Apr 29, 2026  
2026-2027 Working Bulletin 
    
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2026-2027 Working Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Occupational Therapy OTD

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The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program combines academics and clinical/fieldwork experiences to develop highly skilled healthcare practitioners enabling them to assist clients in achieving health, wellbeing, and participation in life through engagement in occupation across the lifespan from infants to older adults. The occupational therapy doctorate curriculum combines graduate OT education and hands-on training with additional coursework focused on occupation and evidence-based practice, leadership, advocacy, and policymaking.

The OTD degree is designed for the student pursuing a first-time degree in the field of occupational therapy. Once accepted, students may enter the program as a “4+3” with a bachelor’s degree or “3+3” student. A previous bachelor’s degree is not required; however, applicants holding a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply. Students entering the professional phase of the program as a “3+3” student must have completed 92 semester credits of specific college prerequisites. Students taking the appropriate prerequisites will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology after successful completion of the first two semesters in the professional program and the OTD degree upon successful completion of the entire professional program. All core prerequisites must be completed within ten years prior to application. The OTD program is 9 full-time consecutive semesters and 105 credits total with 28 credits for 3+3 students counting towards both the bachelor’s and the OTD degrees.

Delivery: This program is offered face to face on the main campus.

Total Credits - 105

Additional Requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree (BS or other).
  • An earned minimum grade of “C+” (2.33) or “S” in each OTD program course.
  • Maintain a cumulative OTD program GPA of 3.00.
  • No more than a cumulative total of five points earned on the grade-point scale throughout the occupational therapy program (see OTD Student Handbook).
  • Students must be able to perform skills listed in the Technical Standards of Performance and demonstrate professional behaviors as outlined in the OTD Student Handbook.
  • Satisfactory completion of Comprehensives I, II, and III: OTH 604, OTH 701, and OTH 801.
  • Satisfactory completion of a capstone experience and project presentation.
  • Satisfactory completion of all Fieldwork experiences.
  • Satisfactory completion of the Professional Development Portfolio (PDP).
  • Satisfactory completion of the OTD Graduate Exit Survey.

Maintaining Academic Standing

  • All coursework scheduled for each semester must be successfully completed prior to advancing to the next semester.
  • Progressive enrollment in the occupational therapist education program requires successful completion of all Occupational Therapy program coursework including fieldwork and capstone experience as listed for the previous academic term.
  • A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.00 in any given academic term is placed on academic probation. Students who do not increase their cumulative GPA to 3.00 during the academic term of probation academically disqualify themselves from the program.
  • Students who receive less than a “C+” (2.33) or a “U” on a “S/U” course or fieldwork experience will be given “grade points” equal to the semester credit for the course and be required to remediate per the OTD Student Handbook. A student who accumulates six or more points will academically disqualify him/herself from continuing in the program. Student may be required to enroll in and pay tuition for OTH585 Remediation in: as part of their remediation plan determined by the OTD Faculty Council.

Admission Requirements

Graduate Application: Students must submit an application and all the required components through Occupational Therapy Centralized Applications System (OTCAS) (otcas.cas.myliaison.com)

GPA: A minimum science and core OT prerequisite GPA of 3.0 is required.

  • Proof of satisfactory completion with at least a “B-” grade from an accredited institution is required for each prerequisite course.

GRE not required.

Clinical Observation: 20 hours of observation is strongly recommended.

Personal Interview: Applicants who meet eligibility requirements are invited for a personal interview. Phone/virtual interviews may be acceptable, though not preferred.

Recommendation Letters: Two recommendation letters from an occupational therapist, professor, or from an employer/supervisor, clergy, a second occupational therapist or any health care professional.

Personal Statement: Submit a personal statement explaining why you chose Occupational Therapy as a career and how this degree aligns with your immediate and long-term professional goals.

Advanced placement and transfer credits are not accepted.

Work experience is not required.

English Proficiency: Applicants who have been given any part of their education outside the U.S. or Canada or whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by providing evidence through one of the following methods. Exceptions may be granted by the School of Rehabilitation Sciences on an individual basis. Test must be taken within one year prior to application. TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) is preferred. Official TOEFL scores must be sent directly to OTCAS from Educational Testing Service (ETS). The OTCAS ETS code is 1030.

  • Minimum Requirements
TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) (preferred) 111 (minimum of 15 in Reading, 15 in Listening, 18 in Speaking, and 17 in Writing)
TOEFL Paper-based test 640 (minimum of 56 in each section)
IELTS Academic Version 8.0
PTE Academic Version 72

For Students Entering with a Bachelor’s Degree:

  • Natural Sciences: A full sequence of Anatomy and Physiology with labs
  • Mathematics: One course (3 semester hours) covering basic statistics or research methods
  • Social Sciences:
    • Human Development- One course (3 semester hours) that covers human development.
    • Psychology - One course (3 semester hours) covering introductory psychology or developmental psychology.
    • Abnormal psychology
  • Ethics: One course in ethics or biomedical ethics.
  • Medical Terminology: One course in basic medical terminology.

For Students Without a Bachelor’s Degree on the 3+3 Track:

The 3+3 program is designed for Andrews University students and affiliate partners who offer required pre-requisites for the following Bachelor’s degrees with pre-OT concentration: Psychology BS , Business Administration BS , or Rehabilitation Sciences BS.

Applicants interested in the 3+3 option must work closely with the Andrews University Pre-OT advisor to ensure completion of all required coursework.

Student Learning Outcomes

According to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program’s mission, program and student learning outcomes, OTD graduates will:

  1. Model ethical and professional behavior consistent with Christian values, including sensitivity to cultural and individual differences, and an understanding of the role of prayer, faith, and spirituality in healing.
  2. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of basic and clinical sciences, delivery models, and emerging systems relevant to occupational therapy practice.
  3. Perform comprehensive evaluations, develop differential diagnoses, determine prognosis, and implement evidence-based interventions and prevention strategies across practice settings.
  4. Collaborate with the interprofessional healthcare team, clients, and families, while understanding respective roles, responsibilities, and supervision requirements.
  5. Participate in practice management, including supervision, delegation, financial planning, marketing, and public relations to support service delivery.
  6. Uphold ethical standards, legal responsibilities, and the core values of the occupational therapy profession in all aspects of practice.
  7. Advocate for access to occupational therapy services and support the rights and needs of individuals, groups, and communities.
  8. Demonstrate active involvement in professional development, leadership, and advocacy initiatives to promote the growth of the profession.
  9. Use critical questioning and review current research to inform and improve occupational therapy practice and professional knowledge.
  10. Synthesize advanced knowledge through a doctoral capstone in areas such as clinical skills, research, administration, leadership, advocacy, policy development, or education.

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