Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) > The OTD Program at Jefferson

Tell me about Jefferson's OTD

The clinical doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) is a post-professional clinical degree that provides you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need, to enhance your current practice and prepares you to be an innovator in traditional and emerging areas of occupational therapy. You will also have the opportunity to develop or refine your academic and clinical teaching skills.

Pathways

The OTD program is a post-professional degree. There are four paths to the OTD.

• If you have a master’s degree in occupational therapy (or a bachelor's in occupational therapy and a master's in another field), apply directly to the OTD program. Complete it in 6 semesters full time or at a part-time pace.
• If you have a bachelor’s degree in OT, complete our new online MSOT in one year and continue on to the OTD.
• If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than OT and specific prerequisite credits, apply directly to the entry-level master’s program. Complete your master’s degree and continue on to the OTD.
• If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, apply to the Combined BS/MSOT program. If accepted, you will enter the program at JCHP in your junior year and complete the BS and MS within 40 months. Continue on to the OTD. **
  
  **Jefferson has articulated agreements with Villanova University, St. Joseph’s University and Muhlenberg College that enable students to come to JCHP in the senior year to complete the BS and MS program.

Why Jefferson?

Convenient. Courses are online with 2 classes/semester at Jefferson’s center-city Philadelphia campus. More about this...

Personalized. Choose an area of advanced practice and electives to meet your career goals.

Excellent resources. Students benefit from a variety of opportunities for coursework, collaboration, fellowships and mentorship across the University, in places such as the Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health, the Child and Family Studies Research Programs, the Master’s in Public Health, and our own program of research in Sensory Integration.

Research assistant program. Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are available to qualified students to help finance your education. Assist faculty with research, teaching, or service projects and gain a distinct career advantage.

Excellent Faculty. World-recognized faculty, with faculty expertise in specific areas of practice, including early intervention and school-based practice, community health and participation, public health, older adults/gerontology, rehabilitation and hand therapy, sensory integration, and clinical and academic teaching.

Great location. Situated in center city Philadelphia, Jefferson is easy to access from
all points on the East coast. The campus is accessible whether you are driving, taking the train, or flying.