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Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

College of Health Sciences

Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

73 - 91 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$583 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

Prepare to enter a high-demand profession that allows you to make a positive impact on individual’s lives. EKU’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the field as an occupational therapist and begin a rewarding career. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national certification examination given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and apply for licensure in all states, which is required to practice.

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Career Outlook

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational therapy jobs are available in a variety of areas including schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient service providers, home health, early intervention and academia.

Employers Include:

  • University of Findlay
  • Occupational Therapy Consultants, Inc.
  • Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula, MT
  • Encompass Health
  • Commonwealth Hand and Physical Therapy
  • Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Program in OT
  • South Arkansas Community College

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment
    Quality courses from respected and engaged faculty
  • Graduates of EKU’s OTD program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) national certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, which is required to practice

Curriculum & Admission

EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through topics such as advanced occupation-based practice, diversity and health disparity, policy and change, applied research and ethics, and evidence-based practice.

The combined BS in Occupational Science/professional OTD program is delivered in person; however, some classes in the professional OTD program are delivered online (OTS 804, OTS 805, OTS 853, and OTS 905). Please ensure you meet the Minimum Technology Skills and Requirements for online courses. Accommodations for accessibility of learning environments are available through the Center for Student Accessibility.

A minimum of 73-92 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science program should apply to the Graduate School by February 1 of their second professional year for admission into the OTD Professional Concentration.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science program should apply to the Graduate School by February 1 of their second professional year for admission into the OTD Professional Concentration.

  • Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Science (the first two years of the combined BSOS to OTD entry level program at EKU) with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Completion of a 2nd Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT)

Apply to the Professional OTD Program

The OTD professional program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). For more information visit ACOTE Online. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

ACOTE Contact Information:

ACOTE Contact Information:
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 652-6611

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Photo of Gabby Thurman

Gabriella Thurman

College Enrollment Counselor


gabrielle.thurman@eku.edu

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Photo of Ava Meyer

Ava Meyer

EKU Occupational Science Student
With the BSOS/OTD pathway, I am in my undergraduate degree learning material that applies to my future job. The most surprising aspect of the program is how fast-paced yet thoroughly taught it is. In 6 years, students can earn a bachelor’s in Occupational Science and then transition into the 2 year Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
photo of Chelsea Moore

Chelsea Moore

EKU Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy Student
Having the opportunity to obtain an OTD degree from EKU has given me a chance to set myself up for success at a young age with minimal financial strain. Due to dual credit opportunities through my public high school, I am set to confer my doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy by the age of 22. This opportunity was not accessible to me through other OTD programs.
EKU OTD graduate Emma McClellan smiles for a professional photo.

Emma McClellan

EKU Occupational Therapy Doctorate Graduate
I work with physicians and FNPs. Having a doctoral degree gives me a place at the table. It says that I have reached the gold standard in my profession. It’s the equivalent of labeling all my passion for OT, my desire to help my patients, and the work I’ve done professionally and academically.

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News & Updates

EKU’s OT Program Allows Student to Pursue “a Passion for Helping Others”

In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month in April, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates the next generation of occupational therapists in Kentucky and beyond, highlighting hands-on learning opportunities in real-world settings. Even before graduation, EKU’s Occupational Therapy (OT) program places students in the community through clinical rotations and future employment opportunities. Recognized by U.S. News and […]

EKU’s Occupational Therapy and Manufacturing Engineering Programs Announce Collaborative Partnership with Local Manufacturer

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced a collaborative workplace improvement project between its top-ranked Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program and new Manufacturing Engineering program alongside Toyota on Thursday. The collaboration creates opportunities for safer and more efficient workspaces by applying principles of ergonomics and universal design. “Innovation, one of our strategic priorities at EKU, is […]

EKU Climbs the Ranks for Best Public Affairs Program

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has climbed the ranks in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Graduate School rankings, particularly in the category of Best Public Affairs Programs,  where it advanced 10 spots, among other program rankings.  “EKU is making a name for itself on the national stage,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our rankings […]

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Contact Information

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

Dizney Building
Room 103

4377 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3300
ot@eku.edu

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