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Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy Doctorate (O.T.D.)

Top ¼
of OT programs in the U.S.
100%
of graduates from UToledo’s O.T.D. program have jobs within six months of graduation and pass the national board certification exam within a year of graduation.

Top ¼
of OT programs in the U.S.
100%
of graduates from UToledo’s O.T.D. program have jobs within six months of graduation and pass the national board certification exam within a year of graduation.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Overview

The nationally recognized O.T.D. program at The University of Toledo has a history of excellence: 

  • In the top 25% of O.T.D. programs in the U.S. 
  • The first accredited, entry-level, occupational therapy doctorate program at a public institution in Ohio and the U.S. 

Full-time occupational therapy graduate students can complete UToledo’s intensive course work and clinical training in less than three years to earn a doctorate and qualify for certification as an occupational therapist.  

We believe that a true OT graduate program builds knowledge, as well as imparts knowledge. Faculty members are committed to preparing occupational therapists who are: 

  • Highly competent practitioners 
  • Contributors to research 
  • Leaders, future educators and advocates for the profession 

A doctoral degree isn't required to practice occupational therapy. But UToledo’s program is staying ahead of the national curve. The American Occupational Therapy Association board of directors has advocated doctoral preparation for entry-level practice by 2027. 

Twice a month, we offer graduate admissions sessions for prospective doctorate students in occupational therapy. Email us for details. 

View accreditation information. Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Highlights

Nationally ranked program. U.S. News & World Report currently ranks The University of Toledo in the top 25% of 240+ occupational therapy programs in the U.S.  

Exceptional value. Our graduate students benefit from the tuition rates of a public university and O.T.D. program-specific scholarships. 

Individual attention. 20 graduate students are admitted each fall. UToledo’s O.T.D. program offers: 

  • Small class sizes 
  • Easy access to faculty 
  • Opportunities to build personal, supportive relationships 
  • Individualized faculty mentorship in research and capstone projects 

Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association. 

High-tech research spaces and classrooms. UToledo’s O.T.D. graduate program is housed in the 160,000-square-foot Health and Human Services Building on Main Campus, which features a motion lab, casting/splinting lab and community clinics. 

Service learning. Get hands-on experience and help advance the study and profession of occupational therapy. Participate in: 

  • CommunityCare Clinics 
  • Knock Out Parkinson’s 
  • Toledo Sensory Room 
  • Ohio Special Olympics and more 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the UToledo occupational therapy doctorate program work as practicing occupational therapists in a variety of professional settings. They have become true leaders in clinical practice, administration, program development, advocacy and clinical education.  

UToledo O.T.D. alumni have worked for:  

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
  • Cleveland Clinic 
  • Toledo VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic 
  • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center 
  • Brooke Army Medical (burn) Center, San Antonio, Texas 
  • Wood Lane – Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities 

Sample Job Settings for Occupational Therapists 

  • Acute-care and pediatric hospitals 
  • Community-based and specialty clinics 
  • Higher education institutions and school systems 
  • Home-health companies 
  • Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation 
  • Military settings 
  • Skilled-nursing facilities 
  • Behavioral health facilities 

Professional Licensure Information

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Plan of Study

UToledo’s highly integrated occupational therapy course work focuses on a solid understanding of theory, research and practice skills. Our students gain a high level of decision-making, management, leadership and professional skills through integrated course work, field work, independent research and a capstone project. 


View Plan of Study

Internship Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Starting the first semester, O.T.D. graduate students participate in field work experiences. This work exposes them to a variety of practice areas in occupational therapy and helps them develop skills.  

The UToledo O.T.D. program offers more than 300 field work partnerships across Ohio and the U.S. Students also find field work opportunities on UToledo’s Health Science Campus and at the UT Medical Center. 

The hours our students work greatly exceed the minimum needed for accreditation. 


Research Opportunities

UToledo OT graduate students work on two in-depth projects — a research project and a capstone project. The projects are designed with a faculty mentor to answer important questions in occupational therapy.?Many of our students and alumni have published their results in professional journals and presented results at conferences.? 

The O.T.D. faculty and staff are teachers, scholars, researchers and mentors with a range of specialties, including: 

  • Behavioral health and addiction 
  • Community-based application 
  • Pediatrics 
  • Neurology 
  • Aging  
  • At-risk adolescents and adults 
  • Chronic conditions 

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

2 years, 9 months (8 semesters)

Program Availability

 On Campus

Program Quick Links

View Admission Requirements
School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
College of Health and Human Services
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Scholarship Opportunities

The University of Toledo is on a mission to make college affordable for everyone. Use our search tool to find scholarships you qualify for.

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Last Updated: 1/16/2021