Jacksonville UniversityDoctor of Occupational Therapy
Program Details
The OTD program is an entry-level, 105 credit hour, post-baccalaureate, professional degree. This program is designed for students who do not have a degree or certificate in occupational therapy, but have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, and are seeking an entry-level graduate program in occupational therapy.
The program does not have a preference as to the background or type of bachelor’s degree. The program is offered in a full-time, traditional classroom and laboratory environment, with the exception of the third year. The third year in the program consists of distant learning experiential and on-line courses. The OTD curriculum follows a fixed course sequence.
Students pursuing an OTD at Jacksonville University can expect to be in school for a minimum of 9 academic semesters or three (3) academic years. The educational program consists of academic coursework, two full-time supervised fieldwork experiences and a 14 week doctoral capstone experience.
The fieldwork experiences are comprised of three (3) one week full-time mostly observational experiences and two twelve (12) week sessions. The doctoral capstone experience occurs in the Spring semester of the final year of study.
At the successful conclusion of all academic requirements and ACOTE accreditation, our OTD students will qualify to sit for the national occupational therapy certification exam (NBCOT).
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Applications for 2025 are now open!
Important dates
| Task | Deadline or date |
|---|---|
| Interviews Begin | September 13, 2024 |
| Priority Deadline | November 15, 2024 |
| Final Deadline | April 19, 2025 |
Qualified applicants are eligible for live, virtual interviews beginning in September.
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Year One
Summer
OTD 590: Introduction to Occupational and Rehabilitation Science Theory (3 credits)
OTD 580: Applied Functional Anatomy (5 credits)
Fall
OTD 581: Applied Neuroscience for the OT (4 credits)
OTD 582: Functional Biomechanics and Kinesiology for OT (4 credits)
OTD 650: Health Promotion, Wellness, and Participation in OT (3 credits)
OTD 601: Occupational Performance Assessment and Evaluation (3 credits)
OTD 602: Professional Reasoning and Communication in OT (3 credits)
Spring
OTD 651: Pediatric Theory and Practice in OT (4 credits)
OTD 583: Pathophysiology in OT (3 credits)
OTD 660: Principles of Research in OT (3 credits)
OTD 640: Principles of Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology in OT (3
credits)
OTD 652: Neurorehabilitation and Disability Science Theory and Practice in OT (4 credits)
OTD 620: Level I Fieldwork in OT (A) (1 credit)
Year Two
Summer
OTD 653: Mental Health Theory and Practice in OT (3 credits)
OTD 661: Evidenced-Based Practice and Translational Research in OT (2 credits)
OTD 654: Principles of Orthopedics in OT (3 credits)
Fall
OTD 655: Geriatric Theory and Practice in OT (3 credits)
OTD 656: Occupational Rehabilitation and Ergonomics (3 credits)
OTD 680: Guided Research I in OT (2 credits)
OTD 641: Functional Cognition in OT (3 credits)
OTD 701: Case-Based Learning I (2 credits)
OTD 621: Level I Fieldwork in OT (B) (1 credit)
Spring
OTD 750: Leadership and Management in OT (3 credits)
OTD 770: Elective- Advanced and Emerging Practice Skills (3 credits)Advanced Practice
in Geriatrics From Chronic Conditions to Successful Aging
Advanced Practice in Orthopedics: Hand Therapy and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
Advanced Practice in Pediatrics: Early Childhood Tantrums, Toils, and Triumphs
OTD 751: Interprofessional Seminar (1 credit)
OTD 681: Guided Research II in OT (2 credits)
OTD 752: Program Development and Evaluation (2 credits)
OTD 702: Case-Based Learning II (2 credits)
OTD 622: Level I Fieldwork in OT (1 credit)
Year Three
Summer
OTD 760: Level II Fieldwork in OT (A) (6 credits)
OTD 771: Professional Seminar in OT I (1 credit–virtual)
Fall
OTD 761: Level II Fieldwork in OT (B) (6 credits)
OTD 772: Professional Seminar in OT II (1 credit–virtual)
OTD 753: Principles of Teaching and Transformative Learning in OT (2 credits–virtual)
Spring
OTD 790: Doctoral Capstone Experience (7 credits)
OTD 791: Professional Development Seminar in OT (2–virtual)
OTD 780: Comprehensive Exam for the Occupational Therapist (1 credit–virtual)
Doctoral Capstone
The Doctoral Capstone happens after students have completed their coursework, comprehensive examination, and fieldwork. The capstone is a 14-week faculty-guided mentored experience where students can focus on an area of OT that interests them. It is designed for the student to gain advanced skills in one of the following areas:
- Administration
- Clinical practice skills
- Research skills
- Program and policy development
- Education
- Advocacy
(AOTA.org, 2017)
AdmissionsHow to Apply
- Request official transcripts & documentation
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our school code is 001495.
- Apply for the program through OTCAS
- Qualified applicants will be selected for live, virtual interviews with the OT Admissions committee
For more information about admissions requirements for Jacksonville University's Occupational Therapy program, please visit our admissions requirements page.
Graduation Requirements
Students in the OTD program follow a fixed curriculum. To progress through the program, students must receive a grade of C or above in all courses, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 while in the program, receive passing grades for all fieldwork and doctoral capstone experiences, and successfully complete a culminating project.
In addition to the above requirements for graduation, students must have no outstanding debt to Student Accounts, demonstrate professional behaviors, and have the approval of the program faculty. After students have successfully completed all of these requirements, students may apply for graduation.
Program 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 successfully completing this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, most 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. Visit NBCOT's website for more information.
Learn More About Occupational TherapyExplore Our Program
A career in occupational therapy offers a diverse range of opportunities and experiences. Occupational therapists work with people across the lifespan in an array of settings, both in the clinic and beyond. Occupational therapy leads to improved health, improved quality of life, greater engagement in meaningful activities, and positive health outcomes.
Learn More about our ProgramRequest for Information
Contact Information Occupational Therapy
Phone: (904) 256-7000
Email: graduateadmissions@ju.edu