Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Prepare to be a competent, compassionate occupational therapist and leader with a commitment to whole person health.
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Rigorous Training to Provide Exceptional Care
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at University of Western States prepares you for various careers in occupational therapy practice, leadership roles, advocacy, and education.
Training you with the skills to make a meaningful impact in diverse health care settings, this accelerated hybrid program offers the flexibility of online learning paired with hands-on clinical training through three on-campus residencies.
You’ll graduate prepared to pursue licensure and guide patients of all ages in reclaiming independence and quality of life through the power of meaningful activity. With a strong foundation in evidence-informed practice and interprofessional collaboration, you’ll be ready to lead in a growing, purpose-driven field.
Fast Facts
Online learning with in-person residencies
Can be completed in 2 years (6 semesters)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupational therapy field is expected to grow 11% by 2033*
*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm
Program Highlights
Accelerated timeline
Can be completed in just two years through an intensive, six-semester format.
Hybrid flexibility
Study online while balancing work and life, with three on-campus residencies in year one.
Whole person health approach
Learn to create care plans that consider each patient’s whole lived experience.
Fieldwork and capstone projects
Gain real-world experience with Level I and Level II fieldwork placements and a community-based doctoral capstone.
Inter-professional learning
Collaborate with peers in related health fields to develop well-rounded clinical insight.
Career Pathways
As a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, you’ll be equipped to work in diverse settings such as:
● Hospitals and outpatient clinics
● Rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities
● Schools and early intervention centers
● Mental health and community health organizations
● Home health care services
You can also specialize in areas such as:
● Pediatrics
● Geriatrics
● Physical rehabilitation
● Mental health
● Assistive technology
● Program development
● Research and education
Accreditation and Licensure
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at University of Western States has applied for accreditation and is considered an applicant program according to the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Pending full accreditation, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®).
Licensure is required to practice in every state and is typically based on successfully completing the NBCOT exam.
Take the Next Step
UWS has been at the forefront of whole person health for more than 120 years. As a student in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, you will be supported every step of the way by expert faculty, flexible learning formats, and a mission-driven community.