Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy

OT Practitioners: Earn Your Doctoral Degree with Us.

Want to take on a leadership role within occupational therapy? 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 post-professional OTD program with a diverse cohort of your peers, learning from faculty-practitioners who are experts in their specialty areas. This doctoral program emphasizes active inquiry, critical thinking, applied learning, and reflective practice. It will help you, as a registered occupational therapist, advance your rehabilitation science practice and interprofessional perspective, and become a change agent in the world of healthcare.

PPOTD Program at a Glance

Online coursework

Optional immersion sessions

Acceleration options

Master’s-entry: 35 credit hours over 3–8 trimesters, or 1–2.7 years*

Bachelor’s-entry: 60 credit hours over 6–13 trimesters, or 2–4.3 years*

Sept, Jan, May start dates

Faculty-guided capstone project

*Please note the program typically takes 4 years and 4 months to complete (Bachelor’s entry) and 2 years and 8 months (Master’s entry), based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2019-2020 and 2020-2021); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.

PPOTD

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 of the occupational therapy program has both synchronous and asynchronous elements. We also offer virtual immersions, a chance to enjoy face-to-face connections with faculty and fellow students in the occupational therapy education graduate school.

We offer acceleration options.

Move faster through the program so you can apply your knowledge to your occupational therapy practice 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.

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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 optional virtual 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.

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One 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 program.
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 program.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy must earn a minimum of 60 credits for the program.

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 Apply

PPOTD Curriculum

Curriculum

The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy 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 post professional doctor of OT 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 post professional occupational therapy 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 four years and four months.

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

**Courses required for the Teaching & Learning Specialization

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

**Courses required for the Executive Leadership Specialization (choose two). HSA7200 and IPE 7121 are core courses that contribute to the Executive Leadership Specialization; therefore, please choose two additional courses.

Orthopedic Elective Courses

Orthopedic Elective Courses	Credit Hours
BSC 7301 Ergonomics	2
HSC 7210 Extremity Evaluation and Manipulation (E1) (seminar plus coursework)	2
HSC 7320 Fundamental Skills for Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy	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 (2019-2020 and 2020-2021); 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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Admissions Requirements

The 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 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.

Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program

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 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 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.

Total Program Direct Expenses	$38,029.00
School Expenses	60 Credit Hour Program
Tuition	$32,353.00
Program Fees	$4,676.00
Books & Associated School Expenses	$1,000.00

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.

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*

Total Program Direct Expense	$24,243.00	$28,500.00
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

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.

Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program

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.

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PPOTD 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.

Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program

State Approvals

PPOTD

USAHS currently is accepting applications for enrollment in the 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, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

PPOTD State Approvals

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.

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PPOTD Program Data