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Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

Fast Facts

Earn a Doctoral Degree for Entry into Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program at The University of Toledo provides a fully accredited way for the career-minded, dedicated student to earn a doctorate while qualifying for certification as an occupational therapist. The student can accomplish this in 33 months of full-time, intensive study.

What are the Entrance Requirements/Prerequisites?

  • Bachelor degree in any field of study with a minimum 3.0 GPA must be completed prior to starting the program NOT prior to application
  • Completion of the OT Centralized Application System (OTCAS) application and payment of fee
  • The University of Toledo’s application fee 
  • Applicants must receive a B- or better in all prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to starting the program NOT prior to application:
    • Introductory Biology (3 semester credits). Lab not required
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (6 semester credits). Lab required
      • If Anatomy and Physiology are taken as separate courses, lab is only required for Anatomy
    • Introduction to Psychology (3 semester credits)
    • Abnormal Psychology (3 semester credits)
    • Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology (3 semester credits)
    • Medical Terminology (college course)
    • Statistics (3 semester credits)
    • Lifespan Human Development (3 semester credits). You may meet this requirement by EITHER:
      • obtaining a B- or better in a Lifespan Human Development course that covers human development from birth to death OR
      • obtaining a B- or better in both a Child Development course AND a Gerontology/Psychology of Aging course
  • UToledo Writing Sample (found within OTCAS)
  • Personal Statement (found in OTCAS)
  • Three letters of recommendation (submitted through OTCAS only)

What is the Application Timeline?

Our Application Cycle opens in July. Applications will be reviewed beginning in October for admission the following academic year. Please refer to our website for current admission cycle dates and details.

Is the Program Offered on Evenings or Weekends?

The curriculum consists of eight consecutive semesters. The first five semesters include a full-time load of academic classes. Classes are held on weekdays, including some evenings. While the schedule varies, classes are usually grouped to leave at least two half days open for Level I fieldwork experiences, research projects, group projects, and meetings. The last three semesters are for Level II fieldwork and the Capstone Experience. Each of these require full-time participation during the typical working hours/days of the facility offering the experience.

Seek Value

The UToledo OTD Program was the first accredited entry-level occupational therapy doctoral program at a public institution; therefore, tuition is relatively reasonable. Excellent packages of financial aid and scholarships are available. Taking long-term perspectives, our students anticipate that a doctoral degree will open doors for leadership positions. 

Be Involved with Patients/Clients

The curriculum requires fieldwork from the first semester to the last. In addition to clinical experiences at the UToledo Health Science Campus, fieldwork contracts exist with over 300 clinical organizations, some with sites across many states. Hours spent by UToledo students in Level I fieldwork greatly exceed accreditation minimum requirements.

Individualize Your Education

Starting in the first semester, each student plans and conducts two major individualized projects: a) a capstone experience culminating in a full semester of hands-on involvement in a personally chosen area (e.g., clinical studies, program development, advocacy), and b) a research project investigating a question of importance to occupational therapy, with data collection, analysis, write-up, and formal presentation. These projects involve extensive mentoring by academic faculty and participating clinical educators.

Enjoy a Small Class Size

Twenty students are admitted to each cohort and a new cohort begins each fall. Students receive individual attention and get to know their faculty and classmates well. In turn, the faculty get to know students. The students describe themselves on our web page. 

Study with Excellent Faculty

All full-time faculty hold doctorates, conduct scholarly projects, and mentor students in research and capstones. Students have daily contact with faculty who have national and international reputations in the field of OT.

Enjoy Advanced Technology

Advanced technology provided in designated clinical labs, research spaces, and classrooms.

Strive toward Autonomous Professional Decisions

The curriculum is structured to help students become autonomous decision makers, as needed in an increasingly complex healthcare system. UToledo graduates will not only carry out occupational therapy programs; they will also create occupational therapy programs.

Rest Assured Concerning Accreditation and Certification

The UToledo program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda MD, 20814-3449, Phone: 301.652.2682, Web: www.acoteonline.org). Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion, the graduate will be a registered OT. In addition, all states require licensure to practice. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Start Down the Path toward Leadership and Success

The UToledo Occupational Therapy Program has consistently ranked high in national polls. More importantly, our graduates have become true leaders in clinical practice, administration, program development, advocacy, and clinical education. The graduate not only will have a well-paying job but will also enjoy the experience of being a valued professional.

Where Can I Find More Information About the Profession and the UToledo OTD Program?

Last Updated: 7/15/24