What is a Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (DrOT)?
A post professional degree is an advanced clinical doctorate that positions occupational therapists to thrive in today’s challenging healthcare environments. Graduates are prepared for career longevity and innovation. Specifically, students will advance clinical practice through discovery and practical application of skills including advocacy, curriculum design, grant writing, leadership policy development, and program development.
What is the difference between an Entry Level Doctorate (OTD) and a Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy?
Entry Level Doctorate (OTD): This degree prepares entry level or new practitioners. Students typically must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field of study prior to entering an entry level doctoral program (AOTA, 2015).
Post Professional Doctorate (OTD or DrOT): This degree prepares occupational therapists who are already credentialed and practicing OT professionals with skills that are above entry level. Students must hold either a bachelor’s degree in OT AND a master’s degree in any field of study or OT, prior to entering a post professional doctoral program. GVSU distinguishes the post professional doctorate with use of DrOT (ASAP, 2007).
Why Study a Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Grand Valley?
- Post Professional Doctorate, designed for Occupational Therapists who want to advance clinical knowledge, leadership, and teach in higher education.
- GVSU is "One of the Top Public Universities in America" - Niche.com
- A "Best Graduate Program" - U. S. News and World Report, 2025.
- Combined Degree: MSOT/DROT, designed for GVSU OT students who wish to enroll in up to 9 DrOT courses in the MSOT program, then enter the DrOT after MSOT degree completion.
Program Overview
The post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (Dr.O.T.) at Grand Valley is designed for working Occupational Therapists seeking to advance clinical, leadership, and higher education/instruction skills. This 36-credit hour program offers a hybrid format, combining distance learning through both asynchronous and synchronous classes. Classes occur at a time convenient for students, often in the evening. Students visit campus one weekend for the Capstone and Commencement events. Students can choose between full-time and part-time options, allowing them to maintain employment while pursuing their degree.
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 higher education. The program emphasizes individualized learning experiences, with courses designed to align with each student's personal interests through research, discussions, and applied project-based assignments. This approach ensures that students gain knowledge and practical skills relevant to their professional goals.
The program's flexible structure, combined with high contact, 1:1 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.
*Some students may qualify for reduced number of credit hours by applying to convert professional experience into course credit, with approval of the DrOT Program Director.