Program Overview

The 36 credit hour program offers a fully online curriculum with either full (2 classes/semester) or part time (1 class/semester) options. All Dr.O.T. students will be required to have a degree in occupational therapy as well as a master's degree in either occupational therapy or another field of study. Students are encouraged to maintain employment throughout the program.

Why Study Occupational Therapy at Grand Valley?

• GVSU is the only public university in Michigan to offer a post professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
• Each course is designed so that individual student interests are applied through research, discussion, and assignments. Therefore, students are not tied to a pre-chosen set of curricular tracks to follow.
• Dr.O.T. faculty have a diverse set of clinical experiences and are highly skilled in the design and facilitation of a challenging and rewarding distance program.
• Dr.O.T. students are fully supported with a faculty advisor for guidance through the curriculum in a manner that is best for the students' personal and professional responsibilities.
• Grand Valley offers the same graduate tuition rate for in- and out-of-state students.

Career Insights

Location & Format

Classes for the program are a combination of online and in-seat on the GVSU Health Campus, near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.

• Hybrid

Coursework

Dr.O.T. students will study a variety of topics, including:

• Occupational science
• Public policy, advocacy, and leadership
• Education
• Advanced practice

Application deadline is August 1 for fall semester and December 1 for winter semester. The $30 application fee is waived if the applicant previously applied to GVSU.

• Two years of practice experience as an OTR.
• GPA of 3.25 over the last 60 credit hours.
• Critical evaluation of an occupational therapy article.
• Personal statement, including identification of specific goals and timelines in completing Dr.O.T. program.
• Personal interview with two OST department faculty members.
• Three letters of support from professional colleagues, supervisors, or department heads.

• Professional resume outlining work history and continuing education experiences.

Admission Requirements

The following is required for admission to the doctorate in occupational therapy program:

• You must submit an official transcript from your baccalaureate degree granting institution
• A minimum of two years of practice as a registered occupational therapist
• Cumulative GPA for last 60 credit hours of 3.25
• Critical evaluation of an occupational therapy article selected by the OST Department faculty
• Identification of specific, individual goals and timelines for seeking the Dr.O.T. degree, within a personal statement
• Personal interview with two members of the OST Department faculty
• Three letters of support from professional colleagues, supervisors, or department heads

Note: Students are encouraged to maintain a minimum of part-time employment throughout their matriculation in the doctoral program. Exceptions to this requirement will be addressed by a faculty committee on a case-by-case basis.

Helpful Links

• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• The Graduate School
• Health Professions Programs
• Health Science Programs
• Occupational Therapy Programs
• FAQ

For More Information

[email protected]
500 Lafayette Ave, Suite 204
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5500

gvsu.edu/gradapply

Susan Cleghorn, Dr.O.T.
(616) 331-2799