Graduate Programs in Abilene, TX

 (OTD)

Are you passionate about helping others with physical challenges? Learn how to provide therapy to people as they manage and recover from illness, injury, congenital or developmental disabilities, or move through the aging process. Abilene Christian University’s Doctor in Occupational Therapy program prepares you with the skills you need to assist patients or be a leader in the occupational therapy space. Through classroom instruction and hands-on fieldwork, you learn comprehensive patient care and administrative skills. The ACU Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the American Council of Occupational Therapy Examiners (ACOTE).

ACU’s Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Degree Program teaches you a wide range of practice areas to help others navigate life comfortably.  Our program introduces you to both the technical and leadership skills you need to serve individuals and communities and prepares you to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Occupational Therapist:

• 4th Best Healthcare Job in the U.S. ¹
  
• Much faster than average demand through 2033 ²
  

Capstone

ACU’s Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Capstone is a 14-week project and experience to help you master in-depth skills in one of the areas of specialization mentioned below. You have the opportunity to work with one of many clinical organizations to understand the use of different treatment techniques and further develop you understanding of Occupational Therapy. During your capstone, you receive real-world training from established therapists, learn how to work in the clinical setting, and review your on-site learnings with your site mentor.

Areas of Specialization

• Clinical Practice Skills
  
• Research 
  
• Administration 
  
• Leadership
  
• Program and Policy Development
  
• Education
  
• Theory Development
  

Example Coursework

• Occupational Therapy for Adult Populations
  
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy Seminars I – IV
  
• Leadership in Occupational Therapy
  
• Specialized Occupational Therapy Preparation
  

Common Job Titles

• Occupational Therapist
  
• Director of Rehabilitation 
  
• Clinical Manager 
  
• Healthcare Administration
• Ergonomics Specialist
• Accessibility Consultant 
• OT Professor
  

Admission Requirements

All application materials must be filed through the Occupational Therapy Central Application Service (OTCAS). These positions will be determined based on the level of qualification of each student. The admission requirements are:

• A completed OTCAS application for admission. Upon submitting your OTCAS application, you’ll find instructions for paying the $65 ACU application fee.
  

• An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent. Admission decisions are made based on the assumption that applicants will have their bachelor’s degree by the time of matriculation. If not, the graduate school admission is void.

• A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2.
  

• Three letters of recommendation. Recommendation forms are available through the OTCAS system. One letter should be provided from an occupational therapist and the other by a professional who has observed the applicant’s work. This includes individuals who have (a) observed the applicant during any healthcare-related volunteer or paid work, (b) previous or present instructors and/or advisors, (c) previous or present employers, or (d) health care professionals.

• Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with the occupational therapy profession by documenting a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer/observation activity in a professional occupational therapy setting. Applicants are encouraged to complete observation hours in more than one clinical setting. Procedures for documentation are outlined in the OTCAS system.

• Applicants must complete a Personal Statement as prompted by the OTCAS system and a supplemental question as part of the application process. The supplemental question includes spiritual and/or life experiences that influenced the applicant’s decision to apply to occupational therapy school, and clinical experience or observation that evoked passion about occupational therapy.
  

• At the time of application, applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete all required prerequisite coursework prior to enrollment in the first semester of the program. Advance Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit will not be accepted for any prerequisite course. All Occupational Therapy course prerequisites other than Medical Terminology must be taken at an accredited school and successfully completed with a grade no lower than a C. Credit/no Credit designations are not accepted for prerequisite courses. Medical Terminology may be taken as a certificate or continuing education course. All prerequisite coursework must be completed within 7 years prior to enrollment. A maximum of 6 credit hours of prerequisites can be pending at the time of application.   
  

Required prerequisite coursework includes: 

• 6 Credit Hour Minimum     Anatomy & Physiology I & II  
• 3 Credit Hour Minimum     Statistics
• 3 Credit Hour Minimum     Abnormal Psychology
• 3 Credit Hour Minimum     Life Span Development (or Developmental Psychology) 
• Verification of Completion Medical Terminology
  

The OTD utilizes the online learning management system Canvas and online applications are used during class times for testing and learning activities. Students admitted into the program must have access to a laptop computer with internet and Word, Excel & PowerPoint capabilities throughout the entirety of the program.

Verification of required immunizations must be submitted prior to matriculation into the professional curriculum. Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training is required prior to fieldwork placement and will be provided during the program for a separate fee.

Note: The OTD program does not grant transfer of credit, advanced placement, credit for experiential learning or work experience.

Your Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Degree can help you pursue a wide range of clinical, academic, and leadership roles in healthcare. Whether you choose to work as an occupational therapist, serve in health care administration, or enter academia to conduct research or teach, you can make a positive impact in your community and healthcare system. This program also prepares you to sit for the National Certification Examination from Occupational Therapists administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Looking for a Different Program?

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Jumpstart your future with the financial support you need

At Abilene Christian University, we understand graduate programs are a big investment. That’s why we offer a variety of financial aid options designed to ease the cost and maximize your potential. Whether you're pursuing a scholarship, a graduate assistantship, or funding for professional travel, ACU provides unique and flexible solutions to support your academic journey. Here are some resources we have to help you achieve your goals.

Scholarships

When you’re accepted into an ACU graduate program, you’re considered for a scholarship tailored just for you—based on your skills, achievements, and the department you enter. Plus, additional scholarships may be available through external professional organizations and accrediting bodies.

Graduate Assistantships

Many ACU departments offer competitive graduate assistantships to enrich your learning experience while providing financial support. Assistantship requirements and expectations vary by department and can cover a generous portion of your tuition costs.

Academic Travel Reimbursement

ACU’s GSA Travel Reimbursement makes it easier for graduate students to attend national and international conferences, research presentations, and other academic travel needs. These funds help make travel more accessible, ensuring financial concerns won’t hold you back from gaining valuable experience in professional settings around the world. 

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at ACU is fully 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. Learn more at MSOT and OTD.

¹ U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). Best healthcare jobs. U.S. News Best Careers.  Retrieved September 30, 2024.
² Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Occupational therapists. Occupational Outlook Handbook.  Retrieved September 30, 2024.

1600 Campus Court, Abilene, TX 79601

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