Application Deadline
Fall and Spring
July 1 for the fall term and November 1 for the spring term. We recommend that students submit their application as soon as possible, as space in our cohort program is limited.
Occupational Therapy, Post-Professional (PPOTD)
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Occupational Therapy, Post-Professional (PPOTD) Overview
Chatham University’s Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program is an online 30-credit program for clinicians and academicians who want to enhance their careers. Unlike a Ph.D. in occupational therapy, the PP-OTD degree has a clinical or practice focus and requires much less of a time commitment. The PPOTD degree can be completed in just 16 months. Students take two classes at a time, allowing them to continue working and balancing life commitments while effectively engaging in new learning.
Credits Required
30-39
Chatham's PPOTD is an online 30-credit program with two short residencies. The Bachelor to OTD Bridge Program is 39 credits and starts in fall terms.
Cost Per Credit
$1,017
Cost listed is before the generous 20% tuition reduction Chatham offers for members of AOTA and several state occupational therapy associations, as well as full-time employees of companies participating in our Corporate & Strategic Partner Program.
Did you know?
Degree Options
Experienced occupational therapists who hold a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, but not a master’s degree, are eligible for the Bachelor-to-OTD Bridge Program.
Explore the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree:
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.
—SHARON NOVALIS, Ph.D., program director
Our Faculty
Full Faculty
Capstone Project
Each student will complete a capstone project that includes the design and implementation of an intervention where they work, or may extend into the community or an emerging practice area. Students present their project at Chatham at a peer-attended presentation and are encouraged to submit their work for consideration to peer-reviewed journals and conferences post-graduation.
Residencies
The online learning experience is enhanced with two short, required residencies at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. The first is three days and occurs at the end of the first term. This experience includes a leadership course plus a preview of capstone presentations. The second is two days and occurs at the end of the last term. Here, students deliver their capstone presentation.
Alumni Perspectives
"Prior to starting this program, I observed occupational injustices but did not realize I could do something about them. As a result of Chatham's phenomenal OTD program, I know that I can be a change agent as an occupational therapist at my workplace, in the community, and globally."—Monica Cainion, OTD '17
Read More from Program Alumni
Educational Opportunities
Students enjoy opportunities to forge professional relationships that last well beyond the program. The small size of each cohort allows for deep discussion and interaction. An alumni mentor program ensures that students have a support system even beyond faculty and their online learning advisor.
AOTA Conference
Each year Chatham faculty, students, and alumni make a significant impact at the AOTA annual conference and expo, where we come together to network and catch up. Click here to view the accepted list of presentations by Chatham faculty, students, and alumni for the 2020 conference.
Funding Options
Chatham offers a generous tuition reduction for members of AOTA and several state occupational therapy associations, as well as full-time employees of companies participating in our Corporate & Strategic Partner Program. This benefit reduces the per-credit tuition rate by 20% for the duration of the program and makes our post-professional OTD one of the most affordable options.
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SARA-Approved Participating Institution
Due to federal regulation, all universities offering distance education programs and practicum experiences in states other than their own must receive authorization or be a SARA-approved institution. Chatham University is a SARA-approved institution.
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In Touch Newsletters
Learn about occupational therapy student and faculty accomplishments, alumni achievements, and various activities that occurred over the last academic year—in Pittsburgh, and all over the country.
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