Department of Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

Considering an Advanced Degree?

Consider the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Create a new vision for OT, lead in health care and human services and translate your knowledge and skills into evidence-based, innovative occupational therapy practice and education. Jefferson's OTD is a post-professional clinical degree that is open to both bachelor’s and master’s-prepared OTs. The convenient schedule is designed for busy working professionals: the OTD program can be completed entirely online or with 1-2 meetings per semester at our center-city Philadelphia campus.  

OTD Pathway and Degree Requirements

for Non-Matriculant Students
Take up to 10 credits (such as one completed certificate) as a non-matriculated student – that means no application or commitment. If you apply and are accepted to the OTD later, these courses will be counted toward your degree requirements.
for Bachelor’s Prepared Students
If you have a BS in Occupational TherapyApply to the OTD Program
RequirementsLength of OTD Program
  • Minimum of 46 credits beyond the bachelor’s (BSOT) level (including 13 credits of specialized coursework*), depending on experience and whether it is completed full- or part-time.
  • Selected coursework may be waived with demonstration of documented clinical practice experience.
24 months and one semester full-time
(varies if part-time)
If you have a BS in another field &
specific prerequisite credits		Apply to EMOT and complete a master’s degree, then continue on to the OTD program
RequirementsLength of Program
  • EMOT: 2 years of entry-level and graduate coursework and 2 full-time Level II Fieldwork rotations (12 weeks each)
  • OTD: Minimum of 33 credits depending on experience and whether it is completed full- or part-time
  • EMOT: 2 years full-time
  • OTD: 12 months and one semester
    full-time (varies if part-time)
    Total: 3 years and one semester
    (varies if part-time)
for Master’s Prepared Students
If you have a master’s in OT (or a bachelor’s in OT and a master’s in another field) and have completed an advanced OT certificate at JeffersonApply to the OTD program (The 10 credits completed in the certificate program will be applied to the degree)
 
If you have a master’s in OT (or a bachelor’s in OT and a master’s in another field)Apply to the OTD program
OTD Requirements Length of OTD Program
  • Minimum of 33 credits depending on experience and whether it is completed full- or part-time
 12 months and one semester full-time
(varies if part-time)
 
* Coursework is focused on clinical reasoning, evidence based practice and use of theory and
   occupation in achieving therapeutic outcomes.

Note: In addition to meeting all academic requirements, students must meet all technical standards for the program. Refer to the online school catalog for details, Jefferson School of Health Professions Course Catalog or call (215) 503-9610.

Complete and updated program listing and graduation requirements are available in the school catalog, online (www.jefferson.edu/jshp) and by calling (215) 503-9610.

More Continuing Education

Graduate
Course Credit:
This continuing education event is an excellent opportunity for therapists who are interested in Jefferson’s OTD to earn 3 graduate credits toward their degree.

Contact susan.toth-cohen@jefferson.edu for more information.

Considering an
Advanced Degree?

Consider the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) at Jefferson


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