The clinical doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) is a post-professional clinical degree that provides you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need, to enhance your current practice and prepares you to be an innovator in traditional and emerging areas of occupational therapy. We also help you to develop or refine your academic and clinical teaching skills.

The OTD program is a post-professional degree. There are four paths to the OTD.

  If you have a master’s degree in occupational therapy (or a bachelor's in occupational therapy and a master's in  another field), apply directly to the OTD program. Complete it in 6 semesters full time or at a part-time pace (33 credits total, for OT's with at least 3 years experience).

  If you have a bachelor’s degree in OT, apply directly to the OTD program. You will have 13 additional credits to complete, for a total of 46 credits to earn your OTD. Note: We do not award a Masters degree for this option, only an OTD. If you wish to earn a Masters and an OTD, complete our online MSOT in one year, then continue on to the OTD.

  If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than OT and specific prerequisite credits, apply directly to the entry-level master’s program. Complete your master’s degree and continue on to the OTD.

  If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, apply to the Combined BS/MSOT program. If accepted, you will enter the  program at JSHP in your junior year and complete the BS and MS within 40 months. Continue on to the OTD. **

  Jefferson has articulated agreements with Villanova University, St. Joseph’s University and Muhlenberg College that enable students to come to JSHP in the senior year to complete the BS and MS program.

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