Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Occupational therapy is a growing field with an opportunity to positively change lives. From comprehensive evaluations to the therapeutic use of everyday activities, occupational therapists promote quality of life for the patients that they serve.
Get started today and pursue a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. An entry level Occupational Therapy Degree program, OTD is designed for students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree who want to become licensed occupational therapists.
Program Overview
The mission of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) OTD program is to graduate OT practitioners with the doctoral skills necessary to analyze human occupation and to implement science-driven and evidence-based interventions that promote quality of life for the clients whom they will serve.
All USAHS OTD graduates will contribute to their profession and to a global society through their competence, ethical standards and professionalism. Upon successful completion of the OTD program, graduates will demonstrate preparation beyond the generalist level in practice, theory and research skills, leadership, advocacy and program development.
We bring the experts to you!
Our unique learning model combines state-of-the-art facilities, career-centered learning technologies, online teaching and learning best practices, and the expertise of USAHS faculty members who are practitioners as well as exceptional educators from across the country. Learn More
Choose Your Path
We offer our students two different paths to earn their OTD degree. Choose the one that’s right for you.
| Full-Time OTD | Flex OTD |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | Online/Alternating Weekends |
| 117 credit hours over 8 trimesters | 117 credit hours over 12 trimesters |
| Sept, Jan, & May start dates | Sept, Jan, & May start dates |
| 2.7 years | 4 years |
| Degree earned: OTD | Degree earned: OTD |
Discover how USAHS alumni, Kelly and Eric, are creating change in the adapted surfing community with Beach Trax.
Already a licensed Occupational Therapist with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree? Check out our Online Post-professional OTD.
MOT or OTD?
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) mandated that the entry-level degree requirement for the occupational therapist will move to the doctoral level by July 1, 2027. (1) As a result, both the Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degrees enable you to start your career as an OT clinician.
While the MOT degree is a quicker pathway to licensure with 2 less trimesters, the OTD is a higher level degree with a capstone experiential project that prepares graduates for advanced roles in research, practice leadership, and advocacy for special populations. The OTD is also the degree of the future – so get started now!
Check out our MOT vs OTD chart for a side-by-side comparison of the two programs.
Why USAHS?
At USAHS, we are a graduate university that specializes in health sciences. We are committed to the development of professional health care practitioners through innovative, individualized, and quality education. Each of our academic programs focuses on foundational sciences and concepts, sound decision-making, and strong technical skill development. Read more about our mission.
Let us help you take the next step toward your future.
