First Doctorate-level Graduates from OU’s Occupational Therapy Program Enter Oklahoma Workforce

The University of Oklahoma College of Allied Health celebrated the graduation of its first class of doctoral-level occupational therapy students this month. The OU program is the first accredited occupational therapy doctoral program in the state of Oklahoma. The program, which serves students in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, was recently changed from a master’s program to a doctoral program in order to widen opportunities for graduates in the future.

“We wanted our graduates to have the option to do more than serve in clinical roles,” said Mary Isaacson, recently retired OT program director who led the initial change. “We envisioned them as leaders and educators addressing Oklahoma’s growing community needs. Moving to a doctoral program was a natural fit, aligning with national trends and preparing students to practice at the top of their license in both traditional and emerging settings.”

The American Occupational Therapy Association has emphasized the importance of occupational therapists working in unconventional settings such as mental health facilities and nonprofit work. This higher level of license enables OU graduates to fill these positions and pursue additional research and academic opportunities, equipping them to become leaders in their field.

Research and leadership training are a significant part of what sets an OT doctoral degree apart from a master's degree. Postgraduate students spend time focusing on research and learning what it takes to not only practice clinically, but to lead other practitioners.

“Clinically doctoral students are trained in the same way as master's students are. However, where it differs is in that next level of thinking,” said Jerilyn Callen, new director of the occupational therapy program at OU. “Through this program, they are prepared to become directors and open their own clinics because they’ve spent time researching and watching other professionals who have done that very thing.”

Heidi Young, occupational therapy graduate who served as class president for the first graduating class of doctoral level students, describes how her experience with the enhanced program helped her grow. She related how the experience included challenges and opportunities in navigating a new normal for students, faculty and staff, but that, ultimately, it has shaped her into a capable and resilient practitioner.

“The combination of rigorous research and hands-on clinical training has made me a more well-rounded and confident practitioner, better prepared to thrive after graduation,” Young said.