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Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Group of OT students learning hands-on from professor

About the OTD

Be empowered to make a difference in the lives of your clients and meet the needs of your community with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). This entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy is accessible to any student with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Spalding’s OTD prepares you to pass your national board certification, and you’ll enter the field as an advocate, equipped to promote health and wellness for a diverse population of clients.

Program Details

  • 3 years (36 months)
  • 9 trimesters
  • 110 credit hours (84 didactic hours and 26 clinical hours)
  • 35 students per cohort

Career Options

As an OTD, you can serve in a wide range of practice settings:

  • hospitals
  • community agencies
  • ambulatory healthcare centers
  • independent living centers
  • public and private schools
  • rehabilitation centers
  • skilled nursing facilities
  • education

Facts

Did you know?

  • We’re the first entry-level OTD program in the state of Kentucky.
  • Over 96% of our school’s graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
  • Our national board certification pass rate for the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy has been 95% or higher over the past five years.

More about our OTD

As an OTD candidate, you’ll do the following:

  • Become a skilled decision maker as you progress through the program and gain a deeper understanding of occupational therapy.
  • Engage and interact at our on-campus teaching clinic,  enTECH, and experience the Kosair Charities virtual immersive playground.
  • Enhance your understanding of societal needs through practice-based scholarship and research.
  • Benefit from on-site deep physical agent modality (DPAM) specialty certification courses that take place throughout the year.
  • Enjoy everything downtown Louisville has to offer, including access to a thriving health care community. Learn more about Louisville.

Program Accreditation and Examination Eligibility

Spalding University’s OTD program has received supplemental licensure from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, has been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and has obtained Candidacy Status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (telephone: 301-652-2682; www.acoteonline.org) is located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, Maryland, 20814-3449.

Upon approval, entry-level OTD graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. After passing this exam, the graduate is credentialed as an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTD) and may apply for state licensure. View the prospective applicant letter published by ACOTE.

OT Student and professor demonstrate moving from wheelchair to bed

Contact Us

Dr. Cindee Quake-Rapp
OTD Program Chair
(502) 873-4217
Email Dr. Quake-Rapp

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