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Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

College of Health Sciences

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

College of Health Sciences

Online

Program

37 - 42 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$796 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Become an Ethical Change Leader in the Field of Occupational Therapy

EKU’s online post-professional OTD program is designed for licensed, certified occupational therapists interested in advancing their careers and becoming ethical leaders of change in occupational therapy services for diverse populations.

Our nationally respected online OTD program allows students to earn their doctorate degree without the need to relocate while maintaining their personal and professional obligations.

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Career Outlook

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational therapy jobs are available in a variety of areas including schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient service providers, home health, early intervention and academia.

Employers Include:

  • University of Findlay
  • Occupational Therapy Consultants, Inc.
  • Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula, MT
  • Encompass Health
  • Commonwealth Hand and Physical Therapy
  • Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Program in OT
  • South Arkansas Community College

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • Courses begin 3 times per year
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • No campus visits required
  • Course plans tailored to your specific interests
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance
  • Affordable, quality courses from respected faculty
  • Ranked among the top 25 best OT programs by U.S. News & World Report
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment

Do I have to be Licensed?

Yes. All applicants to this program must be certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Occupational therapy assistants are not eligible. Due to state authorization restrictions students may be prohibited from conducting practicum experiences in some states. Please ask your enrollment advisor about any possible restrictions for your state of residency prior to submitting your application. You can review EKU’s state authorization map for more details.

Curriculum & Enrollment

This path is for those who have a master’s degree in OT or a bachelor’s degree in OT with a master’s degree in any field.

EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through topics such as advanced occupation-based practice, diversity and health disparity, policy and change, applied research and ethics, and evidence-based practice.

A minimum of 37-42 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 5August
SpringDecember 5January

Each state has different authorization regulations with regards to online education. Please check the authorization status of your state.

Application Requirements:

  • A degree from an entry level occupational therapist program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). International applicants must have met all requirements for practice in their own country and graduated from an accredited or World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved occupational therapy program.
  • Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). International applicants must provide documentation that they are eligible to practice as an occupational therapist in their home country.
  • A graduate research methods course.
  • Three letters of recommendation for applicants who do not have a master’s in Occupational Therapy from EKU.
  • A one-to-two page statement of professional goals.
  • A resume and/or professional portfolio.
  • Transcripts of undergraduate and graduate coursework.
  • An online graduate application.

Start your application.

Provide your academic history.
List each college attended or degree earned. If you do not have a BS or MS in occupational therapy from EKU, request transcripts to be sent directly to the EKU Graduate School. More information is available within the online application. Transcripts sent to a student and then delivered to EKU will not be accepted. Each transcript must bear the original signature of the authorized official, along with the seal of the institution, and must be sent to the EKU Graduate School directly from the issuing institution.

Complete departmental information. 
Provide these items within your online application.
Within the application, you will provide contact information for your references. One letter should be from an employer/supervisor. The additional letters can be from those who have worked closely with you as an occupational therapist (suggestions include: former employers, administrators, and colleagues who are familiar with your professional work experience, and faculty members from your most recent academic degree).

  • NBCOT certification: You will provide your National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) number and upload a copy of your initial or current NBCOT certification. A JPEG, screen shot or PDF is acceptable.
  • Resume or professional portfolio
  • Personal and Professional Objective Statement: Your statement of professional objectives is an important part of the application process. Faculty will use the essay to evaluate your written communication skills as well as to evaluate the relationship of your career goals to those of the program. It should be 1 or 2 pages in length and include your name, address and phone number.

The MS in Occupational Therapy Program and the OTD professional program are both accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). For more information visit ACOTE Online. Graduates of both programs will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

ACOTE Contact Information:
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 652-6611

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our enrollment advisor today.

professional photo of katerine collins

Katherine Collins

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8560
Katherine.Collins@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
CHS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Photo of Ava Meyer

Ava Meyer

EKU Occupational Science Student
With the BSOS/OTD pathway, I am in my undergraduate degree learning material that applies to my future job. The most surprising aspect of the program is how fast-paced yet thoroughly taught it is. In 6 years, students can earn a bachelor’s in Occupational Science and then transition into the 2 year Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
photo of Chelsea Moore

Chelsea Moore

EKU Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy Student
Having the opportunity to obtain an OTD degree from EKU has given me a chance to set myself up for success at a young age with minimal financial strain. Due to dual credit opportunities through my public high school, I am set to confer my doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy by the age of 22. This opportunity was not accessible to me through other OTD programs.
EKU OTD graduate Emma McClellan smiles for a professional photo.

Emma McClellan

EKU Occupational Therapy Doctorate Graduate
I work with physicians and FNPs. Having a doctoral degree gives me a place at the table. It says that I have reached the gold standard in my profession. It’s the equivalent of labeling all my passion for OT, my desire to help my patients, and the work I’ve done professionally and academically.

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Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

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Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.
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News & Updates

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Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has climbed the ranks in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Graduate School rankings, particularly in the category of Best Public Affairs Programs,  where it […]

EKU Ranks for Best Occupational Therapy Programs

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is home to one of the top Occupational Therapy (OT) programs in the nation, boasting a 99% graduation rate since 2020. Recently, EKU ranked No. 22 […]

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Contact Information

Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

521 Lancaster Avenue
Dizney Building, Room 103
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3300
ot@eku.edu

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