Transitional Doctor of Occupational Therapy | University of St. Augustine

The mission of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is to graduate students with advanced knowledge in practice excellence who have the leadership and clinical skills necessary to promote the profession of occupational therapy. High priority is placed on active inquiry, critical thinking and reflective practice.

The admissions department for our Transitional OTD program is based out of our St. Augustine, FL campus. Please call (800) 241-1027 for more information.

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Program Objectives

Through completion of this program, students will:

-	Think logically, critically, creatively, and independently in a manner that will promote advanced practice of occupational therapy.
-	Develop leadership skills in an area of clinical practice that will promote the profession of OT and the patients who receive care.
-	Display depth of knowledge and advanced competence in at least one major area of clinical theory and practice.
-	Develop effective communication skills in the presentation of occupational therapy theories and concepts in order to advance professional goals.
-	Advance student competence in the interpretation and application of professional literature promoting evidence based practice.
-	Develop a systematic approach to solving problems in patient care, either through clinical research, product or program development as part of the culminating Capstone Project.

Program Overview

For candidates who hold a master's degree* from the University of St. Augustine in occupational therapy, a minimum of 30 credits will be required to earn the OTD degree and for candidates who hold a master's degree in occupational therapy, a minimum of 35 credits will be required to earn the OTD degree. The student should be able to complete this program in two to three years on a part-time basis.

For those who hold a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy, a minimum of 60 credits will be required. The student should be able to complete this program in three to four years on a part-time basis.

The OTD program includes several required courses depending on your highest previous degree. For the student holding a masters degree these include: Science of Occupation (4 credits) and Capstone 1 and 2 (5 credits), Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care (3 credits), Evidence Based Research for the Health Professional (3 credits), Health Administration (3 credits), Residency (1 credit) and 6 credits of practice courses. For the student with a Bachelor's degree there are four additional courses: Reflective Practice (4 credits) Professional Communication, (2 credits), Clinical Integration I (8 credits) and Clinical Integration II (8 credits).

In addition to the required courses listed above, the remainder of OTD coursework is comprised of elective courses and seminars. The University will also consider accepting graduate credits from other accredited institutions up to 15% of credits may be transferred) provided they are consistent with your area of interest, and meet the standards of our University.

*The master's degree may be either the first professional degree or a post-professional degree.