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2021-2022 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Postprofessional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

This program will be available to only master's prepared occupational therapists.

Master prepared occupational therapists admitted to the program are required to complete 36 credits of doctoral level coursework. All doctoral courses will have an advanced-practice focus, that may include service learning, problem-based learning, and/or global learning, to demonstrate applicability to a broad clientele. Additionally, a Capstone project grounded in theory and evidence-producing research will be required. Students completing this program will have sufficient understanding of research to be intelligent consumers of research publications and be able to use research findings to support evidence-based practice.

Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604.
Phone: (800) 621-7440.

Admission

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

  • 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 must maintain at least 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.

Dr.O.T. Curriculum

Core Courses

Required of all Dr.O.T. students.

Policy, Advocacy, and Leadership Courses

Advanced Practice Courses

Education Courses

Doctoral Project

Additional Credits

All Dr.O.T. students will complete one of the following courses:

Potential Elective Courses Within the OST Department

Notes:

  • All electives in the OST department will be offered as three credit courses.
  • Electives from outside the program will be approved by the Dr.O.T. program coordinator.
  • Students may consider courses from education, public health, assistive technology certificate program, or other master's-level courses offered at GVSU.

Full-Time Course Sequence

Semester One

Semester Two

Semester Three

* Designates a hybrid course

Part-Time Course Sequence

Semester One

Semester Two

Semester Three

Semester Four

Semester Five

Semester Six

* Designates a hybrid course



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