Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Worth It? If you’re dreaming about helping patients restore their mobility and quality of life, and you’re exploring what it would take to become a physical therapist, you may be wondering, “Is a degree in physical therapy worth it?” The answer to this question depends, of course, on your personal career goals. Some people choose to become physical therapist assistants because only a two-year associate degree is required. It’s true that pursuing a doctorate takes time and effort; however, there are countless advantages to earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. To that end, let’s look at some of the factors that make a Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree the best first step on an exceptional career Read more
College of Rehabilitative Sciences Graduate Programs
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) Program
Location
- Distance learning
Format
- Online
Program duration
- Bachelor's-level entry:
6-15 trimesters Please note the program typically takes 4 years and 8 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2018-2019 and 2019-2020); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors. - Master's-level entry:
3-10 trimesters Please note the program typically takes 2 years and 8 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2018-2019 and 2019-2020); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.
Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.
OT Practitioners: Earn Your Doctoral Degree with Us.
Want to know what leadership role you can take? In occupational therapy, there are different levels of health professions. The USAHS Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program offers practitioners with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy the opportunity to advance their studies in clinical practice, research, leadership, advocacy, and education. Designed for those who are practicing or ready to practice, the PPOTD helps OTs stay competitive and up to date.
You will progress through the program with a diverse cohort of your peers, learning from faculty-practitioners who are experts in their specialty areas. The program emphasizes active inquiry, critical thinking, applied learning, and reflective practice. It will help you expand your interprofessional perspective and become a change agent in the health care field of occupational therapy.
PPOTD Program at a Glance
Online coursework
Optional immersion sessions
Acceleration options
Master’s-entry: 35 credit hours over 3–10 trimesters, or 1–3.3 years*
Bachelor’s-entry: 60 credit hours over 6–15 trimesters, or 2–5 years*
Sept, Jan, May start dates
Faculty-guided capstone project
*Please note the program typically takes 4 years and 8 months to complete (Bachelor’s entry) and 2 years and 8 months (Master’s entry), based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2018-2019 and 2019-2020); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.
How Our PPOTD Program Stands Apart
We offer specializations.
The Post Professional OTD program offers two optional specializations: Executive Leadership and Teaching & Learning. You may choose to earn one of these specializations or to concentrate your electives in another topic area, such as pediatrics or orthopedics.
We’re online + interactive.
Our online coursework has both synchronous and asynchronous elements. We also offer virtual immersions, a chance to enjoy face-to-face connections with faculty and fellow students.
We offer acceleration options.
Move faster through the PPOTD program so you can apply your knowledge sooner! You can take self-paced courses that award credit according to competency assessmentsWhile USAHS does not offer Title IV for any term in which an accelerated learning course is taken without a full term “Anchor” course, other financing alternatives may be available. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information., receive academic credit for your professional experience, and ask to transfer credits from another graduate program.
Learn More
We’re innovative.
We’ve long been at the forefront of innovative and applied learning methods, such as case-based teaching and realistic, immersive virtual simulations. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, you will develop and complete a capstone project that expands the body of knowledge within occupational therapy.
We’re interprofessional.
Our core courses and on-campus immersions emphasize interprofessional education, enabling students from different healthcare professions to learn together and practice working in a team. You will contribute your occupational therapy perspective to solving patient problems in collaborative scenarios.
Learn MoreOne Degree, Multiple Pathways
- A prospective student with a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) from USAHS may transfer up to six credits from this program, leaving 29 credits for USAHS Alumni to complete the PPOTD.
- Candidates with a master’s degree in occupational therapy from another accredited institution (whether first-professional or post-professional) must earn a minimum of 35 credits for the PPOTD.
- Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy must earn a minimum of 60 credits for the PPOTD.
PPOTD to EdD Bridge Program
For those who wish to teach in an OT academic program, we offer a bridge program from our PPOTD to our Doctor of Education (EdD) degree. Most students may transfer 24–27 PPOTD credits to the EdD and complete the EdD faster.
Professional Certification Opportunities
We also offer an optional certification track: The ImPACT® Trained Occupational Therapist (ITOT) certification is available for students who first complete the Evidence-Based Concussion Management as an elective.
PPOTD Requirements and Program Information
How to ApplyPPOTD Curriculum
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Curriculum
The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program includes 7 core courses for master’s-entry students and 12 core courses for bachelor’s-entry students. You will complete the remainder of your coursework with elective courses and seminars. Our exceptionally flexible program allows you to start with the introductory courses, end with the capstone, and in the meantime take any core or elective course in any order. Your course load may be as small as one course per term or as large as you feel comfortable taking on—provided you complete a minimum of 9 credits per year.
We offer two optional specializations:
- Executive Leadership
- Teaching and Learning
You may choose to earn one of these specializations or to concentrate your electives in another topic area (e.g., pediatrics or orthopedics). Or you may take a variety of electives from our wide selection of courses.
We also offer this optional certification track:
- The ImPACT® Trained Occupational Therapist (ITOT) certification is available for students who first complete the Evidence-Based Concussion Management course as an elective.
Required Coursework
The courses required to complete the PPOTD degree are listed below for students who enter the program with either a master’s or bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy.
Students with Master's
Master’s-entry students can complete the program as quickly as one year, if enrolled full-time. However, the average student with a master’s degree typically completes the program in three years.*
| MS Level Student Courses Total Core Credit Hours for MS-Level Student | Credit Hours 21 |
|---|---|
| HSA 7200 Foundations of Healthcare Administration or HSA 7200 B - Foundations of Healthcare Administration (B) | 3 |
| IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice or IPE 7001B - Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B) | 3 |
| IPE 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals** or IPE 7050B - Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (B) | 3 |
| IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare or IPE 7121B – Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare (B) | 3 |
| OCT 7495 The Science of Occupation | 3 |
| OCT 7496 Capstone I: Project Proposal and Preparation | 3 |
| OCT 7499 Capstone II: Project Development and Dissemination | 3 |
Bold courses are a prerequisite for OCT 7495, The Science of Occupation
Italicized courses are taken at the end of the program.
**USAHS MOT alumni may replace IPE 7050 with transfer credits, if criteria are met.
Students with Bachelor's
Bachelor’s-entry students can complete the program as quickly as two years, if enrolled full-time. However, the average student with a bachelor’s degree typically completes the program in five years.
| BS Level Student Courses Total Core Credits Hours for BS Level Student | Credit Hours 43 |
|---|---|
| IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice or IPE 7001B - Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B) | 3 |
| IPE 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals or IPE 7050B - Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (B) | 3 |
| IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare or IPE 7121B – Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare (B) | 3 |
| COM 7130 Healthcare Communication & Collaboration | 3 |
| HSA 7200 Foundations of Healthcare Administration or HSA 7200 B - Foundations of Healthcare Administration (B) | 3 |
| HSC 7200 Information Literacy for Evidence-Based Practice | 1 |
| OCT 7200 Reflective Practice | 3 |
| OCT 7470 Clinical Integration I | 7 |
| OCT 7471 Clinical Integration II | 8 |
| OCT 7495 The Science of Occupation | 3 |
| OCT 7496 Capstone I: Project Proposal and Preparation | 3 |
| OCT 7499 Capstone II: Project Development and Dissemination | 3 |
Bold courses are a prerequisite for OCT 7495, The Science of Occupation
Italicized courses are taken at the end of the program.
Elective Coursework
Below is a sampling of electives you may take to complete the remaining credits you need for the PPOTD degree. They are clustered according to topic. Again, you may choose to focus in a particular area of practice or select any combination of courses that interest you.
- USAHS Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) alumni must choose 14 elective credits. They may transfer in 3 credits toward IPE 7050 and 3 credits toward a 3-credit elective, if they meet certain criteria.
- Students with MOT or other master’s degrees must choose 14 elective credits.
- Students with BS-OT degrees must choose 17 elective credits.
Teaching & Learning Specialization Elective Courses
| Teaching & Learning Specialization Elective Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| EDF 7013 Practical Application of Online Teaching** | 3 |
| EDF 7050 Teaching Methods in Higher Education** or EDF 7050B Teaching Methods in Higher Education (B)** | 3 |
| EDF 7161 Program and Curricular Design for Health Science Education** | 3 |
| EDF 7175 Foundational Theories in Education** or EDF 7175B Foundational Theories in Education (B) ** | 3 |
| EDF 7171 Motivation Theory in Healthcare Education | 3 |
Executive Leadership Specialization (ELS) Elective Courses
| Executive Leadership Specialization Elective Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| HSA 7200 Foundations of Healthcare Administration** or HSA 7200B Foundations of Healthcare Administration (B)** | 3 |
| HSA 7236 Accounting, Finance and Economics for the Healthcare Leader** | 3 |
| HSA 7250 Human Resources Management and Organizational Development in Healthcare** | 3 |
| HSA 7260 Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare** | 3 |
| IPE 7133 Strategic Planning in Healthcare Administration** | 3 |
| HSC 7440 Fundamentals of the Healthcare Startup Business | 3 |
| HSC 7470 Legal and Regulatory Issues | 3 |
| IPE 7100 Ethics in Healthcare | 3 |
| IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare** or IPE 7121B Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare (B)** | 3 |
Orthopedic Elective Courses
| Orthopedic Elective Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BSC 7301 Ergonomics | 2 |
| HSC 7210 Extremity Evaluation and Manipulation (E1) | 2 |
Pediatric Elective Courses
| Pediatric Elective Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BSC 7101 Application of Motor Control and Motor Learning Theory to Neurologic Interventions | 2 |
| BSC 7125 The Pediatric Client with Neuromotor Involvement | 3 |
| BSC 7200 Autism: Evidence, Etiology and Impact | 3 |
| HSC 6036 Metabolic Disorders | 1 |
| HSC 7325 School-Based Practice | 3 |
General Rehabilitation Elective Courses
| General Rehabilitation Elective Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BSC 7101 Application of Motor Control & Motor Learning Theory to Neurologic Interventions | 2 |
| BSC 7155 Functional Performance in the Older Adult | 2 |
| BSC 7301 Ergonomics | 2 |
| HSC 6036 Metabolic Disorders | 1 |
| HSC 7401 Pharmacology | 3 |
| IPE 7025 Psychosocial Strategies for Healthcare or IPE 7025B Psychosocial Strategies for Healthcare (B) | 3 |
| IPE 7200 Cultural Competence in Healthcare or IPE 7200B Cultural Competence in Healthcare(B) | 3 |
| IPE 7255 Evidence-Based Concussion Management | 3 |
General Elective Courses
| General Elective Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| COM 7130 Healthcare Communication and Collaboration | 3 |
| EDF 7111 Research Methods I | 3 |
| EDF 7121 Research Methods II | 3 |
| EDF 7181 Technology in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDF 7235 Ethical Principles in Healthcare | 3 |
| HSC 7200 Information Literacy for Evidence-Based Practice | 1 |
| HSC 7416 Foundations of Imaging | 3 |
| IPE 7316 Women’s Health and Wellbeing | 3 |
| IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management | 3 |
| IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health or IPE 7421B Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health | 3 |
| OCT 7455 Special Topics in Professional Practice | Varies |
| IPE 7575 Team-based Emergency Care | 2 |
| MHS 7315 Contemporary Trends in Wellness | 3 |
ImPACT® Trained Occupational Therapist (ITOT) certification
| ImPACT® Trained Occupational Therapist (ITOT) certification | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| IPE 7255 Evidence-Based Concussion Management | 3 |
The Capstone Project
The capstone project is the final step in your PPOTD program. You will be assigned a faculty advisor who will guide you through systematic development, completion, and documentation of a culminating scholarly project.
*Please note the program typically takes 2 years and 8 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2018-2019 and 2019-2020); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to: individual progression, part-time vs. full-time enrollment, credits transferred, changing specializations, unsuccessful course completion, leaves of absence or other personal circumstances.
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PPOTD Admissions Requirements
Admissions Requirements
The PPOTD program has rolling admissions and students can apply at any time. To be considered for admission, all candidates must submit an online application, which includes the following*:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution in occupational therapy.
- Official transcripts from each degree conferring institution are required and must be submitted to the University directly from the issuing institution.
- Current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Two recommendations from professional colleagues
Applicants should be licensed occupational therapists or be eligible for licensing and should be employed as occupational therapists or have a minimum of one year’s experience as an occupational therapist. USAHS MOT graduates that enter the PPOTD program within six months of their MOT graduation may enter without a license but must be licensed and employed as an OT by the beginning of the second term of the program.
*USAHS MOT graduates who graduated within six months of starting the PPOTD program, only need to submit an online application.
Transfer of Credit
USAHS will consider accepting graduate credits from other accredited institutions (up to 25% of academic credits may be transferred) provided they are consistent with your area of interest and meet USAHS standards. Please contact your enrollment advisor for further details. USAHS MOT graduates may receive 6 (six) credits toward their PPOTD.
International Students Applying for Admission
Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degrees can be considered for admission. To enter the PPOTD program the following will apply:
- The candidate must submit transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provide evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy in the United States
- Be a graduate of a program in a country that is a member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
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PPOTD Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees
The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program is flexible and is designed to meet your individual needs. Students with a Bachelor’s degree can complete the program in 3-4 years and students with Masters degrees can complete in as little as 1-2 years, if enrolled full-time*. The program tuition and fees are as follows.
Bachelor's Level Student
Tuition is approximately $710 per credit hour for all courses. Clinical integration courses are $400 in total. For the bachelor’s degree student it is a 60 credit hour program that can be completed in four years.
| School Expenses | 60 Credit Hour Program |
| Tuition | $32,353.00 |
| Program Fees | $4,676.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $1,000.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expenses | $38,029.00 |
|---|
All tuition and costs are estimates and subject to change.
Master's Level Student
Tuition is approximately $710 per credit hour for all courses not involving a separate seminar. Students who already have a master’s degree will need to complete 35 credit hours. USAHS MOT graduates can apply six credits from the MOT program toward the PPOTD, reducing the time-to-completion.
USAHS graduates qualify for the Combined MOT/PPOTD track, which shortens time-to-degree and over-all tuition*
| School Expenses | 29 Credit Hour Program | 35 Credit Hour Program |
| Tuition | $20,571.00 | $24,828.00 |
| Program Fees | $2,672.00 | $2,672.00 |
| Books & Associated School Expenses | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Total Program Direct Expense | $24,243.00 | $28,500.00 |
|---|
All tuition and costs are estimates and subject to change.
*USAHS graduates who completed the MOT program in the last six months, may qualify for an additional tuition reduction.
Financial Aid
Student loans may be available to assist with funding your PPOTD 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.
*Please note the program typically takes 2 years and 8 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2018-2019 and 2019-2020); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to: individual progression, part-time vs. full-time enrollment, credits transferred, changing specializations, unsuccessful course completion, leaves of absence or other personal circumstances.
X ClosePPOTD Accreditation and State Approvals
Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001.
For more information, visit our Accreditation page.
State Approvals
PPOTD
USAHS currently is accepting applications for enrollment in the PPOTD program for residents of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, 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, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
USAHS is not accepting applications from 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. It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. USAHS’ PPOTD program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.
PPOTD Program Data
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
Click the program below to see the program data:
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) – 29 Credit Program
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) – 35 Credit Program
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) – 60 Credit Program
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PPOTD Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program, graduates will be able to:
- Develop lifelong learning skills to advance the profession of occupational therapy.
- Integrate ethical and professional standards in the delivery of occupational therapy services.
- Promote interprofessional relationships through collaboration and communication with members of various professions.
- Exhibit leadership characteristics to advance the profession of occupational therapy within local, state, and/or professional organizations.
- Integrate sound evidence-based information into the provision of professional occupational therapy best practice.
- Apply the critical reasoning skills required to advance the profession of occupational therapy.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing to promote professional practice.
Upcoming OT Events
TuesdayJuly 12, 2022
Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Webinar – 4PM PT
ThursdayJuly 14, 2022
Occupational Therapy (OTD, OTD Flex, MOT, & MOT Flex) – Academic Webinar – 4PM PT
WednesdayJuly 27, 2022
