WHAT CHOICES DO I HAVE IN COMPLETING THIS PROGRAM?
You have several. The University of St. Augustine offers three delivery methods of coursework: pure online, attending seminar plus completing an online learning credit assignment following the seminar or a combination of both. You have a wide selection of courses from which to choose from. Your course selection is up to you based on your professional interests and selection of delivery formats.
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WHEN MAY I APPLY? WHAT IS REQUIRED WITH THE APPLICATION?
You may apply at any time. The OTD classes begin three times a year - the first week of January, May and September. After all required application documents have arrived at the University, it takes approximately three (3) weeks for the review process. You will need to provide a copy of your resume or curriculum vita, three (3) professional references, official transcripts, and the completed application form. Foreign trained students have additional requirements (credentialing evaluation and TOEFL if English is not your native language).
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HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE TO COMPLETE?
Students entering the program Master's degree in occupational therapy or a related field from another institution will complete 35 credits. Students with a Bachelor's degree in OT can complete the 60 credits necessary to earn the OTD. Most students take 3-6 credits per a term; there are three terms per year. There are options for transfer credits and experiential learning as well. It is important that you take courses each semester so you are able to graduate within these timeframes. Most of our OTD students work fulltime and are able to complete their coursework in the evenings and on weekends.
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HOW DO THE ONLINE COURSES WORK?
After you register, you will receive a password to enter the course through the University's website, along with CD's and articles to read. The entire course is taken online with a group of students and features instructor-led discussions on a bulletin board, audio/video clips, required readings, and weekly quizzes. You will be guided through the course content with a unit-by-unit breakdown of the information that includes asynchronous interaction with students and faculty.
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HOW DO THE SEMINAR PLUS ONLINE COURSES WORK?
Seminars are held all around the United States and abroad. You register for the seminar and attend at a convenient location. After the seminar, you take the online credit assignment. The credit assignment consists of articles and/or textbooks to read, completion of an online course as described above, and a multiple choice exam.
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I'VE NEVER TAKEN AN ONLINE COURSE BEFORE. HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT TO DO?
The University of St. Augustine has an excellent online orientation program to help you to learn how to navigate the platform and prepare you for being an effective online learner. There is also a help section on all courses and readily available technical support for all online learners. If you can write and send an email and know how to acccess a web address on the Internet, you have the skills necessary for completing an online course.
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HOW LONG AFTER TAKING THE SEMINAR DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE ONLINE PORTION?
There is no time limit between when you attend the seminar and when you start the online portion. You may need to purchase an updated seminar manual in order to complete the online credit assignment.
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HOW MANY CREDITS WILL I NEED? CAN I TRANSFER IN CREDITS?
At any time during the degree program, you may transfer in credits that pertain to the occupational therapy course of learning. The University will consider credits from other institutions provided they meet our criteria, have not been applied to another degree, and you earned a grade of at least a B. Please discuss this with your advisor.
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WHAT IS THE CAPSTONE PROJECT?
The Capstone Project is the final course in your OTD program. You may choose to complete a community service project or clinical research project. You will be assigned a faculty advisor who has a similar area of practice interest who will oversee the development and completion of your project.
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DOES THE UNIVERSITY HAVE FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
There are loans that are available, but there are no scholarships or grants at this time. Please contact Donna McCutchan at: dmcutchan@usa.edu.
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ARE THE UNIVERSITY AND ITS DEGREES ACCREDITED?
Yes. We are licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education to offer all of our degree programs. The University of St. Augustine's entry-level OT program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The entry-level DPT program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The institution is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is authorized by the Department of Education to accredit distance education programs.
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MAY I TEACH WITH AN OTD DEGREE?
This is a clinical degree that is equivalent to the entry-level OTD that many students entering occupational therapy are now earning. Therefore, this degree will probably not help you to garner a faculty position at a University. However, it would be up to the University to which you were applying.
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WILL I HAVE TO COME TO ST. AUGUSTINE AND FOR HOW LONG?
You will only need to come to St. Augustine ifor a one credit residency which involves your final presentation of your Capstone Project. You may also come to campus to attend offerings or seminars, but this is optional. Most seminars are offered throughout the country and the credit assignments are completed at home on your computer.
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WHAT DOES THE TRANSITIONAL OTD PROGRAM COST?
Tuition for all courses not involving a separate seminar is $385.00/credit hour. Courses with a seminar prerequisite for which seminar fees are charged separately, the OTD coursework bears a per credit hour charge of $165.00
USA Master’s Degree Applicant Estimated Tuition Costs of the Transitional OTD Program
The following is presented only as a guide for the student. The estimated costs set forth below cover course tuition and examination fees. Textbooks and travel and lodging for seminars are additional.
- Tuition for coursework (includes seminar fees): $11,550 (30 hours)
- Administrative Fees (minimum): $200
- Estimated total for OTD – USA Master’s Degree Applicant: $11,750
Master’s Degree Applicant Estimated Tuition Costs of the Transitional OTD Program
The following is presented only as a guide for the student. The estimated costs set forth below cover course tuition and examination fees. Textbooks and travel and lodging for seminars are additional.
- Tuition for coursework (includes seminar fees): $13,475 (35 hours)
- Administrative Fees (minimum): $200
- Estimated total for OTD – Master’s Degree Applicant: $13,675
BSOT Degree Applicant Estimated Tuition Costs of the Transitional OTD Program
The following is presented only as a guide for the student. The estimated costs set forth below cover course tuition and examination fees. Textbooks and readings are additional.
- Tuition for coursework (includes seminar fees): $23,100 (60 hours)
- Administrative Fees (minimum): $200
- Estimated Total for OTD – BSOT Degree Applicant: $23,300
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