Occupational Therapy Programs

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program

Our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is designed for students interested in going beyond clinical work. The OTD curriculum combines coursework from our MOT program with additional coursework focused on leadership, advocacy and policymaking. At USAHS, a dissertation is not required, instead you will complete a capstone project focused on an area of interest in OT.

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Program at a Glance

Campuses: San Marcos, CA | St. Augustine, FL | Miami, FL | Austin, TX | Dallas, TX

Format: Blended with Online and In-person coursework + Immersive Hands-on Weekday Labs

Start Dates: Sept., Jan., May

Duration: Duration: 2.7 years (8 trimesters)*

Campuses: Dallas, TX

Format: Online Coursework + Immersive Hands-on Labs on Select Weekends

Start Dates: Sept. & May

Duration: 3.7 years (11 trimesters)*

*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors.

25+

Year Legacy of OT Education

4,000+

OT Alumni Nationwide

200+

Faculty with Expertise in 30+ OT Specialties

1-ON-1

Faculty Support and Mentorship

OTD Requirements and Program Information

Curriculum

Students in the 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 5135C Anatomy Applied to Occupation	5
OCT 5140 Domain of Occupational Therapy	3
OCT 5146 Occupational Engagement and Theories of Practice	3
OCT 5230C Conditions Impacting Occupational Performance	4
Total Credit Hours	17
*Trimester II*
OCT 5225C Process of Occupational Therapy	4
OCT 5130C Skills and Techniques for Client Care Management	3
OCT 5210 Scholarly Design	2
OCT 5217C Human Movement for Occupational Performance	3
OCT 5232C Clinical Neuroscience	4
Total Credit Hours	16
*Trimester III*
OCT 5340 Scholarly Implementation and Dissemination	2
OCT 5335C Clinical Applications in Psychosocial and Community Settings	5
OCT 5410C Clinical Applications in Adulthood	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 5355C Clinical Applications in Pediatrics/Adolescence	5
OCT 5425C Clinical Applications in Older Adults	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 5230C Conditions Impacting Occupational Performance	4
OCT 5225C Process of Occupational Therapy	4
Total Credit Hours	10
*Trimester III*
OCT 5210 Scholarly Design	2
OCT 5217C Human Movement for Occupational Performance	3
OCT 5130C Skills and Techniques for Client Care Management	3
Total Credit Hours	8
*Trimester IV*
OCT 5232C Clinical Neuroscience	4
OCT 5335C Clinical Applications 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 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 Older Adults	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

Admission 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 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. 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.

An Occupational Therapist enables people to engage in occupations they want to do, need to do, or are expected to do. What is an occupation you enjoy engaging in, and what positive impact does this have on you? (200 words max)
Occupational Therapists enable people to do what they want to do. Can you explain when you have enabled others through occupation? (200 words max)
Please share how you have participated in volunteerism to be a force for good in your community. (200 words max)
List two attributes you have which you consider crucial to being an effective Occupational Therapist. (200 words max)
How would your former professors describe you? (200 words max)

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 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.

Prerequisite Check

All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better. You can find our OT 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 prerequisite, 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 Medical terminology is 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 and other health professions. *Applicants may complete the requirement through CEU credit with certificate of completion or transcript, standard credit bearing course with transcript, CLEP with official score report or course completed through USAHS and provide evidence of completion.	*	*

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.

Tuition & Fees

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 Fall 2023 academic term is as follows. Tuition estimates are based on the assumption that a student goes straight through the program, without breaks or repeating academic work.

Choose your program and the campus you are interested in attending to see the tuition and fee estimates. All tuition and fee numbers are subject to change.

Residential OTD

San Marcos, CA Campus

Tuition is approximately $13,736.63 per trimester for OTD students who attend our San Marcos, CA campus.

Total Program Direct Expenses	$118,593.00
	Tuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition	$109,893.00
Program Fees	$4,500.00
Books & Associated School Expenses	$4,200.00

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.

St. Augustine, FL Campus

Tuition is approximately $13,736.63 per trimester for students who attend our St. Augustine, FL campus.

Total Program Direct Expenses	$118,593.00
	Tuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition - 117 credit hours	$109,893.00
Program Fees	$4,500.00
Books & Associated School Expenses	$4,200.00

Miami, FL Campus

Tuition is approximately $13,736.63 per trimester for students who attend our Miami, FL campus.

Total Program Direct Expenses	$118,593.00
	Tuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition - 117 credit hours	$109,893.00
Program Fees	$4,500.00
Books & Associated School Expenses	$4,200.00

Austin, TX Campus

Tuition is approximately $13,736.63 per trimester for students who attend our Austin, TX campus.

Total Program Direct Expenses	$118,593.00
	Tuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition - 117 credit hours	$109,893.00
Program Fees	$4,500.00
Books & Associated School Expenses	$4,200.00

Dallas, TX Campus

Tuition is approximately $13,736.63 per trimester for students who attend our Dallas, TX campus.

Total Program Direct Expenses	$118,593.00
	Tuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition - 117 credit hours	$109,893.00
Program Fees	$4,500.00
Books & Associated School Expenses	$4,200.00

Flex OTD

Dallas, TX Campus

Tuition is approximately $9,640.82 per trimester for OTD students who attend our Dallas, TX campus.

Total Program Direct Expenses	$116,390.00
	Tuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition - 117 credit hours	$106,049.00
Program Fees	$6,150.00
Books & Associated School Expenses	$4,191.00

Financial Aid

Student loans may be available to assist with funding your 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.

Accreditation and State Approvals/Post-Graduate Licensure

OTD Program Accreditation Status

San Marcos Campus

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”.

St. Augustine Campus

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”.

Miami Campus

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”.

Austin Campus

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”.

Dallas Campus

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”.

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, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, 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.

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.

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, Nevada, 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.

Student Outcomes

OTD Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy 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 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	Students Entering	Students Graduating	Graduation Rate
2020	7	7	100%
2021	32	31	97%
2022	68	64	94%
Total	107	102	95%

St. Augustine, FL

Year	Students Entering	Students Graduating	Graduation Rate
2021	25	24	96%
2022	22	22	100%
Total	47	46	98%

Austin, TX

Year	Students Entering	Students Graduating	Graduation Rate
2020	6	5	83%
2021	30	28	93%
2022	46	43	93%
Total	82	76	93%

Miami, FL

Year	Students Entering	Students Graduating	Graduation Rate
2022	25	23	92%

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 here.

Program Data

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

Visit the NBCOT website for more information on NBCOT examination results.

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.

OTD Residential and Flex Comparison

Residential OTD

Flex OTD

Format

Blended with Both Online and In-Person components + Immersive Hands-on Weekday Labs

Online + Immersive Hands-on Labs on Select On-campus Weekends

Best Suited For

Students Desiring an Immersive Campus Experience

Students With Jobs and/or Other Responsibilities

# Trimesters

Credit Hours

117

Credit Hours Per Term

12-19

8-12

Length in Years*

2.7

3.7

Where Should I Live?

In or Near the Campus City

Almost Anywhere in the US; Requires Travel to Campus 4-7 X on Select Weekends

Fieldwork Experiences

2 Trimesters

Start Dates (by Campus)

All campuses, All Terms

Dallas Campus - Summer and Fall

Capstone Project

Yes

*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.

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OTD Campuses

San Marcos, CASt. Augustine, FLMiami, FLAustin, TXDallas, TX

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Why USAHS

Leader in Occupational Therapy Education

USAHS has been dedicated solely to graduate education in health sciences for more than 40 years, delivering high-quality OT education for nearly 30 years. As an OT graduate student at USAHS, you’ll join a community of expert faculty practitioners and dedicated students, as well as more than 4,000 accomplished OT alumni who are transforming lives throughout the U.S. and abroad.

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Unparalleled Faculty Network

Our OT faculty is composed of educators and clinicians who are experts and leaders in their fields. At USAHS, we have more than 200 OT faculty practitioners with expertise in more than 30 specialties. They work with clients, publish research, serve on the boards of professional organizations and draw from their diverse expertise to develop and teach our curriculum. Our faculty treat students as peers and colleagues, providing one-on-one support and mentoring.

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Flexible Options to Fit Your Needs

USAHS offers the broadest range of OT teaching and learning models to suit student needs and preferences. All models feature the same renowned MOT curriculum.

Flex – If you work or have family or other obligations, choose the Flex format. The Flex curriculum includes fewer credits per term which means the program takes longer to complete, but you’ll have the ability to continue to work and manage other priorities. You’ll access coursework online and attend face-to-face lab sessions on select weekends 4-7 times per trimester on campus.

Residential – For students who prefer an immersive campus experience, USAHS’s Residential program is your format. You’ll experience Blended coursework with both online and in-person components and on-campus labs during weekdays.

Immersive Hands-on Learning

Build competence and confidence in our Centers for Innovative Clinical Practice and Activities of Daily Living facilities. Here you will experience simulations and practice your skills with diverse patient populations in simulated healthcare environments to prepare you to become an exceptional practitioner and to excel in your fieldwork placements. USAHS is one of the few higher education institutions in the country with simulation labs dedicated to the rehabilitative sciences.

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Inspiring Capstone Support

Dive deeply into a topic that interests you in the OT field and help to advance the OT profession with your capstone project. Our OT faculty will help you identify a relevant topic for exploration and form your capstone team. The proposal you write and the work you produce is the culmination of all you’ve learned in your USAHS OTD program. Throughout this process, you will have a supportive team of faculty and mentors to guide you through your work to further OT knowledge and advance your career. Learn more about the capstone process at USAHS.

Five Destination Campuses

We have campuses in five vibrant, beautiful cities: San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Miami, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Dallas, Texas. Our campuses are close, tight-knit communities of engaged faculty and students who are able to access faculty and specialties across all of our campuses to facilitate the sharing of ideas and knowledge with our entire community of OTs.

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Getting Started

Need a little help taking the next step? Whether you’re ready to apply or seek additional information, it’s easy to get started on your path toward a fulfilling OT career.