Occupational Therapy
Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (Dr.O.T.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Hybrid • 36 Credits
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities and achieve greater independence.
Overview
The post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (Dr.O.T.) at Grand Valley is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers. This 36-credit hour program offers a hybrid format, combining online and in-seat classes on the GVSU Health Campus. Students can choose between full-time and part-time options, allowing them to maintain employment while pursuing their degree. The program aims to enhance clinical skills, develop leadership abilities, and prepare graduates for teaching roles in higher education.
The curriculum covers a variety of topics essential for advanced practice in occupational therapy. Students will delve into occupational science, public policy, advocacy, leadership, and education. The program emphasizes individualized learning experiences, with courses designed to align with each students personal interests through research, discussions, and assignments. This approach ensures that students gain knowledge and practical skills relevant to their professional goals.
Grand Valley is the only public university in Michigan offering this degree, providing a distinctive opportunity for occupational therapists to further their education. The program's flexible structure, combined with the support of experienced faculty advisors, allows students to balance their personal and professional responsibilities effectively. Additionally, GVSU offers the same graduate tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it an accessible and attractive option for those looking to advance their careers in occupational therapy.
College of Health Professions
Department of Occupational Science and Therapy
Occupational Therapy
[email protected]
500 Lafayette Ave, Suite 204
Grand Rapids,
MI 49503
(616) 331-5500
Program Director
Susan Cleghorn, Dr.O.T.
(616) 331-2799
Application Deadline
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.
Career Opportunities
Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
Top skills- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 59,624.71 | 10% |
| $ 73,802.00 | 25% |
| $ 83,910.63 | 50% |
| $ 99,078.76 | 75% |
| $107,567.86 | 90% |
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
A Unique Degree
The Only Dr.O.T. in Michigan
A "Best Graduate Program"
- U.S. News and World Report, 2025
State-of-the-Art Simulation Facilities
Grand Valley State University is prominently located on Health Hill, a hub for health sciences education and research, and boasts state-of-the-art simulation centers equipped with advanced technology to provide hands-on learning experiences for students in various health-related programs.
Combined Degree: Occupational Therapy M.S. and Dr.O.T.
The combined master of science and doctor of occupational therapy program at Grand Valley State University offers current qualified OT students the opportunity to earn two degrees, meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree can reduce the cost and total time required to complete both.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
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