Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program
Maximize your impact.The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program prepares students to enter practice in the profession of occupational therapy. Students are prepared as generalists; however, a strong foundation allows for future specialization after graduation.
Learn about the impact of UIndy's Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program firsthand from current students, faculty members, and alumni.
Mission
The mission of the Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program within the School of Occupational Therapy is to develop caring and competent occupational therapy practitioners who are lifelong learners, leaders, and advocates within local, national, and global communities. Students evolve into innovative practitioners who are critical thinkers in the development of scholarship, integrating evidence and practice. Learning opportunities cultivate leaders with high standards of professionalism in existing and emerging practice areas. Graduates impact the health and well-being of clients across diverse populations by facilitating engagement and participation in valued occupations.
OTD vs. MOT
The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs differ by format, research requirements, and clinical experience. The OTD is a full-time program with classes offered on weekdays. In addition, students in the OTD program will complete one additional clinical rotation (Doctoral Capstone). The OTD program has a focus on research application, while the MOT program has a focus on evidence-based practice. The MOT Choice Pathway is also a full-time program. Students take the same classes as the OTD program, with the exception of some research application courses and the Capstone series. MOT 2 Day/Week classes are offered on Thursdays and Fridays, allowing for working professionals to remain in their jobs while going to school.
About the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program - Graduation Requirements
Program Length & Format
The program consists a minimum of 105 credit hours. The full-time academic work is completed in 3 years (including summers). This includes 24 weeks of full-time fieldwork and 14 weeks of a Doctoral Capstone Experience.
Format
The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is taught in a traditional classroom setting, using a combination of lecture and hands-on lab coursework.
Curriculum
When Can I Start?
Each year, a new OTD cohort begins in the fall semester. The preferred application deadline for the fall cohort is October 2.
Accreditation
The University of Indianapolis Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
ACOTE
c/o Accreditation Department
American Occupational Therapy Association
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-6611
www.acoteonline.org
University of Indianapolis' NBCOT Pass Rate
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Program Results
| Calendar Year (Jan-Dec) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 3-Year Aggregate (2022-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of graduates | 34 | 57 | 49 | 140 |
| Total number eligible | 34 | 57 | 49 | 140 |
| Calendar Year (Jan-Dec) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 3-Year Aggregate (2022-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total # passed | 32 | 60 | 44 | 136 |
| Total % passed** | 94.1% | 100.05% | 89.79% | 94.62% |
**Includes 1st-time test takers and those who required repeat
| CALENDAR YEAR (JAN-DEC) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 3-YEAR AGGREGATE (2022-24) | 3-Year Average (2022-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total # of UIndy 1st-time test takers who passed (NBCOT Data) |
25 | 46 | 39 | 110 | - |
| % of UIndy 1st-time test takers who passed (NBCOT Data) |
76% | 78% | 85% | - | 79.67% |
| National average of 1st-time test takers who passed (NBCOT Data) |
73% | 77% | 81% | - | - |
| UIndy % ABOVE the national average | 3% | 1% | 4% | - | - |
Program performance on the NBCOT Examination is also located on the NBCOT website.
| Graduation Cohort* | Entering # | Graduation # | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - OTD | 50 | 48 | 96% |
| 2023 - OTD | 59 | 57 | 96.6% |
| 2024 - OTD | 34 | 34 | 100% |
| Total | 143 | 139 | 97.53% |
The total number of graduates from the University of Indianapolis Occupational Therapy Doctorate program during the 3-year period of 2022-2024 was 139 with an overall graduation rate of 97.53%
Admission Requirements
View the admission requirements and application process.
Tuition & Aid
Contact the Office of Financial Aid to apply for traditional financial aid resources (federal student loans).
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