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Occupational Therapy, Dr.O.T.
The postprofessional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (Dr.O.T.) is designed for practicing occupational therapists who have a desire to expand knowledge and advance practice skills in the areas of policy, advocacy, leadership, and education. The program provides practitioners the opportunity to explore innovative and emerging topics in chosen areas.
Students will develop knowledge and skills directed toward enhancing leadership and advocacy, participating in public policy activities, dealing with social determinants of health, providing research-based interventions, and educating new therapists. The program will serve only master's degree credentialed students and qualifies graduates to hold advanced administrative positions in clinic or government settings and to teach at the university level.
Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
The curriculum offers an online postprofessional doctorate in occupational therapy across six semesters totaling 36 credits. All Dr.O.T. students will be required to have completed a master's degree with a minimum of 75 credits beyond the bachelor degree. The masters degree does not need to be in occupational therapy. Students are encouraged to maintain employment in order to apply course content to professional experience.
Admissions Deadline
Application information is available at gvsu.edu/ot/. 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 Grand Valley.
Admissions Requirements
- 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.
Refer to gvsu.edu/ot for additional application information.
Why Study Occupational Therapy at Grand Valley?
- Minimal travel: The Dr.O.T. program requires two in-seat sessions over the entire program, minimizing travel time and cost.
- Access: GVSU is the only public university in Michigan to offer a postprofessional OT clinical doctorate degree.
- Tuition savings: Grand Valley offers the same graduate tuition rate for in and out-of-state students.
- Best practice: The program focuses on critical thinking and the use of occupation in treatment and supports a client-centered, evidenced-based approach to therapy.
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.
Format:Coursework
Dr.O.T. students will study a variety of topics, including:
- Occupational science
- Public policy, advocacy, and leadership
- Education
- Advanced practice
Skills Employers Want
The D.R.O.T. program at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings in the occupational therapy field.
- Occupational Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Treatment Planning
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Basic Life Support
- Nursing
- Home Care
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Caregiving
- Geriatrics
Helpful Links
For More Information
Occupational Science and Therapy Department
gvsu.edu/ot
500 Lafayette Ave,
Suite 204
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5500
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