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Chatham University’s online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is designed for domestic and international occupational therapists who want to expand their expertise in practice, leadership, education, advocacy, or scholarship. The 30-credit program can be completed in 16 months by taking two courses at a time, with no required campus travel.
Students tailor their doctoral study to their professional interests and apply their learning through an evidence-based capstone project. Chatham PPOTD graduates have also contributed to peer-reviewed publications and presented their work to professional audiences.
Prospective students can attend a virtual information session featuring faculty and alumni perspectives, program details, and time for questions.
Designed for working professionals, the Chatham PPOTD is 100% online, part-time, and can be completed in as few as 4-5 terms (16-20 months).
Apply research to real occupational therapy challenges through a personalized capstone tailored to your goals and experience.
Complete the 30-credit PPOTD online in 16 months for under $20,000, with flexible course schedules designed for practicing occupational therapists.
Bachelor’s-prepared OTs can advance through our Bridge program with additional coursework and, when eligible, prior learning assessment. Learn more below.
The post-professional OTD curriculum allows students to explore their own area of professional interest and then directly apply their learning through the design and implementation of an evidence-based capstone project in their work setting. Students become a true community of learners, working together for the future of better healthcare.
—Jennifer Lape, PPOTD, Program Director
"I work full-time as an occupational therapist, and I have a family with three busy teenagers. This program really fit in: it's completely online, you're working around your schedule. So to do it as a working, full-time mother, it's very feasible."
—Christine Daeschner, PPOTD '22
Attend a virtual information session to learn more about Chatham’s online post-professional OTD program. Prospective students can connect with faculty, ask questions about the curriculum and capstone, and learn about admission requirements and the online student experience.
View OT Events : Checkerboard 1 - PPOTD Information Sessions
The 30-credit post-professional OTD curriculum is completed online over four terms. Students may begin in the fall or spring and complete the degree without traveling to campus. Coursework supports advanced preparation in evidence-based occupational therapy practice, leadership, education, advocacy, and scholarship.
Explore PPOTD Curriculum : Checkerboard 2 - Courses & Curriculum
Throughout the four-term occupational therapy doctoral program, each student designs and implements an evidence-based capstone project focused on a professional area of interest. Projects may be completed in a workplace, community organization, or emerging practice setting. Students formally present their work and prepare both a conference proposal and a manuscript for potential submission to a peer-reviewed journal. Chatham graduates have continued sharing their scholarship through professional presentations and publications after completing the program.
View Student Works : Checkerboard 3 - Evidence-Based Capstone Projects and Publications
We are one of the longest-standing PPOTD programs. Since 2007, we have graduated over 550 practitioners. Our reputation extends far and wide with our global alumni network. An alumni mentor program ensures students have a support system beyond faculty and their online learning advisor.
Explore Alumni Perspectives : Checkerboard 4 - Alumni Success & Network
Chatham’s fully online OTD program requires no campus travel, making doctoral study more accessible to practicing occupational therapists in the United States and abroad. Virtual immersive experiences create space for students to discuss professional challenges, share capstone projects and research posters, and build relationships with faculty and peers.
The Bachelor-to-OTD Bridge program is designed for experienced occupational therapists who hold a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. The 39-credit pathway begins each fall and can be completed online in five terms, or 20 months. Small cohorts encourage focused discussion, professional exchange, and close interaction with faculty and classmates.
Explore Bachelor-to-OTD Bridge Program : Checkerboard 6 - Doctoral Pathway for Bachelor’s-Prepared OTs
Interprofessional education involves students from two or more health professions learning together during their training. The goal of IPE is to enhance communication and decision-making, allowing various domains of knowledge to complement each other.
Learn About IPE : Checkerboard 7 - Interprofessional Education (IPE)
Chatham’s occupational therapy faculty bring experience in clinical practice, education, research, leadership, and scholarship. Their range of expertise supports the customizable OTD curriculum and gives students access to guidance aligned with varied professional interests.
Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 8 - Occupational Therapy Faculty and Mentors
Chatham faculty, students, and alumni connect each year at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference & Expo. The event provides opportunities to present scholarship, exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships, and reconnect with the Chatham community.
Discover the practical applications for your learning in real time with professional on-campus employment tailored to your course of study. Gain hourly pay, on-the-job training, and valuable work experience without ever stepping off campus.
Explore Tuition & Funding : Checkerboard 10 - Professional Experience, Right on Campus
Learn more about Chatham's PPOTD program admission process and requirements by clicking the button below.
View Admission Requirements : Checkerboard 11 - Admission Requirements
Chatham University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), expanding access to its online programs across participating states. Prospective students can review state availability and professional requirements to understand how the online post-professional OTD aligns with where they live and practice.
SARA-Approved Institutions : Checkerboard 12 - SARA-Approved Participating Institution
