Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) Home

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 603

Research Methods & Mentorship (4) Offered each semester

This course will address the interrelationships between theory, research and practice. Emphasis will be placed on the acquisition of methods for extending the scientific base of knowledge for advanced occupational therapy practice and for incorporating the use of evidence based practice into practice. Research designs and related analytic techniques for appraising research evidence will be examined in terms of their appropriateness for advancing knowledge of occupation and for addressing various research problems in occupational therapy. Learning methods include class activities, readings, critique of published studies, literature search and data analysis.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 680

Leading Edge Occupational Therapy Practice (3)  Spring semester

Students conduct in-depth analysis and presentation of their clinical practice and clinical reasoning processes, use of theory and occupation in achieving therapeutic outcomes. Through participation in various learning activities, students demonstrate evidence of practice reflection and analysis, demonstrate knowledge of evidence that supports OT practice (e.g. – scientific evidence, guidelines, standards of practice, clinical experience, etc), Students demonstrate how their analyses of occupational therapy theory (ies) are used to frame practice (e.g.- select assessments, interventions, and determine client outcomes). Students demonstrate knowledge and use of the occupational therapy practice framework, 2nd Ed. in all reflections, analyses, and presentations. Students review current contributions of occupation science to the understanding of human occupation and its relevance to their occupational therapy practice. Finally, students conduct an organizational (environmental) analysis of the work environment in supports (or creation of barriers) to the use of occupation-based interventions. Through various learning activities, students develop and communicate mechanisms to infuse a life long learning model to professional practice

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 681 

Advanced Practicum in Occupational Therapy (6) Offered each semester

A total of 6 credits are waived for documented clinical practice experience since graduation. Waiver is contingent on completion of appropriate clinical practice forms. Students create a professional review that is as much a process as it is a product. It serves not only as a record of past work history, professional accomplishments, and professional and leadership activities but also as documentation of the activities identified to meet current and future professional development needs.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 689
Innovations in Occupational Therapy Practice (3) Offered each semester

Coursework designed only for OTD or Advanced Master’s Occupational Therapy students. Students submit evidence of original and/or advanced professional knowledge and skill in a content area. These might include program development or an educational program.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 690

Advanced Occupational Therapy Skills (3) Offered each semester

Coursework designed only for OTD or Advanced Master’s Occupational Therapy students. Students submit evidence of advanced occupational therapy clinical skills and expertise. These might include mastery of a clinical technique or framework.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 691

Professional Leadership (3) Offered each semester

Coursework designed only for OTD or Advanced Master’s Occupational Therapy students. Students submit evidence of outstanding occupational therapy leadership activities.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 727

Visionary Practice Development and Evaluation (3) Offered Fall semester; must take OT778, Advanced Evidence Based Practice first

This course addresses the role of the practicing occupational therapist as a program developer and evaluator.  Students will develop advanced knowledge and skill in implementing the processes of program design and evaluation, including the ability to design and implement an effective social assessment to examine an unmet need within an already existing or new program, and analyze the findings.  Students also develop an occupational therapy program based upon the social assessment, epidemiological and environmental analysis that incorporates occupational therapy tenets, and reflects best current evidence. They also demonstrate knowledge and skill in writing a grant or a business plan for the proposed program.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 778
Advanced Evidence-Based Practice (3)

This doctoral course builds on basic concepts of Evidence-Based Practice. Students generate clinical questions derived from current practice arenas and conduct in-depth literature reviews, critical analysis, and synthesis of the best current evidence. Students present findings to various clinical, professional, and service audiences. Finally, students develop and implement action plans to integrate evidence into their current practice setting.  This course supports an interactive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and scholarly debate amongst Jefferson’s occupational therapy doctoral students, faculty and selected rehabilitation professionals.  This course fosters the development of advanced practice skills necessary to the post professional occupational therapy doctorate candidate.  

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 782

Leadership:  Moving Beyond Traditional Roles (3 ) Spring semester

Graduates of the doctoral program in occupational therapy must possess sophisticated advanced skills in management, leadership, education and scholarship in order to create, expand, evaluate and oversee innovative practice opportunities.  To accomplish this goal, students must understand and synthesize information from diverse fields including leadership theory, health policy, sociopolitical systems, health and disability, and health policy. To develop these skills students are exposed to various leadership theories as a basis for developing their own leadership style.  They are required to synthesize knowledge from current health, political and social trends to forecast needs and opportunities for the future.  Students must analyze how these trends and policies affect heath policy and their impact on both health care professionals and individual’s with disabilities.  Funding opportunities to support new and innovative practices are explored.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 797

Seminar in Advanced Practice (3) One to Three courses on varied topics offered each semester

This doctoral-level focuses on selected clinical practice topics, fostering development of advanced knowledge and skills. Critical analysis and application of current research and practice with implication for future trends is included. Specific seminar topics are drawn from the 4 advanced practice clusters: Health and Community Participation, Children and Their Families in Context, Rehabilitation and Disability studies, and Teaching.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 798

Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Seminar (1) Offered each semester

This seminar supports an interactive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and scholarly debate through a blended learning format amongst Jefferson’s occupational therapy doctoral students, faculty and selected rehabilitation professionals.  This course fosters the socialization process and development of advanced skills necessary to the post professional occupational therapy doctorate candidate.  Students will participate in various online colloquia focusing on the socialization process of clinical doctors.  Subject matter includes discussions on teaching, research, service, integration, knowledge acquisition, peer relations and mentorship.  Current trends in the profession will be discussed in the areas of: leadership, policy, entrepreneurship, ethics and problem solving. In addition, students will construct a plan for their individual professional development in preparation for the diverse roles that are expected from an advanced-level practitioner.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 799

Seminar in Clinical Research (1-3) Offered each semester

This doctoral-level seminar is designed for practicing clinician who wish to update and advance their present level of knowledge in clinical research. The course fosters students’ ability to understand and apply quantitative and qualitative strategies for analysis appropriate to specific research interests. Topics include review of common research designs, including outcome studies, surveys, and descriptive research including case studies. Students also review and critique research articles related to their area of interest in clinical practice and practice using qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques on sample data from instructor or their own data source.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 800

Doctorate Fellowship (3-6)Offered each semester

The clinical fellowship is an individualized, intensive immersion into an area(s) of occupational therapy (practice, policy, program development/evaluation, teaching/instruction) practice that the student is interested in advancing their clinical proficiency, utilizing current research evidence, and demonstrating leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Students design and implement a doctoral level project tailored to their needs and interest areas, including program design and evaluation, creation of new practice models, and/or clinical research.  

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 801

Doctoral Capstone Project (3)Offered each semester

Students further synthesize outcomes of the substantive project implemented through the Fellowship and disseminate findings through an occupational therapy publication and/or national presentation.

For more information about the OTD program or to discuss your personal plan for the OTD, contact: