Doctorate
Online Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Degree
Next Start Date January 13
Est.Program Length 16 months
Course Length 7 or 14 weeks
Credit Hours 31-34
Cost Per Credit $646.43*
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
*Out-of-state students will be charged an additional $80.80 per credit.
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (Post-Professional) Overview
Take the next step in your career with the post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy online program from Shawnee State University Online Campus. As a working healthcare professional, you’ll benefit from a flexible format designed for adult learners and an interactive learning environment focused on your success.
With no residency requirement and 3 start dates per year, you can study on your own schedule while balancing full-time professional responsibilities. While this program is able to be completed in as little as 16 months, you have the flexibility to take breaks and complete the program on your own timeline based on your individual needs.
The career-focused curriculum of the post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy takes a lifelong learning approach driven by your professional interests and goals. Coursework includes essential topics to advance your career as an evidence-based practitioner, deepening your understanding of occupational justice and the influence of policy on practice while further expanding your clinical leadership and entrepreneurship skills.
With Shawnee State, you can earn a post-professional OTD that will qualify you for meaningful professional advancement as a leader in your field.
SSU holds a special place in my heart since this is where I first started on my educational journey. I earned my Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant in 1999, followed by my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2000. I had such a great experience at SSU with such wonderful professors! I left SSU feeling well prepared for my future career in occupational therapy. I now have come full circle in my career and education by coming back to SSU to complete my doctoral studies. – Christie Parker, Current OTD Student
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (Post-Professional) Is Designed for:
- Practicing occupational therapists who are ready to expand their skills as master clinicians.
- Practicing occupational therapists seeking advanced study to become practitioner-scholars.
- Practicing occupational therapists looking for a flexible online degree that fits their busy life.
International students residing outside the United States of America may apply and enroll into the Shawnee State University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree. The program is administered all online and the international student will maintain a full course of study. Admitted students will not be issued an I-20 for entry into the United States. The program will be completed by the student from their home country. Please refer to www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov for more information pertaining to enrollment in an online program from your home country.
Graduate Quickly
Earn your post-professional OTD online in as little as 16 months.
Study Anywhere
This no-residency degree is designed to fit the schedule of working occupational therapists.
Learn from Expert Educators
Professors provide one-on-one attention and bring years of experience to the classroom.
Courses and Requirements
13-14 Total Courses In This Program
The post-professional OTD online degree consists of 13–14 courses. The curriculum will prepare you for leadership roles through courses covering advanced topics in occupational therapy.
“Students really seem to enjoy that many assignments can be completed in relation to their clinical practice or area of interest, which further grows their depth of knowledge in that area. The capstone portion of the program is very individualized and it has been exciting for me to see the variety of capstone projects that students have developed as part of their doctoral education here at Shawnee State. The impacts the projects have made on the student’s OT career and professional goals is impressive.” – Dr. Mikel Stone, Program Director
Intro to Doctoral Studies in Occupational Therapy
Application of Theory & Evidence-Based Practice
Evaluation Effectiveness of Occupation-Based Interventions: Clients
Evaluation Effectiveness of Occupation-Based Programs
Advanced Synthesis of Policy & Occupational Justice
Entrepreneurship & Expanding Occupation-Based Practice
Clinical Teaching & Instructional Methods in Occupational Therapy
Cultural Competency for Occupation-Based Practice
Professional Development & Clinical Leadership
Independent Study (optional)
Capstone I: Literature Review
Capstone II: Needs Assessment
Capstone III: Program Development
Capstone IV: Doctoral Project Dissemination
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy online program must have:
- An entry-level master’s degree in occupational therapy or an entry-level bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy with a post-professional masters with an overall graduate school GPA of 3.0. Either entry-level degree must be earned from an ACOTE-accredited institution.
- Occupational therapy state licensure in state(s) currently practicing and certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®)
- A minimum of 60+ graduate hours are required upon entry to the program. If additional credits are needed, additional graduate credits will be made available on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply
To apply for Shawnee State’s post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy online program, please contact an enrollment counselor and prepare to submit the following:
- Completed application
- Transcripts of an entry-level, ACOTE-accredited master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited institution showing an overall 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale OR an ACOTE-accredited, entry-level bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy with a post-professional masters with an overall graduate school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A copy of your current occupational therapy license
- A reflective personal essay
- A resume
- Two letters of recommendation from educational or professional sources
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition for the post-professional OTD online degree is $646.43 per credit hour.
Scholarship opportunities are available through these organizations: Ohio Occupational Therapy Association and Adams County Regional Medical Center.
Component Cost Total* Full Program Tuition $646.43 per credit hour $20,039 Total $20,039 Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to ) $646.43 per credit hour $20,039 Total with Transfer Credits $20,039 Component Cost Total* Full Program Tuition $727.23 per credit hour $22,544 Total $22,544 Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to ) $727.23 per credit hour $22,544 Total $22,544 Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes 16 months to complete. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 855-815-0323 or request more information. Scholarships listed are not provided by Shawnee State University and the student is responsible for applying and completing all necessary steps with the organizations through which the scholarship is provided.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Financial Aid
To help make your online education more affordable, Shawnee State offers financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants. If you have questions, our experienced enrollment counselors and tuition planners will assist you through the process.
Learn More About Financial Aid
Military Students
At Shawnee State, we want those who have served our country to get the education they deserve. As a veteran or current member of the U.S. military, you can receive federal and state educational benefits through the VA, and we will provide you with guidance and support throughout your online education.
Let Us Serve YouCareer Outcomes
In working with the faculty members of the OTD program, they have helped prepare me for a meaningful career outside of school, to fuel that drive, and be a leader in the field on a local, state, and national level. – Colton Sayers, Current OTD Student
The post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy degree online provides occupational therapy professionals the credential necessary to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.
After completing your post-professional OTD, you will be qualified for several advanced career paths in the field, including clinical leadership, high-level clinical practice, consulting, and those in academic settings.
The median annual salary for occupational therapists is $84,270. With the post-professional OTD degree credential, you will be eligible for advanced roles earning more than $120,750, the top 10 percent of annual salaries.
Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
