|
|
2025-2026 Graduate Bulletin
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Entry-Level) (OTD)
|
|
 Return to: Academic Programs
Graduate Study at USI >> Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions
812-492-7817
100 Credit hours (Entry-Level)
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree is a professional doctorate housed within the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions (KCNHP). There are two pathways for completion of the OTD:
- an entry-level pathway for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree
- a post-professional pathway for students who have completed a master’s degree and have an active/unencumbered OT license (available fall 2027)
The occupational therapist is the professional-level practitioner who provides services that include evaluating, developing, improving, sustaining or restoring skills in ADL, IADL, work, school, play, leisure and social participation as well as lifestyle redesign.
Entry-Level OTD
The entry-level OTD path is intended for baccalaureate degree prepared students and requires 100 credit hours. This practice-focused doctorate prepares graduates to use the necessary knowledge and skills to choose appropriate patient interventions; to utilize in-depth knowledge of current research; to be active leaders and advocates of the profession; and to synthesize knowledge in the practice area. Integrated practice and capstone hours within the curriculum provide USI’s OTD students with learning opportunities to gain expertise in their area of specialization.
The entry-level OTD program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status 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 website is acoteonline.org.
The program must 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 the occupational therapist 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. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
|
OTD Program Objectives
Upon completion of the program, the USI OTD graduate will be able to: - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Graduate Studies Admission Criteria and Application Process
Refer to the Admission section of the bulletin for information about Graduate Studies admission criteria and the online application process. Entry-Level OTD Program Admission Requirements
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. - Have a plan to complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution by May 20 of application year.
- Have a minimum 3.00 grade point average (on a 4.00-point scale), calculated on both the prerequisite courses and undergraduate degree.
- 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
- Prerequisite courses must have a grade of C or better and have been completed in the past 7 years.
- 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.
- 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. Entry-Level OTD Curriculum (100 hours)
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. |
Return to: Academic Programs
|
|
