Occupational Therapy, PPOTD

Mission Statement

The mission of the Post-Professional OTD (PPOTD) program is to graduate students with advanced knowledge in practice excellence who have the leadership and clinical skills necessary to promote the profession of occupational therapy. High priority is placed on active inquiry, critical thinking, and reflective practice.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PPOTD program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to

• develop lifelong learning skills to advance the profession of occupational therapy,
• promote interprofessional relationships through collaboration and communication with members of various professions,
• integrate sound evidence-based information into the provision of professional occupational therapy best practice,
• communicate effectively orally and in writing to promote professional practice,
• integrate ethical and professional standards in the delivery of occupational therapy services,
• exhibit leadership characteristics to advance the profession of occupational therapy within local, state, and/or professional organizations, and
• apply critical reasoning skills required to advance the profession of occupational therapy.

Admission Requirements

See Admissions, Records, and Registration  for prerequisites and application information. 

Academic Requirements

To remain in the PPOTD program, the student must

• maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and
• register for one course within 12 weeks of the date of the acceptance letter.

Program Overview

Candidates entering the program with a master’s degree (MOT) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences are required to complete a minimum of 35 credits; however, 6 credits may transfer from the USAHS MOT program, if eligible. For candidates who hold a master’s degree* in occupational therapy or related field, a minimum of 35 credits will be required to earn the PPOTD degree. The program typically takes 3 years to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2017–2018 and 2018–2019); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, individual progression, part‐time vs. full‐time enrollment, credits transferred, changing specializations, unsuccessful course completion, leaves of absence, or other personal circumstances. For candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, a minimum of 60 credits will be required. The program typically takes 4 years, 8 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2017–2018 and 2018–2019); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, individual progression, part‐time vs. full‐time enrollment, credits transferred, changing specializations, unsuccessful course completion, leaves of absence, or other personal circumstances.

The PPOTD program includes several required courses depending on the student’s highest previous degree. Coursework is comprised of elective courses and seminars. The University will also consider accepting graduate credits from other accredited institutions. Please refer to the Transfer Credit Policy  further information on transfer credits.

^{*The master’s degree may be either the entry-level degree or a post-professional degree.}

Delivery of PPOTD Coursework

Courses are offered through a distance education format with optional on-campus immersion opportunities. The delivery of the PPOTD coursework is offered in a variety of formats, such as:

• Term-based courses
• Special-topic courses
• Continuing education seminar, enhanced through completion of assignments in a distance education format

Time Limit

It is required that PPOTD (bachelor’s entry) students complete all program requirements within 4 years and 8 months; PPOTD (master’s entry) students complete all program requirements within 3 years. An extension of up to 2 years and 4 months may be requested for PPOTD (bachelor’s entry) students and up to 1.5 years for PPOTD (master’s entry) students.

Optional Specializations

Students enrolled in the PPOTD program are eligible to earn the specialization of Executive Leadership and/or the specialization of Teaching and Learning. The specializations are earned by completing certain elective courses within the program and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA in those courses. Students should speak with their Academic Advisor about the specializations and include them in their Degree Completion Plan (DCP). Courses for the specialization of Executive Leadership include Foundations of Healthcare Administration; Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior for Health Care Administration; Strategic Planning in Healthcare Administration; Accounting, Finance and Economics; Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare; Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare (choose 4 of 6 courses). Courses for the specialization of Teaching and Learning include Foundational Theory in Education, Program and Curricular Design for Health Science Education, Teaching Methods in Higher Education, and Practical Application in Online Teaching (must complete all 4 courses).

Tuition and Fees

See Financial Information . 

Standard Occupational Classification codes for which program is intended to prepare graduates: Occupational Therapist (29-1122); Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary (25-1071)