Occupational Therapy, OTD

Program Coordinator: Denise Donica (3305E Health Sciences Building; 252-744-6197; donicad@ecu.edu)

The Department of Occupational Therapy offers the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), a professional (entry-level) doctoral degree in preparation for national certification and state licensure for individuals with baccalaureate degrees in fields other than occupational therapy. Students who complete this program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam with National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and subsequently apply for state licensure once certification is obtained.

1. Admission:

The Department of Occupational Therapy prepares graduates with the skills, abilities, and habits of mind of the entry-level occupational therapist. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree consists of a foundation core (18 s.h.), practice core (22 s.h.), fieldwork core (20 s.h.), research core (12 s.h.), and capstone core (20 s.h.). Admission to the OTD program is granted after 2 semesters are completed in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program (see Admission requirements). Students earn the OTD degree after a total of 8 continuous semesters within 2.5 calendar years. Graduates of the occupational therapy program must successfully complete a certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and obtain state licensure to begin professional practice.

2. Admission Requirements:

For the professional (entry-level) doctoral degree, applicants must meet all MSOT admission requirements and be admitted to the MSOT program. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better within the MSOT program. They must have grades of B or better in all completed courses and competencies to date. They must also adhere to the ECU Academic Integrity policies. In addition, they must demonstrate consistent attendance and punctuality in all didactic coursework, community-engaged learning opportunities, and research activities. They must demonstrate a record of professional communication with faculty and staff and score at least a 4/5 average in each area of the Professional Behaviors Assessment (i.e., positive self-regard, self-awareness, interpersonal competence, and commitment to learning). In the application process, students must submit a recommendation from the OT faculty advisor and research advisor (if different) and complete an interview. The student’s grades and GPA will also be considered.

3. Degree Requirements:

The minimum degree requirement is 92 s.h. as follows:

a. Foundation core - 18 s.h.

b. Practice core - 22 s.h.

c. Fieldwork core - 20 s.h.

d. Research core - 12 s.h.

e. Capstone core - 20 s.h.

4. Accreditation:

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 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 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.