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Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

College of Health Sciences

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

College of Health Sciences

Be Part of a Dynamic and Rewarding Field

EKU’s Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is dedicated to preparing students for rewarding careers that positively impact others. Occupational science is an evolving social science focused on how and why people engage in occupations – how we occupy our time through activity, organize ourselves by activity patterns and habits, and create meaning. Occupational therapists apply occupational science principles to facilitate and improve participation in these everyday tasks.

Prepare to be an effective, empathetic practitioner and positively impact others through EKU’s nationally recognized occupational science and occupational therapy programs.

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Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy Degrees & Certificates

Undergraduate Programs

graduate Programs

Two female OTD students in scrubs work together on an assignment at a desk in a classroom with their laptops open.

Why Study Occupational Science/Therapy?

A career in occupational therapy provides solid income potential with a variety of practice setting possibilities. Additionally. U.S. News & World Report recently named occupational therapy as a “best career” due to the high-level of job satisfaction reported, number of jobs available and earning potential. EKU’s nationally accredited programs prepares students to lead in this rewarding field.

Occupational science is the study of human occupation — how we occupy our time through activity, organize ourselves by activity patterns and habits, and create meaning through occupation. Occupation is essential to a healthy and satisfying life.

Undergraduate students may combine the study of human occupation with other areas of interest through electives or a minor. Students who apply for the BS in Occupational Science are expected to progress to the OTD program. However, some may choose other graduate education options or seek employment in non-credentialed health care, education, or community positions.

The core concepts and knowledge base of occupational therapy come from the study of human occupation. Occupational therapists use purposeful and meaningful occupations to evaluate and address the needs of individuals who have a disorder, impairment, or activity limitation that interferes with their ability to participate in daily life. Occupational therapists promote health, well-being, and life satisfaction.

Graduation Rates and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Examination Results

Graduation YearStudents
Admitted		Students
Graduated		Graduation RateNBCOT Exam Pass Rate
2021717099%98%
2022747399%96%
2023554887%93%
3-YR Total/Average20019195%96%

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Program Data Results

The MS in Occupational Therapy Program and the OTD professional program are both accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). For more information visit ACOTE online. Graduates of both programs 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:

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

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 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 […]

EKU Ranks for Best Occupational Therapy Programs

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is home to one of the top Occupational Therapy (OT) programs in the nation, boasting a 99% graduation rate since 2020. Recently, EKU ranked No. 22 […]

Contact Information

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

521 Lancaster Avenue
Dizney Building, Room 103
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3300
ot@eku.edu

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