As we celebrate Nurses Month, we at USAHS wanted to get a sense of what a typical workday is like for a nurse manager. We asked alum Ahnnya Slaughter, DNP, to tell us all about a day in her life. Dr. Slaughter graduated in 2021 from USAHS’ Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the Nurse Executive role specialty. Coming from a military family, she began working at a VA hospital in the Los Angeles area 30 years ago as a critical care RN. “Veterans deserve the best care,” she says. “My calling wasn’t to be in the military. This is my way of being able to serve the country.” Over the years, she worked her way up, through positions such as informatics specialist, deputy nurse executive, and director of clinical staff development. She began Read more
College of Rehabilitative Sciences Graduate Programs
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Locations
- San Marcos, CA
- St. Augustine, FL
- Miami, FL
- Austin, TX
- Dallas, TX
Formats
- Residential
- Flex The Flex OTD format is available on the Dallas campus only.
Program duration*
- Residential: 2.7 years - 8 trimesters
- Flex: 3.7 years - 11 trimesters
One OTD Program, Two Formats.
If you envision yourself in a leadership role within occupational therapy and aspire towards running your own occupational therapy practice, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at USAHS may be the best program for you. In the OTD’s two additional trimesters of study beyond the MOT, you will take courses in leadership, advocacy, and policymaking. You will also engage in a capstone project, in which you will choose your own area of OT interest and investigate it deeply.
Getting a doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy is helpful for future occupational therapy practitioners who seek roles in practice leadership, on boards of professional associations, in patient advocacy, and in research.
In the Residential OTD, you will watch lectures online and participate in on-campus clinical lab classes on weekdays. Designed for those who work, have family obligations, or live a distance from campus, the Flex OTD is a path for you to earn your doctorate in occupational therapy on an expanded timetable.
OTD Student Outcomes "2020 Annual Factbook", USAHS’s Office of Assessment and Institutional Research, April 2020. Data is for students enrolled during the 2018-2019 academic year.
- Leader in health sciences & innovation
- Flexible delivery options tailored to you

Residential OTD
Online coursework +in-person labs on weekdays
117 credit hours over 8 trimesters
2.7 years Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.
Sept., Jan. & May start dates
Two trimesters of fieldwork experiences
Capstone project
Flex OTD
Online coursework +in-person labs on weekends
117 credit hours over 11 trimesters
3.7 years Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.
Sept. & May start dates
Two trimesters of fieldwork experiences
Capstone project

How Our OTD Program Stands Apart

We put students first.
Our OT doctoral program is rooted in our student-FIRST philosophy: Everything we do is focused on student success. We strive to offer the best academic experience and career preparation through our learning model, support services, and special events.
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We’re blended.
Our blended learning model gives you the best of both worlds: the convenience of online lectures, plus the engagement of hands-on practice. You'll learn the material in advance with our online doctorate in occupational therapy program. Then, when you come to campus, you’ll be ready to participate in meaningful hands-on class activities with faculty and other students.
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We’re hands-on.
From your very first week of classes, you’ll get experience working in our state-of-the-art simulation labs, featuring real medical equipment and environments. You’ll engage in realistic scenarios with your classmates to help mock patients manage their activities of daily living. The OTD degree program also includes two trimesters of fieldwork experiences, where you’ll get real-world practice.
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We’re high-tech.
Our EdTech tools include 3D printers for creating adaptive equipment, BTE Primus machines for measuring client movement, driving simulators for improving client driving skills, Anatomage Tables for virtual dissection, Double robots for remote patient consultation, and more. You’ll practice using this state-of-the-art technology so you’ll be ready to provide the best patient care.
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We’re a tight-knit community.
We respect our students as the future colleagues and practitioners they will become. We focus not only on theory and technical know-how, but also on helping students develop critical thinking skills, cultural responsiveness, and ethical standards—along with compassion, empathy, and grit.
Learn MoreRequirements and Program Information
How to ApplyOTD Curriculum
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Curriculum
Students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program earn a total of 117 credits, including 79 credits of core courses with virtual didactic coursework, 22 credits of fieldwork, and 16 credits representing the doctoral capstone experience. Upon successful completion of the OTD program, you’ll be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination.
Residential OTD Curriculum
Core Courses | Credit Hours |
---|---|
Trimester I | |
HSC 5136 Evidence - Informed Practice I: Research Fundamentals | 2 |
OCT 5130C Skills and Techniques for Client Care Management | 3 |
OCT 5135C Anatomy Applied to Occupation | 5 |
OCT 5140 Domain of Occupational Therapy | 3 |
OCT 5146 Occupational Engagement and Theories of Practice | 3 |
Total Credit Hours | 16 |
Trimester II | |
OCT 5225C Process of Occupational Therapy | 4 |
OCT 5230C Conditions Impacting Occupational Performance | 4 |
OCT 5210 Scholarly Design | 2 |
OCT 5217C Human Movement for Occupational Performance | 3 |
HSC 5310C Clinical Neuroscience | 4 |
Total Credit Hours | 17 |
Trimester III | |
OCT 5340 Scholarly Implementation and Dissemination | 2 |
OCT 5335C Clinical Applications of Occupational Therapy in Psychosocial and Community Settings | 5 |
OCT 5355C Clinical Applications of Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics/Adolescence | 5 |
OCT 5330C OT Methods I: Assistive Technology | 3 |
OCT 5365 Wellness and Health Promotion | 3 |
OCT 6310 OTD Seminar 1 | 1 |
Total Credit Hours | 19 |
Trimester IV | |
OCT 5410C Clinical Applications in Adulthood | 5 |
OCT 5425C Clinical Applications in Geriatrics | 5 |
OCT 5445C OT Methods II: Orthotics, Prosthetics and Modalities | 3 |
OCT 5470 Administration & Management in Occupational Therapy | 3 |
OCT 6420 OTD Seminar 2 | 1 |
Total Credit Hours | 17 |
Trimester V | |
OCT 5550 Fieldwork IIA (min 12 weeks) | 11 |
OCT 6530 OTD Seminar 3 | 1 |
Total Credit Hours | 12 |
Trimester VI | |
OCT 5660 Fieldwork IIB (min 12 weeks) | 11 |
OCT 6640 OTD Seminar 4 | 1 |
Total Credit Hours | 12 |
Trimester VII | |
OCT 6700 Capstone Project | 2 |
OCT 6745 Scholarship of Practice | 3 |
OCT 6720 Leadership & Advocacy | 3 |
OCT 6731 Capstone Experience 1 (last 4 weeks) | 4 |
Total Credit Hours | 12 |
Trimester VIII | |
OCT 6832 Capstone Experience 2 | 12 |
Total Credit Hours | 12 |
Total OTD Program Credit Hours | 117 |
Flex OTD Curriculum
Core Courses | Credit Hours |
---|---|
Trimester I | |
OCT 5135C Anatomy Applied to Occupation | 5 |
OCT 5140 Domain of Occupational Therapy | 3 |
OCT 5146 Occupational Engagement and Theories of Practice | 3 |
Total Credit Hours | 11 |
Trimester II | |
HSC 5136 Evidence - Informed Practice I: Research Fundamentals | 2 |
OCT 5130C Skills and Techniques for Client Care Management | 3 |
OCT 5225C Process of Occupational Therapy | 4 |
Total Credit Hours | 9 |
Trimester III | |
OCT 5210 Scholarly Design | 2 |
OCT 5217C Human Movement for Occupational Performance | 3 |
OCT 5230C Conditions Impacting Occupational Performance | 4 |
Total Credit Hours | 9 |
Trimester IV | |
HSC 5310C Clinical Neuroscience | 4 |
OCT 5335C Clinical Applications of Occupational Therapy in Psychosocial and Community Settings | 5 |
Total Credit Hours | 9 |
Trimester V | |
OCT 5365 Wellness and Health Promotion | 3 |
OCT 5340 Scholarly Implementation and Dissemination | 2 |
OCT 5355C Clinical Applications of Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics/Adolescence | 5 |
OCT 6310 OTD Seminar 1 | 1 |
Total Credit Hours | 11 |
Trimester VI | |
OCT 5470 Administration & Management in Occupational Therapy | 3 |
OCT 5330C OT Methods I: Assistive Technology | 3 |
OCT 5410C Clinical Applications in Adulthood | 5 |
Total Credit Hours | 11 |
Trimester VII | |
OCT 5425C Clinical Applications in Geriatrics | 5 |
OCT 6420 OTD Seminar 2 | 1 |
OCT 5445C OT Methods II: Orthotics, Prosthetics and Modalities | 3 |
Total Credit Hours | 9 |
Trimester VIII | |
OCT 5550 Fieldwork IIA | 11 |
OCT 6530 OTD Seminar 3 | 1 |
Total Credit Hours | 12 |
Trimester IX | |
OCT 5660 Fieldwork IIB | 11 |
OCT 6640 OTD Seminar 4 | 1 |
Total Credit Hours | 12 |
Trimester X | |
OCT 6720 Leadership & Advocacy | 3 |
OCT 6745 Scholarship of Practice | 3 |
OCT 6700 Capstone Project | 2 |
OCT 6731 Capstone Experience 1 | 4 |
Total Credit Hours | 12 |
Trimester XI | |
OCT 6832 Capstone Experience 2 | 12 |
Total Credit Hours | 12 |
Total OTD Program Credit Hours | 117 |
OTD Admission Requirements
Admissions Requirements
Candidates must meet the following admission requirements in order to be considered for the occupational therapy doctorate program.
Requirements Starting Fall 2022
Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You can apply while you are still enrolled in an undergraduate degree program or while you are completing prerequisite coursework. You should submit a plan of study with your application that indicates all remaining courses that will be completed prior to program enrollment.
GRE: The GRE is no longer required for admission to USAHS Occupational Therapy Program.
Resume: Include a current resume with your application.
Statement of Purpose: Include a short statement of why you wish to pursue occupational therapy as a career and what attracts you to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
OT Supplemental Questions: Provide five short answers to help us learn more about you. – START OT SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to submit two recommendations. While it is advised that at least one comes from an OT clinician, it is acceptable to have both from college and university instructors. Only recommendations meeting the requirements will count towards the Total Required Confirmed number.
Observation Hours: The Occupational Therapy Department does not require observation hours to apply for our graduate programs, however, it is highly recommended that all applicants observe occupational therapy in at least two areas of practice. This will not only support your submission essays; it will also help to ensure that you are well suited for this field of study.
OTD Essay: Please select one the topics listed below and write a succinct (800-1000 word, double spaced) essay that exhibits your understanding of the issue and its potential impact on occupational therapy practice. Be sure to support your assertions and show your sources of information (use at least 3 sources) using in-text citations and include a reference list of cited sources.
The essay will be evaluated by the faculty admissions committee to assess preparedness for graduate studies and to identify the assistance needed for success in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
Essay topic options (select one)
- Working with marginalized populations in healthcare
- Working with other professions as an occupational therapist
- Telehealth and occupational therapy
- The rising cost of healthcare and access to occupational therapy
- Healthcare disparities and access to occupational therapy
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare
- Ethical dilemmas in the rehabilitation fields
- US health trends that will impact occupation in the future
- Addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in occupational therapy
- The use of technologies in the delivery of occupational therapy
Prerequisites: Admissions recommends that all prerequisite coursework be no more than 5 years old. This is a recommendation and is preferred, it is not a requirement to apply. You will be asked to provide official transcripts during the application process.
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better. You can find our OTD prerequisite form here. Evidence of successful completion of the following prerequisites is required:
Required Prerequisite Courses | ||
---|---|---|
Semester Hours | Quarter Hours |
|
Anatomy and Physiology with Lab Acceptable course titles to fulfill this requirement include: Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II-Topics covered are: cell physiology, histology, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory systems. Emphasis is on the interaction of structure and function and the mechanisms which maintain homeostasis in the human body. General Human Anatomy-In its broadest sense, anatomy is the study of the structure of an object, in this case the human body. Human anatomy deals with the way the parts of humans, from molecules to bones, interact to form a functional unit. The study of anatomy is distinct from the study of physiology, although the two are often paired General Human Physiology- is the study of how the human body functions. This includes the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical, and biochemical functions of humans in good health, from organs to the cells of which they are composed Not Acceptable: Animal Physiology (must be human), Exercise Physiology, or Clinical Physiology | 8 | 12 |
Sociology or Anthropology Acceptable course titles to fulfill this requirement include: Sociology - Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole societies. Unifying the study of these diverse subjects is sociology’s purpose of understanding how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures. Anthropology - Anthropology is the systematic study of humanity, with the goal of understanding our evolutionary origins, our distinctiveness as a species, and the great diversity in our forms of social existence across the world and through time. The focus of Anthropology is on understanding both our shared humanity and diversity and engaging with diverse ways of being in the world. Anthropology is divided into three subfields: sociocultural, biological, and archaeology. USAHS will accept sociocultural and biological anthropology subjects in fulfillment of their pre-requisite, but not archeology. Sociocultural Anthropology - Sociocultural anthropologists interpret the content of particular cultures, explain variation among cultures, and study processes of cultural change and social transformation. Common topics include human ecology; gender relations; culture and ideology; demography and family systems; race, class and gender inequality; resistance movements; colonialism, neocolonialism, and development; and cultural politics. Biological Anthropology - Biological anthropologists study a variety of aspects of human evolutionary biology. Some examine fossils and apply their observations to understanding human evolution; others compare morphological, biochemical, genetic, and physiological adaptations of living humans to their environments; still others observe behavior of human and nonhuman primates (monkeys and apes) to understand the roots of human behavior. | 3 | 4.5 |
Developmental Psychology Developmental psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on how people grow and change over the course of a lifetime. Those who specialize in this field are not just concerned with the physical changes that occur as people grow; they also look at the social, emotional, and cognitive development that occurs throughout life. Topics typically covered include cognitive development during childhood and throughout life, developmental challenges and learning disabilities, emotional development, language acquisition, moral reasoning, motor skill development, personality development, self-awareness and self-concept, as well as social and cultural influences on child development. In laymen terms this requirement is about human growth and development over the lifespan. | 3 | 4.5 |
Abnormal Psychology Abnormal Psychology is a branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought, which could possibly be understood as a mental disorder. It involves the study, assessment, treatment, and prevention of maladaptive behavior. | 3 | 4.5 |
Statistics Statistics is the study of the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data. This course includes measures of central tendency and variability, probability, random variables, normal and binomial distributions, confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses, correlation and simple linear regression, descriptive and inferential techniques and concepts which apply to sample data which has been gathered from a population. | 3 | 4.5 |
Medical Terminology (1 semester credit/1.5 quarter credits) Medical terminology is the language used to precisely describe the human body including its components, processes, conditions affecting it, and procedures performed upon it. Medical terminology is used in the field of medicine. Not acceptable: Certificate or Continuing Education Courses (CEU’s). Must be college bearing credit. | 1 | 1.5 |
Misrepresentation of Academic Credentials
Misrepresentation of academic credentials includes presenting information known as false and with the intent of obtaining employment or admission to an educational program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Statements made and documents supplied by the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences applicants and students must be complete and accurate. The university will not tolerate any misrepresentation by a student or applicant of past or current academic programs, degrees, or professional accomplishments. If unexplained discrepancies appear between statements or documents provided to the University of St. Augustine and information obtained otherwise, except in the case of misspellings and other such inadvertent errors, applicants may be rejected for admission and enrolled students may be dismissed.
Additional Information
- A comprehensive background check requiring fingerprints and drug screen will be administered after acceptance into the program and at the applicant’s expense. A felony charge and or conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or to attain state licensure.
- This is a hybrid program requiring both virtual (distance education) and face-to-face class participation. Online learners need access to/use of a computer/word processor and basic technical skills to succeed. These skills include the ability to create new documents, use a word processing program, navigate the Internet, and download software. Attendance requirements are enforced.
OTD Tuition & CoA
Tuition
The 117-credit-hour OTD program can be completed in 2 years and 8 months. Total program tuition and cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year are as follows. Tuition estimates are based on the assumption that a student goes straight through the program, without breaks or repeating academic work.
Cost of Attendance
Choose your program and the campus you are interested in attending to see the cost of attendance estimates. All tuition and expense numbers are subject to change.
Residential OTD
Tuition is approximately $13,337 per trimester for OTD students who attend our San Marcos, CA campus.
Tuition and Fees | |
School Expenses | |
Tuition | $106,692.00 |
Program Fees | $1,280.00 |
Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
Total Program Direct Expenses | $112,172.00 |
---|
For a breakdown of tuition, fees and estimated living expenses click here.
Tuition is approximately $13,357 per trimester for OTD students who attend our St. Augustine, FL campus.
Tuition and Fees | |
School Expenses | |
Tuition | $106,692.00 |
Program Fees | $1,280.00 |
Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
Total Program Direct Expenses | $112,172.00 |
---|
Tuition is approximately $13,337 per trimester for OTD students who attend our Miami, FL campus.
Tuition and Fees | |
School Expenses | |
Tuition - 117 credit hours | $106,692.00 |
Program Fees | $1,280.00 |
Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
Total Program Direct Expenses | $112,172.00 |
---|
Tuition is approximately $13,337 per trimester for OTD students who attend our Austin, TX campus.
Tuition and Fees | |
School Expenses | |
Tuition - 117 credit hours | $106,692.00 |
Program Fees | $1,280.00 |
Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
Total Program Direct Expenses | $112,172.00 |
---|
Tuition is approximately $13,337 per trimester for OTD students who attend our Dallas, TX campus.
Tuition and Fees |
|
School Expenses | |
Tuition - 117 credit hours | $106,692.00 |
Program Fees | $1,280.00 |
Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
Total Program Direct Expenses | $112,172.00 |
---|
For a breakdown of tuition, fees and estimated living expenses click here.
Flex OTD
Tuition is approximately $9,360 per trimester for OTD students who attend our Dallas, TX campus.
Tuition and Fees | |
School Expenses | |
Tuition - 117 credit hours | $102,960.00 |
Program Fees | $1,100.00 |
Books & Associated School Expenses | $4,200.00 |
Total Program Direct Expenses | $108,260.00 |
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Students whose address on record is in California at the time tuition is first charged and/or who attend the California campus will be responsible for paying a one-time Student Tuition Recovery Fund non-refundable fee, pursuant to California Code of Regulations §76120.
Financial Aid
Student loans may be available to assist with funding your OTD program. USAHS has financial aid counselors who are available to explain your options.
Financial aid counselors can be reached by email, phone, or on campus. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in each time zone. If you are unable to meet during regular office hours, after-hours appointments are available by request.
Please visit our Financial Aid Contact page for more information.
X CloseOTD Accreditation and State Approvals
Accreditation
Please click on the following menus for the OTD program accreditation status of each USAHS campus:
OTD Program Accreditation Status
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree (OTD) program at the San Marcos, California campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program. Students must complete an individual 14-week capstone experience within 18 months following completion of the remaining didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3. For more information about the occupational therapy accreditation process, contact the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, 301-652-AOTA or visit www.acoteonline.org. Complaints about the program that cannot be resolved after following the University’s procedures must be submitted electronically to the ACOTE Chairperson, c/o the AOTA Accreditation Department. The complaint must be submitted as an attachment to an e-mail addressed to [email protected] and must include a signed complaint form, “Complaint Against a Program Subject to ACOTE Accreditation”. ![]() |
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) degree program at the St. Augustine, Florida campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program. Students must complete an individual 14-week capstone experience 18 months following completion of the remaining didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3. For more information about the occupational therapy accreditation process, contact the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, 301-652-AOTA or visit www.acoteonline.org. Complaints about the program that cannot be resolved after following the University’s procedures must be submitted electronically to the ACOTE Chairperson, c/o the AOTA Accreditation Department. The complaint must be submitted as an attachment to an email addressed to [email protected] and must include a signed complaint form, “Complaint Against a Program Subject to ACOTE Accreditation ”. ![]() |
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree (OTD) program at the Miami, Florida campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program. Students must complete an individual 14-week capstone experience within 18 months following completion of the remaining didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3. For more information about the occupational therapy accreditation process, contact the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, 301-652-AOTA or visit www.acoteonline.org. Complaints about the program that cannot be resolved after following the University’s procedures must be submitted electronically to the ACOTE Chairperson, c/o the AOTA Accreditation Department. The complaint must be submitted as an attachment to an e-mail addressed to [email protected] and must include a signed complaint form, “Complaint Against a Program Subject to ACOTE Accreditation”. ![]() |
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree (OTD) program at the Austin, Texas campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program. Students must complete an individual 14-week capstone experience within 18 months following completion of the remaining didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3. For more information about the occupational therapy accreditation process, contact the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, 301-652-AOTA or visit www.acoteonline.org. Complaints about the program that cannot be resolved after following the University’s procedures must be submitted electronically to the ACOTE Chairperson, c/o the AOTA Accreditation Department. The complaint must be submitted as an attachment to an e-mail addressed to [email protected] and must include a signed complaint form, “Complaint Against a Program Subject to ACOTE Accreditation”. ![]() |
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree (OTD) program at the Dallas, Texas campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program. Students must complete an individual 14-week capstone experience within 18 months following completion of the remaining didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3. For more information about the occupational therapy accreditation process, contact the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, 301-652-AOTA or visit www.acoteonline.org. Complaints about the program that cannot be resolved after following the University’s procedures must be submitted electronically to the ACOTE Chairperson, c/o the AOTA Accreditation Department. The complaint must be submitted as an attachment to an e-mail addressed to [email protected] and must include a signed complaint form, “Complaint Against a Program Subject to ACOTE Accreditation”. ![]() |
For more information about the occupational therapy accreditation process, contact the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, 301-652-AOTA or visit www.acoteonline.org.
Complaints about the program that cannot be resolved after following the University’s procedures must be submitted electronically to the ACOTE Chairperson, c/o the AOTA Accreditation Department. The complaint must be submitted as an attachment to an e-mail addressed to [email protected] and must include a signed complaint form, “Complaint Against a Program Subject to ACOTE Accreditation”.
State Approvals
Flex Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Dallas)
USAHS currently is accepting applications for enrollment in the Flex Doctor of Occupational Therapy for residents of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. USAHS has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following locations: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
USAHS is not accepting applications from prospective students residing in states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for clinical field experiences. Additionally, for states denoted with clinical field experience restrictions, USAHS does not have the necessary state authorization approvals to offer on-the-ground activities of this kind in those states at this time. However, these restrictions should not impact a graduates’ eligibility for professional licensure in his/her state, provided all other requirements are met. The OTD program prepares students for licensure in all 50 states.
It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides.
OTD (Austin, Miami, St Augustine, and San Marcos)
USAHS currently is accepting applications for enrollment in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Austin, Miami, St. Augustine, and San Marcos campuses) for residents of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. USAHS has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following locations: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
USAHS is not accepting applications from prospective students residing in states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for clinical field experiences.
For states denoted with clinical field experience restrictions, USAHS does not have the necessary state authorization approvals to offer on-the-ground activities of this kind in those states at this time. However, these restrictions should not impact a graduates’ eligibility for professional licensure in his/her state, provided all other requirements are met. As such, the OTD program prepares students for licensure in all 50 states.
It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides.
OTD Dallas
USAHS currently is accepting applications for enrollment in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Dallas campus, for residents of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. USAHS has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following locations: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
USAHS is not accepting applications from prospective students residing in states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for clinical field experiences.
For states denoted with clinical field experience restrictions, USAHS does not have the necessary state authorization approvals to offer on-the-ground activities of this kind in those states at this time. However, these restrictions should not impact a graduates’ eligibility for professional licensure in his/her state, provided all other requirements are met. As such, the OTD program prepares students for licensure in all 50 states.
It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides.
X CloseOTD Student Outcomes
OTD Student Outcomes
Graduation Rate
The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program graduation rate for the San Marcos, CA, St. Augustine, FL and Austin, TX campuses is the percentage of students in a cohort that graduated within 150% of the expected completion time. The 2020 graduation rate from the San Marcos, CA and Austin, TX campuses is from the initial cohort. The 2021 graduation rate from the St. Augustine, FL campus is from the initial cohort.
The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program graduation rate for the Miami, FL and Dallas, TX campuses is the percentage of students in a cohort that graduated within 100% of the expected completion time. The 150% graduation rate, which includes students who are delayed but still expected to graduate within the reported time frame, for the initial cohorts of the Miami, FL and Dallas, TX campuses will be available in 2022.
San Marcos, CA
Year | Number of Students | Students Graduating | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 7 | 7 | 100% |
2021 | 32 | 31 | 97% |
Total | 39 | 38 | 97 |
St. Augustine, FL
Year | Number of Students | Students Graduating | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | 25 | 24 | 96% |
Austin, TX
Year | Number of Students | Students Graduating | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 6 | 5 | 83% |
2021 | 30 | 28 | 93% |
Total | 36 | 33 | 92% |
Miami, FL
Year | Number of Students | Students Graduating | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | 31 | 30 | 97% |
Dallas, TX*
Year | Number of Students | Students Graduating | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | 7 | 4 | 57% |
*Of the three students who did not graduate in 2021, two withdrew from the program and one student is still enrolled and will graduate in 2022.
NBCOT Exam Pass Rate
Graduates of the accredited University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs are eligible to take the certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
Program performance data from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/en/Educators/Home#SchoolPerformance.
X CloseProgram Data
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Click a campus below to view the program data:
San Marcos, CA Residential
St. Augustine, FL, Residential
Miami, FL, Residential
Austin, TX, Residential
Dallas, TX, Residential | Flex
ACOTE and NBCOT Important Links
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, 301-652-AOTA or visit www.acoteonline.org.
Visit the ACOTE Website for more information on the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
Visit the NBCOT website for more information on NBCOT examination results.
X CloseOTD Learning Outcomes
- Apply the skills of a lifelong learner reflective of a professional occupational therapist.
- Advocate for the profession of occupational therapy while collaborating with other members of a healthcare team.
- Design and perform optimal programs or interventions treating occupational deficits by using effective clinical reasoning.
- Create optimal and culturally competent verbal and written communication of occupational therapy services.
- Implement principles of ethical and professional behavior in the delivery of occupational therapy services.
- Advance the role of occupational therapy by performing as effective leaders.
- Produce evidence-based information that contributes to the advancement of occupational therapy.
- Synthesize information, problem-solve, and think critically to judge the most appropriate theoretical basis, assessment, and/or intervention strategies for individuals and populations.
- Apply theoretical and empirical knowledge from the foundational bases of physiological, behavioral, social, and OT in the planning and implementation of OT in current and emerging areas of practice.
- Apply OT practices to different populations, cultures, etc. based on an expanded view of individual client interventions to a global perspective of OT.
- Disseminate findings of scholarly inquiry that delve deeply into a clearly articulated problem facing OT professionals that impact future practice.
Upcoming OT Events
WednesdayJune 8, 2022

Occupational Therapy (OTD, OTD Flex, MOT, & MOT Flex) – Academic Webinar – 4PM PT
TuesdayJune 14, 2022

Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Webinar – 4PM PT
TuesdayJune 28, 2022
