Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy


Academic Information

The NAU Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is designed to produce inclusive, transformative, entry-level practice scholars who innovatively and skillfully use meaningful occupation as the mediator and facilitator of participation between the person and environment. Graduates will meet specific learning outcomes stated as professional competencies in three major content areas: transformative service delivery; practice-scholar inquiry and leadership.
 

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)

The NAU entry-level doctorate degree program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE). ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 6116 Executive Board Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, (301) 652-6611 x2914, acoteonline.org

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy


Careers

What Can I Do with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy in Occupational Therapy?

Professional program graduates are eligible to apply for certification by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT), nbcot.org. See program results online at NBCOT.  

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Occupational therapist in pediatrics, community health, independent living, hand rehabilitation, substance abuse, infant care, stroke rehabilitation, geriatrics, developmental disabilities, home health, cerebral palsy, work hardening, intellectual and/or developmental disability, prevention, rehabilitation technology, case management and mental health. 
  • A doctor's degree opens opportunities for advancement into administration, research or teaching. 

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy


University Requirements

University Requirements
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion 115
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Comprehensive Exam Comprehensive Exam is required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Research Individualized research is required.
Additional Fees/Program Fees Required
Some online/blended coursework Required
Licensure

This program may lead to licensure.

Purpose Statement

Scope:
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is one of two entry points that is a required degree in the U.S. to practice as an occupational therapist. Occupational therapy (OT) is a health care profession focused on supporting individuals, groups and populations engage in activities (occupations) that they need or want to do. Occupational therapists work with a wide range of populations in diverse settings across the lifespan. In addition, a focus is on prevention of functional limitations and disability, and promoting health and wellness. Occupational therapists must be knowledgeable about the U.S. healthcare system and should participate in the development of health policy as advocates for their profession.
 
Content:
The NAU OT program offers a first-rate doctoral degrees that focuses on building clinical and professional reasoning skills, service learning, practice scholar and fieldwork rotations that culminate in an individualized semester long capstone experience to develop entry-level occupational therapists. Through the 33 month curriculum, students will learn transformative skills, beyond the generalist level, practice-scholar competencies in the areas of practice, research, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory predominate.
 
The OTD program provides didactic and clinical coursework to prepare students to work in the profession of occupational therapy. The NAU OTD curriculum design reflects the essential concepts of the profession’s and contains ‘threads’ enacting the curriculum’s mission, vision and enabling belief’s about learning. The design will result in specific student outcomes that reflect both the generalist and post-generalist learning that needs to be included. The curriculum threads include:

Future opportunities:Population best suited:

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Doctoral Requirements
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy


Campus Availability

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