Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Welcome to Western Oregon University’s Occupational Therapy Program!
As founding program director, I’m very excited to announce that we will be the first occupational therapy program to be located within Oregon’s public university system and are planning to welcome our inaugural cohort in fall 2024. We are currently in the applicant phase of accreditation with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and plan to submit our candidacy application by the end of 2023. We look forward to welcoming students to the WOU Salem campus, where the Occupational Therapy Program will be located. Updates on our progress toward accreditation and welcoming our first class will be regularly posted on this website.
Occupational Therapists use everyday activities (occupations) to help people and groups to do the things they want to do, need to do, and/or are expected to do in order to live life to the fullest. Occupational Therapy practice balances art and science to provide assessments and interventions that are evidence-based, holistic, and context driven. More information about careers in occupational therapy can be found at the American Occupational Therapy Association website: About Occupational Therapy.
Program Status
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation 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 be granted Candidacy Status, 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 Details
Overview
Designed for:
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at WOU is the first public doctoral-level occupational therapy (OT) program in Oregon and is designed to prepare students to balance the art and science of OT practice as entry-level therapists. Occupational therapists work with individuals, groups, and organizations to promote health and wellness across the age span so that everyone can strive to live life to the fullest. Occupational therapy practitioners use occupations (meaningful activities) to support individuals in doing the things they want to do, need to do, and are expected to do in daily life.
To start, you need:
- Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree. If the applicant’s cumulative GPA is below 3.00, but a calculation using the last 90 quarter credits (60-semester credits) of graded course work is 3.0 or higher, the latter will be used as the basis for admission.
- Transcripts and/or academic records submitted through OTCAS from all institutions attended.
- Successful completion with a “B” or higher (P/NP grading during the global pandemic [Spring 2020 – Summer 2021] may be considered if a grade of “P” was earned) of the following pre-requisites within the past 10 years:
- Natural Sciences (12 semester or 16 quarter hours minimum)[Courses at WOU that satisfy the requirements]
- General Biology (3 semester or 4 quarter hours)[BI102 or BI21]
- Human Anatomy & Physiology with labs (8 semester or 12 quarter hours)[BI234, BI235, BI236]
- Psychology (9 semester or 12 quarter hours) )[Courses at WOU that satisfy the requirements]
- General Psychology – introductory and abnormal psychology (6 semester or 8 quarter hours)[Psy201, Psy450]
- Developmental Psychology – human lifespan (3 semester or 4 quarter hours)[Psy311]
- Humanities (9 semester or 12 quarter hours minimum)
- Courses may come from the following: anthropology, art history or appreciation, community health, criminal justice, cultural geography, ethnic studies, exercise science, gerontology, human sexuality, literature, marriage/family, music, personal health, philosophy, psychology (in addition to psychology requirement), religion, social science, social work, sociology, theatre, women’s studies
- Statistics (3 semester or 4 quarter hours)
- Courses may come from the following: psychology, sociology, anthropology, math
- Writing (3 semester or 4 quarter hours)
- Courses may include professional writing, writing for the sciences, expository writing, or intensive writing
- Medical Terminology (One sequence or course) )[Courses at WOU that satisfy the requirements]
- May be taken for credit, P/NP, or certificate [Gero120]
- Natural Sciences (12 semester or 16 quarter hours minimum)[Courses at WOU that satisfy the requirements]
- Successful completion with a “B” or higher (P/NP grading during the global pandemic [Spring 2020 – Summer 2021] may be considered if a grade of “P” was earned) of the following pre-requisites within the past 10 years:
Begin your Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program:
- Fall 2024
Finishing will take:
- 147 quarter credits
- Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. 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.
- Doctoral Capstone Experience and Project
Where you will take classes:
- Most classes will take place in-person on the WOU:Salem campus
- Some classes will utilize a hybrid format
- 3rd year didactic courses may be online
- Final doctoral capstone presentations will be in-person the week leading up to graduation
Technology you will need:
- Reliable computer with high-speed internet connection
- Microsoft Office software (student version is sufficient)
- Video conferencing capability (e.g. Zoom)
What you will learn:
Students will learn the skills necessary to become outstanding entry-level occupational therapy practitioners across the diverse settings and contexts where occupational therapists work. Students will become skilled in analyzing and applying scientific evidence through artful interventions to support participation and occupational performance for all.
Learning outcomes:
Students will:
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to be excellent, generalist, entry-level occupational therapists
- Understand the importance of promoting health throughout the lifespan using meaningful occupations
- Apply skilled application of occupational therapy theories to evaluate clients and develop appropriate interventions using occupations to improve functional performance and quality of life for those served
- Create a life-long learning plan
- Provide services through a lens of cultural humility that promotes equitable care while accepting diverse perspectives and promoting inclusion for all
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging areas of practice and the significance of community-based services
- Be prepared to become leaders and agents of change, empowering therapists and clients alike
- Collaborate with clients, professionals, and others through clear, effective, and empathetic communication
Application Requirements
Deadlines and key dates:
- You may apply to start the program fall 2024
- Applications open: November 2023
- Priority application deadline: March 1, 2024
- Notifications of acceptance: Beginning April 2024
Completed applications received after the priority deadline may be considered until the cohort is full or be placed on a waitlist. Apply beginning in November!
Detailed application requirements
Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:
- Application and supporting materials will be submitted via the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Services (OTCAS) system.
Process: You will be notified via email regarding the acceptance status of your complete application.
Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program prepares graduates to work with individuals, groups, and populations who are affected by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, mental, developmental, and/or learning challenges, as well as adverse environmental conditions, to maximize their occupational functioning and maintain optimum health through a planned mix of acquired skills, performance motivation, environmental adaptations, assistive technologies, and physical agents. Occupational Therapy education includes instruction in the basic medical sciences, psychology, sociology, client assessment and evaluation, standardized and non-standardized tests and measurements, assistive and rehabilitative technologies, ergonomics, environmental health, special education, vocational counseling, health education and promotion, health advocacy, and professional standards and ethics.
The OTD program is a three-year professional doctorate degree that will prepare students for careers as occupational therapists and faculty in Occupational Therapy programs. The program is built upon a foundation of human occupation, lifespan development, mental health, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and neuroscience that supports evaluation and assessment, applied research, intervention and rehabilitation, clinical practice, and advocacy. The program will meet all national accreditation requirements as prescribed by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The sixty-one learning outcomes required of all ACOTE accredited programs will be delivered over 11 terms, including 24 weeks of Level II Clinical Fieldwork and a 14 week Doctoral Capstone Experience.
FAQs
Is there a specific degree required for entry? No, any four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars is acceptable.
What’s the deadline for completing my baccalaureate degree and pre-requisite courses? The majority of pre-requisite courses should be completed by the end of the spring term prior to entering the program. A small number of pre-requisite courses may be completed summer term before entry, but documentation of successful completion must be submitted prior to beginning the program. Acceptance into the program will be contingent upon successful completion of all pre-requisites prior to the start of the fall entry term.
How recently must pre-requisite courses be taken? Pre-requisite courses must be completed within the 10-year period leading up to entry to the program.
Can I transfer in credits from another occupational therapy school? The WOU OT program is not able to accept credits from another occupational therapy school as a substitute for required coursework.
Are observation or service hours required for application? You are highly encouraged to shadow occupational therapy practitioners in a variety of settings prior to application but it is not absolutely required. Observation hours may be considered during the application review process for candidates who are similarly qualified.
When does the entry-level OTD program start? The program starts one cohort per year in the fall term (late September).
Is the program on semesters or terms? Terms (generally 10 weeks of classes plus a finals week).
How is the program structured? We follow a cohort model so that students will start and progress through the program as a group. Once beginning the program, you will be in classes or clinical experience year-round for a total of 11-terms. The first two years will be primarily in person, predominantly at the WOU:Salem campus, while the third year will be primarily clinical experiences (Level II Fieldwork and Doctoral Capstone Experience) with some supporting online courses.
Can I attend part-time? At this point we are not offering part-time enrollment; however we are exploring the possibility of offering part-time enrollment at some point in the future.
Do students get summers off? No, the program goes year-round with regular breaks between terms.
How big are the cohorts? The first cohort will enroll approximately 30 students with the number gradually increasing each year until we reach a target of 40 students per cohort.
Faculty
HILLARY FOUTS
Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Academic Affairs, Graduate Programs
503-838-8366 | foutsh@wou.edu | AD 107
SEAN ROUSH
Director of Occupational Therapy, VP Academic Affairs/Provost
roushs@wou.edu | TODD 104
Designed for:
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at WOU is the first public doctoral-level occupational therapy (OT) program in Oregon and is designed to prepare students to balance the art and science of OT practice as entry-level therapists. Occupational therapists work with individuals, groups, and organizations to promote health and wellness across the age span so that everyone can strive to live life to the fullest. Occupational therapy practitioners use occupations (meaningful activities) to support individuals in doing the things they want to do, need to do, and are expected to do in daily life.
To start, you need:
- Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree. If the applicant’s cumulative GPA is below 3.00, but a calculation using the last 90 quarter credits (60-semester credits) of graded course work is 3.0 or higher, the latter will be used as the basis for admission.
- Transcripts and/or academic records submitted through OTCAS from all institutions attended.
- Successful completion with a “B” or higher (P/NP grading during the global pandemic [Spring 2020 – Summer 2021] may be considered if a grade of “P” was earned) of the following pre-requisites within the past 10 years:
- Natural Sciences (12 semester or 16 quarter hours minimum)[Courses at WOU that satisfy the requirements]
- General Biology (3 semester or 4 quarter hours)[BI102 or BI21]
- Human Anatomy & Physiology with labs (8 semester or 12 quarter hours)[BI234, BI235, BI236]
- Psychology (9 semester or 12 quarter hours) )[Courses at WOU that satisfy the requirements]
- General Psychology – introductory and abnormal psychology (6 semester or 8 quarter hours)[Psy201, Psy450]
- Developmental Psychology – human lifespan (3 semester or 4 quarter hours)[Psy311]
- Humanities (9 semester or 12 quarter hours minimum)
- Courses may come from the following: anthropology, art history or appreciation, community health, criminal justice, cultural geography, ethnic studies, exercise science, gerontology, human sexuality, literature, marriage/family, music, personal health, philosophy, psychology (in addition to psychology requirement), religion, social science, social work, sociology, theatre, women’s studies
- Statistics (3 semester or 4 quarter hours)
- Courses may come from the following: psychology, sociology, anthropology, math
- Writing (3 semester or 4 quarter hours)
- Courses may include professional writing, writing for the sciences, expository writing, or intensive writing
- Medical Terminology (One sequence or course) )[Courses at WOU that satisfy the requirements]
- May be taken for credit, P/NP, or certificate [Gero120]
- Natural Sciences (12 semester or 16 quarter hours minimum)[Courses at WOU that satisfy the requirements]
- Successful completion with a “B” or higher (P/NP grading during the global pandemic [Spring 2020 – Summer 2021] may be considered if a grade of “P” was earned) of the following pre-requisites within the past 10 years:
Begin your Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program:
- Fall 2024
Finishing will take:
- 147 quarter credits
- Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. 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.
- Doctoral Capstone Experience and Project
Where you will take classes:
- Most classes will take place in-person on the WOU:Salem campus
- Some classes will utilize a hybrid format
- 3rd year didactic courses may be online
- Final doctoral capstone presentations will be in-person the week leading up to graduation
Technology you will need:
- Reliable computer with high-speed internet connection
- Microsoft Office software (student version is sufficient)
- Video conferencing capability (e.g. Zoom)
What you will learn:
Students will learn the skills necessary to become outstanding entry-level occupational therapy practitioners across the diverse settings and contexts where occupational therapists work. Students will become skilled in analyzing and applying scientific evidence through artful interventions to support participation and occupational performance for all.
Learning outcomes:
Students will:
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to be excellent, generalist, entry-level occupational therapists
- Understand the importance of promoting health throughout the lifespan using meaningful occupations
- Apply skilled application of occupational therapy theories to evaluate clients and develop appropriate interventions using occupations to improve functional performance and quality of life for those served
- Create a life-long learning plan
- Provide services through a lens of cultural humility that promotes equitable care while accepting diverse perspectives and promoting inclusion for all
- Demonstrate an awareness of emerging areas of practice and the significance of community-based services
- Be prepared to become leaders and agents of change, empowering therapists and clients alike
- Collaborate with clients, professionals, and others through clear, effective, and empathetic communication
Deadlines and key dates:
- You may apply to start the program fall 2024
- Applications open: November 2023
- Priority application deadline: March 1, 2024
- Notifications of acceptance: Beginning April 2024
Completed applications received after the priority deadline may be considered until the cohort is full or be placed on a waitlist. Apply beginning in November!
Detailed application requirements
Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:
- Application and supporting materials will be submitted via the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Services (OTCAS) system.
Process: You will be notified via email regarding the acceptance status of your complete application.
Curriculum Overview
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program prepares graduates to work with individuals, groups, and populations who are affected by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, mental, developmental, and/or learning challenges, as well as adverse environmental conditions, to maximize their occupational functioning and maintain optimum health through a planned mix of acquired skills, performance motivation, environmental adaptations, assistive technologies, and physical agents. Occupational Therapy education includes instruction in the basic medical sciences, psychology, sociology, client assessment and evaluation, standardized and non-standardized tests and measurements, assistive and rehabilitative technologies, ergonomics, environmental health, special education, vocational counseling, health education and promotion, health advocacy, and professional standards and ethics.
The OTD program is a three-year professional doctorate degree that will prepare students for careers as occupational therapists and faculty in Occupational Therapy programs. The program is built upon a foundation of human occupation, lifespan development, mental health, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and neuroscience that supports evaluation and assessment, applied research, intervention and rehabilitation, clinical practice, and advocacy. The program will meet all national accreditation requirements as prescribed by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The sixty-one learning outcomes required of all ACOTE accredited programs will be delivered over 11 terms, including 24 weeks of Level II Clinical Fieldwork and a 14 week Doctoral Capstone Experience.
Is there a specific degree required for entry? No, any four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars is acceptable.
What’s the deadline for completing my baccalaureate degree and pre-requisite courses? The majority of pre-requisite courses should be completed by the end of the spring term prior to entering the program. A small number of pre-requisite courses may be completed summer term before entry, but documentation of successful completion must be submitted prior to beginning the program. Acceptance into the program will be contingent upon successful completion of all pre-requisites prior to the start of the fall entry term.
How recently must pre-requisite courses be taken? Pre-requisite courses must be completed within the 10-year period leading up to entry to the program.
Can I transfer in credits from another occupational therapy school? The WOU OT program is not able to accept credits from another occupational therapy school as a substitute for required coursework.
Are observation or service hours required for application? You are highly encouraged to shadow occupational therapy practitioners in a variety of settings prior to application but it is not absolutely required. Observation hours may be considered during the application review process for candidates who are similarly qualified.
When does the entry-level OTD program start? The program starts one cohort per year in the fall term (late September).
Is the program on semesters or terms? Terms (generally 10 weeks of classes plus a finals week).
How is the program structured? We follow a cohort model so that students will start and progress through the program as a group. Once beginning the program, you will be in classes or clinical experience year-round for a total of 11-terms. The first two years will be primarily in person, predominantly at the WOU:Salem campus, while the third year will be primarily clinical experiences (Level II Fieldwork and Doctoral Capstone Experience) with some supporting online courses.
Can I attend part-time? At this point we are not offering part-time enrollment; however we are exploring the possibility of offering part-time enrollment at some point in the future.
Do students get summers off? No, the program goes year-round with regular breaks between terms.
How big are the cohorts? The first cohort will enroll approximately 30 students with the number gradually increasing each year until we reach a target of 40 students per cohort.
HILLARY FOUTS
Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Academic Affairs, Graduate Programs
503-838-8366 | foutsh@wou.edu | AD 107
SEAN ROUSH
Director of Occupational Therapy, VP Academic Affairs/Provost
roushs@wou.edu | TODD 104
Contact Us:
Email: roushs@wou.edu
Phone: 503-751-4054
Postal: OTD Program, Western Oregon University
345 N. Monmouth Avenue Monmouth, OR 97361
Why choose WOU?
- Courses taken at our new WOU:Salem Campus
- Affordability
- Western Oregon University has the longest history of educating professionals in the state of Oregon.
