DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (OTD)

Thank you for your interest in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has a rich history of educating occupational therapy students, demonstrating successful outcomes for over 45 years at both our Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses. Our history of excellence continues! Our program is in Candidacy Status to transition to a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Students in our program share an interprofessional curriculum model with our physical therapy program. Our faculty in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa are committed to preparing our students as competent and caring occupational therapists.  We focus on occupation-based person-centered assessment and intervention and emphasize community engagement and hands-on learning opportunities. I am very proud of our dynamic interdisciplinary faculty, known for their creativity and commitment to the profession. On behalf of the faculty and students of our program, we thank you for your interest. We hope you enjoy learning about us as you peruse our website.  We believe you will see that it is great to be part of the OUHSC Program in Occupational Therapy.

Mary Isaacson, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, ATP
Program Director
 

“Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability (AOTA, 2021).”

Occupational therapists work with individuals who may be recovering from illnesses or injuries, contending with developmental disabilities, or coping with changes resulting from the aging process. Occupational therapists advance the person's well-being by promoting adaptation and independence through meaningful activities of everyday living to enhance and restore health. By preventing, reducing, or overcoming physical, social, and emotional impairments in people, occupational therapists help to restore and sustain the highest quality of productive life to persons of all ages.

To become a registered occupational therapist (OTR), a person must graduate from an accredited school of occupational therapy, and successfully pass the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Many states, including Oklahoma, also require a license to practice occupational therapy within the state.

For further information about the profession of occupational therapy, contact the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or use the links below to learn more!

Consider becoming an Occupational Therapist (AOTA)

Bureau of Labor Statistics on the Profession of Occupational Therapy

Why I chose Occupational Therapy (AOTA)

OT Graduate Vignettes (AOTA)

World Federation of Occupational Therapy

American Occupational Therapy Association

Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Association

OUHSC Student Occupational Therapy Association

The standards for the doctoral programs are different than the standards for a master’s program, reflecting the different roles graduates are prepared to assume.  Like the entry-level master’s programs, entry-level doctoral programs prepare graduates to enter the profession as new practitioners.  The doctoral degree offers additional courses and an experiential component focusing on advanced clinical practice, administration, leadership, program development, research, advocacy and education.  These courses and experiences prepare the graduate for roles outside of the traditional healthcare system.  

OUHSC is in the process of transitioning from a Master to a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD). Our progress and pending steps to full accreditation for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program:

1. The University of Oklahoma has approved the new curriculum for the OTD program.
2. ACOTE granted OUHSC application status. 
3. OUHSC submitted the application for Candidacy Status April 2021.
4. Candidacy Status granted by ACOTE at its meeting August 6-8, 2021. 
5. OUHSC began accepting applications for the OTD program in fall, 2021.  
6. The ACOTE® accreditation process takes up to 2 years and will co-occur with the inaugural OTD classes. ACOTE® accreditation is required before graduates are eligible to sit for the exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. OUHSC anticipates completing the accreditation process six months before any students have completed the university’s requirements to take the exam. 

After successful completion of the NBCOT exam, a graduate will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered.  In addition to national registration, all states require occupational therapists to be licensed. State licensure is usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Each state sets its own licensure fee. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

All candidates applying for the OUHSC program in this cycle are applying for the Doctorate Program.  

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation. It has been granted Preaccreditation Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must 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 in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.  

Each professional licensing board in every state is autonomous and establishes and governs the standards a program or a graduate must meet to earn a license or certification in a professional field. States may also have other licensure requirements beyond the professional examination, including, but not limited to, background and drug tests, internships, or other standards.
 

All didactic coursework is offered on the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. To meet the broad healthcare needs of Oklahomans, the University of Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Program offers our program in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City.  Students physically attend courses and labs on one of the two campuses. Lectures are broadcast between the two campuses which provides the opportunity for students to receive a rich and diverse education from regional experts in the field. 

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree-professional program consists of three years (99 semester hours) of sequenced and integrated didactic, clinical, and capstone courses. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 18 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. All coursework, fieldwork, and capstone courses are to be completed in no more than five years.  The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.  

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Allied Health ensures that program expectations, learning objectives, and educational outcomes offered at the Oklahoma City campus and Tulsa campus are consistent.   Program outcomes between the Oklahoma City campus and Tulsa campus are evaluated yearly by course directors. 

The progression and retention policies for the program in Occupational Therapy are described in the College of Allied Health Academic Standards.

“I really admire how the faculty not only care about providing the best education for the students, but they take an interest in us individually. They take a genuine interest in how we are doing; my advisor often checks in with me to make sure I am doing what is best not only academically but also reminding me to be holistic in my approach to education and managing stress by doing activities that I enjoy. It has made my graduate experience much more meaningful; I have been extremely blessed to be a part of this program.”

Reagan Collins, Occupational Therapy Class of 2022, Tulsa Campus, Albert Schweitzer Fellow

©Photos courtesy of PartyPics

 

Students applying to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program must possess personal qualities of character, integrity, and motivation, as well as the capacity for the Technical Standards (note please link to the same standards that are under the tab titled additional resources) suitable for a career in occupational therapy.

2023-2024 Cycle Deadlines

• Soft/Priority Deadline (CAS + OUHSC) – October 3, 2023
• Firm/Final Deadline (CAS + OUHSC) – February 1, 2024 

The OUHSC Doctor of Occupational Therapy program has joined the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). Applicants must complete both the OTCAS application and the OUHSC application. ALL official sealed transcripts and scores must be sent to OTCAS and entered through the OTCAS on-line system. To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Submit a completed on-line application through OTCAS and OUHSC. The OUHSC OTD Program encourages you to APPLY EARLY! We will begin considering applications as early as October 3rd. Those with completed applications (OTCAS + OUHSC) by October 3rd will be given PRIORITY consideration. Applications that are not complete by the October 3rd deadline will not be considered for admission until the firm deadline of February 1. It is possible that the majority of the class could be filled prior to the firm deadline of February 1st.;
2. Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to enrollment in the program;
3. Be in good standing with the college or university last or currently attending;
4. At a minimum, earn both a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and a 2.75 science grade point average on a 4.0 scale as calculated by OTCAS. Courses taken during the spring 2020 semester may have a “P” for passing or “S” for satisfactory due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that the required 2.75 cumulative grade point average and 2.75 science grade point average still applies. The College of Allied Health does not recognize academic forgiveness nor reprieve policies. All attempts of a course are included in the calculation of GPAs; 
5. Successfully complete all departmental prerequisite courses with grades of C or better prior to beginning our program the first week of June. Courses taken during the spring 2020 semester may have a “P” for passing or “S” for satisfactory due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that the required 2.75 cumulative grade point average and 2.75 science grade point average still applies;
6. We recognize that at this time it may be difficult for applicants to complete observation hours.  Although we recommend 40 hours of occupational therapy observation, they are NOT required.  We ask that applicants explore the AOTA website to learn more about careers in occupational therapy;
7. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities (including OU or OUHSC) attended and non-refundable application fees through OTCAS ;
8. Submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (the General Test) prior to the application deadline date. At the time of verification through OTCAS, we will only accept valid, reportable GRE scores that are no older than five years following the test date. See ETS for score reporting policies. It is recommended that you take the revised GRE no later than one month prior to the application period for which you are applying to ensure your scores are received by the application deadline. Scores received after the application deadline will result in an automatic denial. The OTCAS GRE Designated Institution Code for the OTD program at OUHSC is 7448;
9. If English is a second language, submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Applicants must earn a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 100 (Internet-based) within two years prior to application. The department may waive TOEFL scores if the applicant provides evidence of graduation from a U.S. High School or a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution. Click here to review additional information regarding the TOEFL and TOEFL waiver;
10. If previous coursework was from colleges or universities outside of the US, have all transcripts/mark sheets processed through World Education Services (WES); and 
11. All official, sealed transcripts, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores (if applicable) must be received by the application deadline. Late transcripts and test scores will result in an automatic denial.

Please Note: If you plan on applying to the program this year, submit an official, sealed transcript from every institution attended AS SOON AS POSSIBLE through the OTCAS system. Do NOT send them to the Health Sciences Center. They will not be forwarded. ALL transcripts and scores must be entered through the on-line OTCAS system. Transcripts take time to process from one institution to the other; therefore, order your transcripts ASAP! Once your fall grades have been posted, please update your OTCAS application ASAP.

“I think one of the biggest strengths of the occupational therapy program is its devotion to meaningful occupation and client-centeredness from the very first day. Our program also emphasizes evidence-based practice with interprofessionalism through the combined curriculum with physical therapy students.”

Haylee Hoock, Occupational Therapy Class of 2021

©Photos courtesy of PartyPics

View Application Statistics

Course numbers are those of the University of Oklahoma.  Approved prerequisite courses are offered at many institutions.  It is extremely important that you look up every course you have taken, plan to take, and/or are currently enrolled in to verify that they are equivalent courses. The responsibility is yours to enroll in equivalent courses and we provide the tools to make sure you do. Check the Transfer Equivalencies Database or with your school advisor regarding equivalent courses.  There are instructions on that page on how to request a transcript evaluation for particular courses if your courses are not listed in the database.

Click on the following link to use the prerequisite worksheet to keep track of your prerequisite classes.

All prerequisites are required. Please read the footnote description located directly underneath the table.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

If you are attending OU in Norman for these courses, click here for equivalent courses; if attending another institution, please check the Transfer Equivalency Database.

1. Review and follow the instructions for application to the College of Allied Health.
2. The decision of acceptance, alternate status, or denial to the Occupational Therapy program will be communicated through the OTCAS system on a rolling basis beginning in early November and continue through late April. If you have not received notification by May 1st regarding your application status, please contact the Office of Academic and Student Services at (405) 271-6588. However, alternates could be accepted as late as two weeks prior to the beginning of the first summer semester of the program.
3. Admitted applicants must accept their position according to the timeline communicated on their electronic letter, or the position will be considered declined. The applicant must accept the position within two weeks of notification, or the position will be considered declined. Alternates may be admitted up to the first class day for the summer semester if all positions have not been filled.
4. Students accepted for admission are required to confirm their intention to enroll and attend by paying a non-refundable deposit on enrollment. The deposit is applied toward tuition and fees during the first term.

Please note: Students may apply to either campus but sometimes a student spot is only available on one campus. Students are required to attend all classes on the campus to which they are admitted.

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty

In creating the OTD curriculum, faculty recognized the success of the University of Oklahoma Master of Occupational Therapy program as a highly recognized ACOTE® accredited program with efficacious outcomes for over 25 years. The newly launched OTD curriculum is a mix of updated previously offered courses blended with new and innovative content, preparing our graduates for contemporary practice. The length of the program has not changed as students continue to earn their entry-level degree in three years.    

Summer 1

Fall 1

Spring 1

Summer 2

Fall 2

Spring 2

Summer 3

Fall 3

Spring 3

Publication of Program Outcomes

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree 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 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation 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 in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
 
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) will be found on the NBCOT School Performance Page.  

Graduation Rates from the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period of 2025-2027 will be posted below when available.  

Schedule a Campus Visit with OU Health Sciences Student Affairs

Schedule a Campus Visit with OU-Tulsa Student Affairs by emailing tulsainfo@ouhsc.edu
or by calling 918-660-3318

View Program Brochure

• Defying a Diagnosis: OT grad finds her calling
• Veggies for Life
• OU-Tulsa Student Makes Little Girl's Violin Dream Come True
• Research: Rapid Multidisciplinary Needs Assessment for Patients with Covid -19 transitioning hospital to home
• DPT/MOT Student Team present at RESNA
• DRS faculty and students attend LEND
• Occupational Therapist visits Uganda
• Second Year Occupational Therapy Student Visits Africa
• Class of 2022 Graduate making a difference 

Office of Academic and Student Affairs
Phone:  (405) 271-6588
Email the Office of Academic and Student Affairs

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

College of Allied Health
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
1200 N Stonewall Avenue, Room 3092
Oklahoma City, OK  73117-1215

 Click here to schedule a virtual, phone, or in-person prospective student appointment with one of our Advisors.

Click here to schedule a virtual or in-person recruitment event or presentation for your class, club, career fair, etc.

Information about the cost of attending the OTD program can be found on the OUHSC Bursar Office’s website. The tuition and fee rates for the newly established OTD program are currently in the process of being reviewed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) for the 2022-2023 school year. Approved tuition and fee rates will go into effect in the Fall 2022 semester. Until the new tuition and fee rates have been established, students in the OTD program will be assessed the rates for the Master of Occupational Therapy program. 

In addition to established tuition and fees, students may expect additional costs that include, but are not limited to, a personal computer, textbooks, insurance, and supplies. Students are also required to assume financial responsibilities for expenses associated with clinical requirements. For financial aid information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (405) 271-2118. The OUHSC Financial Aid Office services both the OKC and Tulsa campus.

Costs and fees are subject to change.

Additional cost information:
Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees
Student Financial Aid

Students pursuing graduate degrees through the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences can simultaneously explore the wide variety of opportunities offered through the University of Oklahoma to enhance professional development, leadership, business innovation, and interprofessional collaboration.  Students can take advantage of these unique opportunities through formal certificate programs or through immersive experiences to build skill sets that will be highly marketable for future career opportunities in occupational therapy and physical therapy.  

Enhance Your Degree (more information about certificates and opportunities)

Prospective students are encouraged to review the Technical Standards located in the Department of Rehabilitation Science Student Handbook which are the academic, clinical, and interpersonal aptitudes and abilities that allow OT and PT students to complete the professional curriculum. Students are also encouraged to visit the prospective student's page to find resources such as the transfer equivalency tables, admission statistics, job shadowing, gpa calculation, tuition cost, scholarships, student life, campus resources, etc.

2024 Student Handbook