Total Cost of Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

*Fees include enrollment fee, integrated lab fee, technology fee, and Student Services/Activities fee. Tuition and Fees subject to change.

**Other Costs are best estimates and may vary depending on location of the student.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does OTD mean?
OTD stands for Doctor of Occupational Therapy, referring to a doctoral-level program to study occupational therapy. This program is for people who want to pursue becoming occupational therapists.

Is the occupational therapy graduate program completely online?
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is offered in a hybrid format. Coursework for the program is completed online, while three in-person residencies are held at our campus in Portland, Oregon. These on-campus residencies include hands-on lab experiences that support your online learning and are required for program completion. For students in the accelerated pathway, the residencies take place during the first year of study and last five to seven days.

Do I need a master’s degree or GRE results to enter the OTD program at UWS?
No, you are not required to have a master’s degree or take the GRE to enter the OTD program at UWS. Our holistic admissions model is designed to have as few barriers to admission as possible while meeting accreditation requirements.

When do you expect to have full accreditation for the OTD program?
We have completed all requirements for accreditation and have been approved for Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The next steps include submitting a self-study and completing an on-site evaluation while students are enrolled. We expect to receive notification about full accreditation in August 2027, before the first cohort is scheduled to complete the program.

Will I complete my fieldwork for the OTD program at one site or multiple sites? Is the capstone at another site?
ACOTE requires fieldwork to be completed in at least two different practice settings. Occasionally, fieldwork can be completed within the same hospital system if the settings are different (acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, home health, etc.) Most students choose one pediatric setting and one adult setting. The capstone experience is completed at a third site based on your interests and capstone objectives.