Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Entry-Level) (OTD)

Upon completion of the program, the USI OTD graduate will be able to:

1. Synthesize Advanced Theoretical Knowledge and Practice: Demonstrate advanced proficiency in integrating complex theoretical approaches, frameworks, and practice models into innovative evaluations, interventions, and outcome evaluations, adapting to evolving service delivery systems and emerging paradigms in occupational therapy.
2. Advance Understanding of Occupation’s Role in Health and Wellness: Critically analyze and expand the theoretical and empirical understanding of how occupation and related concepts influence health and wellness at both individual and population levels, while contributing to research.
3. Engage in Scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice: Design, implement, and critically evaluate scholarly projects that advance theoretical and practical knowledge in occupational therapy, applying advanced methodologies and contributing to the body of evidence-based practice.
4. Influence and Innovate Practice Across Diverse Contexts: Lead and contribute to innovative practices that address the complex interplay of person, occupations, and contexts, facilitating optimal occupational performance across diverse populations, life stages, and cultural contexts.
5. Foster Advanced Professional Development and Scholarly Inquiry: Engage in scholarly activities that drive the advancement of occupational therapy practice and education, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, advanced problem-solving, and the integration of diverse ways of knowing and reasoning.
6. Lead and Mentor in Professional Integrity and Ethical Standards: Exhibit and model the highest standards of professional integrity and ethics, leading initiatives that promote and advance ethical practice within the field, and mentoring peers and practitioners in maintaining these standards.
7. Advance Collaborative Practices Across Disciplines: Evaluate and enhance collaborative practices by leading interdisciplinary teams, promoting effective communication, and integrating contributions from various professionals to improve client outcomes and service delivery.
8. Develop and Advocate for Innovative Practice Models: Analyze and apply advanced principles of person-occupation-context interaction to develop and advocate for innovative practice models, enhancing the effectiveness and ethical considerations in occupational therapy practice.

Refer to the Admission section of the bulletin for information about Graduate Studies admission criteria and the online application process.

The OTD application will be available October 1-February 15 of year planning to be admitted to the fall class (students may apply during the last spring semester of their undergraduate degree). The following criteria must be met to be considered for admission. Program applicants will be selected based upon academic achievements and references.

1. Have a plan to complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution by May 20 of application year.
2. Have a minimum 3.00 grade point average (on a 4.00-point scale), calculated on both the prerequisite courses and undergraduate degree.
3. The following prerequisite USI courses (or equivalent) must be completed by May 20 of the application year:
   • BIOL 121: Anatomy and Physiology 1
   • BIOL 122: Anatomy and Physiology 2
   • PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology
   • PSY 261: Lifespan Developmental Psychology
   • PSY 322: Abnormal Psychology
   • EXSC 383: Kinesiology or EXSC 391: Biomechanics
   • HP 302: Biostatistics, or PSY 353: Research Methods and Statistics II, or STAT 241: Principles of Statistics
4. Prerequisite courses must have a grade of C or better and have been completed in the past 7 years.
5. International students must attain a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 79 (internet-based) or a score of 6.5 on the IELTS. Scores must be less than two years old.
6. Reference letters required:
   • One professional from a previous employer or from a practicing occupational therapist.
   • One academic from a professor or advisor in the applicant’s undergraduate degree.

Weighting consists of 60% OTD prerequisite GPA, 40% undergraduate degree GPA, and appraisal of recommendation letters.

Applicants must show capability of fulfilling clinical practice requirements, eligibility for occupational therapy practitioner credentialing, and evidence of satisfactory health status. Note: A felony conviction (this includes documentation of driving under the influence—DUI) may negatively impact a prospective student’s eligibility to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state practice credentials; contact the program for further information.

*Students are responsible for the coursework covered in the required OTD prerequisite courses. It is highly recommended that students keep their textbooks from these classes for future courses and NBCOT exam preparation.

The entry-level OTD curriculum has three phases: (1) building the foundation, (2) developing the generalist, and (3) developing the advanced practitioner. Five curricular thread (occupation-centered practice, professional integrity, health and social justice, systematic inquiry, and partnerships and collaboration) are interwoven across the three phases.