Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I earn the professional OTD degree?
Due to changes in health care, occupational therapists are challenged to expand their knowledge base in order to meet the demands of contemporary practice. We are challenged to provide high quality, cost effective and evidence based services. The Professional OTD prepares you to critically evaluate research and apply this knowledge to clinical practice.
The professional OTD graduate is prepared to become a future leader of the OT profession. You will learn business and marketing skills, theories of education and learning, and leadership skills.
The new ACOTE standards for entry-level occupational therapy education will require the majority of academic faculty to hold a doctoral degree by 2012.
The occupational therapy profession continues to expand beyond traditional settings into emerging practice areas: Ergonomics, Home Modification, Driving Rehabilitation Programs, Assisted Living Facility Consultation, Health and Wellness, Assistive Device Development Consultation and other community-based services. The OTD program will prepare you to take a leadership role in these new and exciting practice settings.
Many other health care professions offer clinical doctoral education. The OTD is consistent with this trend.
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Is there a difference between entry-level OT and post professional OTD programs?
Educational standards are specifically defined by ACOTE for entry-level OT programs to ensure the student is prepared to enter the field of occupational therapy. Post professional OTD programs are not accredited by ACOTE. The Chatham University OTD program is a post professional program comprised of 10 courses with general objectives. The professional student develops their own highly individualized learning goals, guided by faculty, relative to their practice focus.
Learning progresses from beginning to advanced stages in entry-level OT programs; whereas, advanced learning is required of the professional OTD student throughout their education.
The clinical reasoning skills that you bring to an OTD program as an experienced therapist/educator allow you to apply your new learning directly to your work environment.
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Is there a difference between the OTD and PhD degree?
The professional OTD degree differs from the PhD in one key way. The OTD degree has more of a clinical or practice focus, whereas the PhD is a research based degree.
The OTD is a clinical doctorate and therefore requires much less of a time commitment. Most students are able to complete the OTD in 16 months.
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I do not have a bachelors or masters degree in Occupational Therapy, can I begin the OTD program?
We require that while you must have a masters degree to begin the program, either your bachelors or masters degree MUST be in Occupational Therapy.
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What is the admissions deadline for the Fall?
July 1st is recommended, but we continue to process applications after that date. For more information, please contact the College for Continuing and Professional Studies office if you plan on applying after July 1st.
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Where can I find information about financial aid and tuition rates?
Just contact the Chatham University Student Services Department at 412-365-2797 or visit the CCPS tuition webpage (link to http://www.chatham.edu/ccps/tuition.cfm) for information at financial aid and tuition rates. You can also access useful links such as FAFSA at this website.
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How is the OTD program structured?
The OTD program is completed in 16 months on a part-time basis. Students are enrolled in 2-3 courses per trimester, allowing the OT clinician or academician to maintain their work status. Each trimester (except summer) is split into two seven week sessions (first session is eight weeks as the first week is new student orientation). It is our aim that the student can balance life commitments and effectively engage in new learning.
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Fall Term: (September – December)
On-line new student orientation, 5 days in length, before academic classes begin
Session A: 7 weeks, September - October
OTD 740 Occupational Science
Session B: 14 weeks, September - December
OTD 741 Evidence-based Practice
Session C: 7 weeks, October – December
OTD 742 Advanced Practice Concepts and Skills
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Spring Term: (February - May)
Session A: 7 weeks, February – March
750 Occupational Therapist as Entrepreneur
Session B: 14 weeks, February – May
OTD 751 Applied Evidence-based Practice
Session C: 7 weeks, April – May
OTD 752/PTH 752 Education Theory and Technology
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Summer Term: (June-August)
Session A: 7 weeks, June – July
OTD 766 Methods of Evaluation
OTD 760 Ethics and Leadership (On-site course: 5 days, Dates TBA)
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Second Fall Term: (September – December)
Session A: 7 weeks, September - October
OTD 770 Capstone I: Design and Implementation
Session C: 7 weeks, October – December
OTD 771 Capstone II: Evaluation and Presentation
On-site visit for Capstone Project Presentations: Dates TBA
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