Help People Live Life to Its Fullest as an OT Professional
The St. Edward’s University School of Health Sciences is excited to be developing a new entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) degree. Our OTD program is in the application phase of accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Learn about this dynamic, hands-on opportunity to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Check back often for more OTD program details, our accreditation status, and how to reserve your place in our inaugural class!
Questions?
If you’d like to know more about our program, please reach out to Mary Zadnik, OTD program director, at mzadnik@stedwards.edu.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people overcome physical, cognitive or emotional challenges that hinder their everyday activities. These valued activities, referred to as “occupations,” include anything you do to live your life — from dressing, shopping, cooking and eating to playing sports, driving, using technology, gardening and more. OT professionals work with people of all ages who have injuries, illnesses or disabilities, helping them regain independence and live their best life.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers comprehensive information and support for OT professionals.
Why choose a degree in occupational therapy?
If you have a passion for helping others lead more active and independent lives, occupational therapy could be an ideal fit for you. Consider these benefits.
As a profession that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others, it’s no wonder that job satisfaction is extremely high among occupational therapists. The field offers career flexibility and a professional culture that supports a healthy work-life balance.
Occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare with a projected growth of 11% by 2033 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). OT professionals benefit from competitive salaries and a wide choice of career opportunities and settings.
Occupational therapy is a constantly evolving profession that’s both a science and an art. Through research, hands-on care, creativity and problem-solving, OTs design specialized treatment protocols tailored to each patient’s needs and daily activities.
Occupational therapists work with a diverse range of people, developing special relationships that strengthen over time. They get to help individuals perform tasks they struggled with before and celebrate their patients’ successes.
As a profession that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others, it’s no wonder that job satisfaction is extremely high among occupational therapists. The field offers career flexibility and a professional culture that supports a healthy work-life balance.
Occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare with a projected growth of 11% by 2033 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). OT professionals benefit from competitive salaries and a wide choice of career opportunities and settings.
Occupational therapy is a constantly evolving profession that’s both a science and an art. Through research, hands-on care, creativity and problem-solving, OTs design specialized treatment protocols tailored to each patient’s needs and daily activities.
Occupational therapists work with a diverse range of people, developing special relationships that strengthen over time. They get to help individuals perform tasks they struggled with before and celebrate their patients’ successes.
Program Approval and Accreditation
Doctoral-Degree-Level Occupational Therapy Program
The St. Edward’s University entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, 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 occupational therapists 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). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Students must complete 12 weeks of Level II fieldwork and an individual 14-week capstone experience within 18 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework, Level II fieldwork and preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.