Occupational Therapy

Bachelor of Science (BS) to Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Post-Professional Program

See Also: SHP Bulletin and Student Handbook

The online Bachelor of Science (BS) to Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) Post-Professional program totals 40-credit hours and is designed to be taken part-time over 2 years (6 semesters), plus one (1) preparatory semester.

Admissions Requirements

Application Cycles:

  • Fall 202307/02/2022 - 07/01/2023
  • Fall 202407/02/2023 - 07/01/2024
  • Fall 202507/02/2024 - 07/01/2025
  • Fall 202607/02/2025 - 07/01/2026
  • Fall 202707/02/2026 - 07/01/2027

Program Application Deadline: July 1

To be considered for admission to the BS to OTD Post-Professional OTD program, applicants must present official documentation of the following student competencies:

  • GPA - Grade Point Average
    • Cumulative Minimum: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • Prerequisite Minimum: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Admissions Criteria
    • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university
    • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended sent directly to UTMB Enrollment Services
    • Current Curriculum Vitae
    • Confirmation of initial certification for certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
    • Confirmation of current licensure in state of residence
    • Three (3) years or more of relevant occupational therapy experience post-graduation
    • Currently working in an occupational therapy practice setting (clinical, community, or education)
    • Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons who can evaluate the applicant's potential for doctoral study. Letters of recommendation should be from an academic advisor, professor or supervisor. One letter must be from an occupational therapist
    • A personal statement addressing goals and reasons for wanting to pursue doctoral work
    • A non-refundable enrollment fee (if accepted) of $200 to be credited to first semester enrollment
  • Admissions Criteria for International Students
    • International applicants will be considered. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit a test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.
    • Preference is given to international applicants who are graduates of programs in countries that are members of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Applicants from international institutions are not required to send official transcripts from the issuing institution to UTMB. Applicants with degrees from international institutions must provide foreign transcripts evaluation information using one of the credentialing services approved by UTMB Enrollment Services. Please note that the evaluations must be mailed from the credentialing agency directly to UTMB Enrollment Services to be considered 'official'. Any evaluation mailed from an individual will be deemed as 'unofficial'.
    • Current Curriculum Vitae
    • Confirmation of initial certification to practice occupational therapy from an organization equivalent to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
    • Confirmation of current licensure or equivalent to practice occupational therapy in the place of residence.
    • Three (3) years or more of relevant occupational therapy experience post-graduation
    • Currently working in an occupational therapy practice setting (clinical, community, or education).
    • Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for doctoral study. Letters of recommendation should be from an academic advisor, professor or supervisor. One letter must be from an occupational therapist.
    • A personal statement addressing goals and reasons for wanting to pursue doctoral work. A non-refundable enrollment fee (if accepted) of $200 to be credited to first semester enrollment.

    Disclaimers

    • The PPOTD program is not designed to prepare students with degrees from international institutions to sit for occupational therapy licensure in the US.
    • Earning the PPOTD, along with licensure in a foreign country, may or may not allow you to practice occupational therapy in the US.
    • Acceptance of foreign degree or credits for purposes of pursuing a PPOTD does not imply that you are certified to sit for occupational therapy licensure in the US.

Application Process

  1. Complete and submit your UTMB application, $50.00 non-refundable application fee, and a letter of application. Note: Your application will be considered incomplete if there is missing information by the published deadlines, and will not be processed because of the volume of applications received.
  2. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended sent directly to UTMB Enrollment Services
  3. Once application is received, applicants will be given a UTMB ID number for access to MyStar.
  4. The UTMB Department of Occupational Therapy will notify all applicants via email when their applications have been received and when the admissions decision has been made. Please allow several weeks for processing.
  5. Top candidates will be invited for an interview with the Admissions Committee at the UTMB campus or by telephone/skype interview in July.
  6. If you have not received correspondence by August 20, please contact us 409-772-3062 or email PPOTD.Admissions@utmb.edu to inquire about the status of your application.

Curriculum

The online Bachelor of Science (BS) to Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Post-Professional program is 40-credit hours and is designed to be taken part-time over 2 years (6 semesters), plus one (1) preparatory semester.  The program provides an opportunity to achieve higher-level professional education while maintaining full-time employment.

Note: scroll left to view full table on mobile devices.

SemesterCourseTitleCredits
Fall IOCCT 5351Basic Research Methodology3
Fall IOCCT 5352Professional Development3
Total: 6
Spring IOCCT 6350Evidence-Based Practice3
Spring IOCCT 6354Theory for Practice3
Spring IOCCT 6149Capstone I1
Total: 7
Summer IOCCT 6351Research Methodology for Practice3
Summer IOCCT 6151Capstone II1
Total: 4
Fall IIOCCT 6355Program Development3
Fall II OCCT 6253Outcomes Measures for Practice2
Total: 5
Spring IIOCCT 6249Capstone III2
Spring II OCCT 6357Healthcare Policy and Ethics3
Total: 5
Summer IIOCCT 6256Leadership2
Summer IIOCCT 6358Education Theory in Academics and Clinical Practice3
Summer IIOCCT 6359Health Promotion and Wellness3
Summer IIOCCT 6360Contemporary Practice with Children3
Summer IIOCCT 6361Contemporary Practice with Adults3
Total: 14
Fall IIIOCCT 6356Current Issues and Trends in Occupational Therapy3
Fall IIIOCCT 6251Capstone IV2
Total: 5

Total Degree Plan Credits: 40 credits

Note: Summer II Courses - Students will need to choose one (1) of the following elective courses.

  • OCCT 6359 - Health Promotion and Wellness
  • OCCT 6360 - Contemporary Practice with Children
  • OCCT 6361 - Contemporary Practice with Adults

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