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  Programs & Courses: Doctoral Degree Program

The occupational therapy doctoral degree program prepares occupational therapists to assume leadership roles upon completion of the degree. These roles are expected to make a real impact on individuals and groups in society and the world in such areas as health functioning, wellness, and quality of life. As leaders the graduates will be prepared to implement leadership projects and disseminate results.

Eligibility

  • Registered occupational therapists or candidates who are eligible for NBCOT Certification. Those not credentialed in occupational therapy at entry will be given provisional acceptance. NBCOT credentialing before entry into the OTD is strongly recommended.
  • A bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy. Candidates may apply while in a degree program, but must satisfactorily complete all occupational therapy coursework and fieldwork before matriculating into the OTD program.
  • Candidates with a bachelor's degree must first satisfactorily complete their master's degree before admission into the OTD program. This requirement can be satisfied by completion of Tufts entry-level or post-professional master's degree programs in occupational therapy.
  • Since there are several different ways an applicant can be eligible, we encourage you to contact Dr. Sharan L. Schwartzberg to determine your eligibility for the OTD program.

Prerequisites
All prerequisites must be passed with a B or better and taken at an accredited college. Candidates may apply and be accepted while completing the prerequisites. However, all prerequisites must be successfully completed before matriculation.

  • One course in Introductory Statistics
  • One graduate-level Research Methods course
  • Certificate of Hepatitis B vaccination upon enrollment

Required Courses
OTS 208 Clinical Reasoning IV: Evidence Based Practice (one course credit)
OTS 286 Leadership Project Planning (one-half course credit)
OTS 287 Leadership Project Implementation (one and one-half course credits)
OTS 288 Outcomes Measurement and Monitoring: Using Data to Inform Practice (one course credit)
OTS 289 Integrative Paper (one course credit)
OTS 297, OTS 298 Proseminar (one-half course credit each)
Two Graduate Level Courses in Specialty Area (equivalent 2 credits)

OTD Program Requirements:

Fall (Full-time residency requirement)
OTS 288 (1.0)
OTS 208 (1.0)
OTS 286 ( .5)
Course in Specialty Area (1.0)
OTS 297 ( .5)
Total 4.0 course credits

Spring (Full-time recommended)
Course in Specialty Area (1.0)
OTS 289 (1.0)
OTS 287 (1.5)
OTS 298 ( .5)
Total 4.0 course credits

Review the application process >>