Fairleigh Dickinson University is ranked #14 in Best Value Schools in the north by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2023.
Overview
Prepare for the future of your industry and enrich the delivery of health and human services in your career with the online post professional occupational therapy doctorate degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Serving as the first post-professional occupational therapy doctorate program in the state of New Jersey, this degree delivers advanced interprofessional knowledge and leadership skills that can immediately be applied to the workplace. The program offers two areas of concentration in education and management/leadership, both of which allow you to customize your education with knowledge that is essential to your professional interests.
OUR POST PROFESSIONAL ONLINE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTORATE PROGRAM HELPS YOU DEVELOP CAREER-ENHANCING COMPETENCIES IN AREAS SUCH AS:
- Data analysis
- Global interprofessionalism
- Principles of collaboration and inclusion
- Effective decision-making
- Organizational change
- Social determinants of public health
The online post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy program can be completed within 14 months in a fully online classroom. The interdisciplinary curriculum features evidence-based courses guided by a faculty of experienced educators with professional backgrounds in the field. Their personalized attention along with flexible online course options will allow you to learn at your preferred pace while balancing your education with your full-time personal and professional responsibilities.
As a student of the online post-professional occupational therapy doctorate program, you will also attend two on-campus learning sessions. These unique on-campus opportunities will provide students with the opportunity to interact with professional leaders, participate in collaborative service and scholarly projects and present their work to professional audiences.
Courses and Requirements
The online post-professional occupational therapy doctorate program is designed for licensed occupational therapists striving for advanced skills to apply in the workplace. Courses are evidence-based and support a broad spectrum of knowledge on topics that are essential to the field. The degree has two track options, both of which allow students to customize their learning experience and develop expertise in specific areas.
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The following prerequisite courses are for students entering the post-professional occupational therapy doctorate program with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and may also hold a master’s degree in another field. These courses must be completed prior to entering the degree. Students can petition to waive up to 6 credits by submitting a competency-based professional portfolio. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information.
- OT 5001 Advance Occupational Therapy Theories, Models and Framework.
- OT 5003 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
- OT 5006 Academic Writing
- OT 5008 Healthcare Management
- OT 5010 Professional Trajectory
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- OTD 6001 Advanced Neuroscience of Occupation
- OTD 6003 Quality Improvement (2 credits)
- OTD 6005 Introduction to Biostatistics and Data Analysis
- OTD 6008 Translating Evidence to Practice: Adapting and Implementing
- OTD 6010 Capstone Preparation (1 credit)
- OTD 6100 Fundamentals of Health Sciences Leadership
- OTD 6105 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Public Health
- OTD 7001 Change Leadership in Policy and Practice
- OTD 7005 Global Interprofessional Health & Wellness
- OTD 7010 Capstone Presentation
- OTD 7020 International Residency (elective)
Select a track
Education Track (12 credits)
- EDUC 6702 Curriculum & Instruction: Theory & Practice
- EDUC 6704 Change: Curriculum Development & Program Improvement
- EDUC 6718 Curriculum, Program Evaluation and Student Assessment
- EDUC 6745 Principles and Practices of Collaboration and Inclusion
Management/Leadership Track (12 credits)
- OTD 6210 Healthcare Leadership and Change
- OTD 6215 Innovation in Healthcare Organizations
- OTD 6220 Best Practices in Healthcare Organizational Operations
- OTD 6225 Strategic Decision Making in Healthcare
Admission Requirements
For admission to the post-professional online occupational therapy doctorate program, all applicants must have an OT bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. In addition, applicants must provide the following:*
- Graduate application form
- Valid occupational therapy license
- Official transcripts
- Initial certification as an occupational therapist from NBCOT
- One year or more of relevant occupational therapy experience post-graduation
- Resume
- A letter of intent (2-4 pages) providing a description of why the applicant has chosen the program and how the program aligns with the applicant’s intended career goals
- Three letters of reference
- Two from references who can attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful in doctoral level academic work (i.e. a former faculty member, academic adviser or employer)
- One from a reference who can attest to the quality of applicant’s professional work
*Virtual and face-to-face interviews will be conducted to identify the goodness of fit of the program for the applicant. Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency.