Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Discover
Occupational therapists help people overcome difficulties, gain independence, and live healthier, fuller lives by engaging in meaningful home and community activities. Our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is designed to prepare you for occupational therapy practice and leadership. Across your courses, you will explore how to design and implement occupation-based and culturally responsive interventions that support the well-being of your patients and the larger community. You’ll gain familiarity with working in and with various settings and client demographics.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program requires successful completion of 30 courses for 135 quarter credit hours. Students admitted to the program can complete the degree in 2 years of full-time study. The curriculum combines online learning, immersive on-campus lab experiences in Atlanta or Knoxville, and occupational therapy fieldwork in approved sites. The program capstone is a research project that students align with their interests and goals.
Develop Essential Skills In
- Patient screening and evaluation best practices
- Evidence-based care for patients across the lifespan
- Research methods, design, and analysis
- Professional leadership and advocacy
- Community-based practice and health promotion
See all Occupational Therapy Programs
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Tuition and Fees
Available Locations
Examples of Scholarships and Grants That May Be Available (Check with Your Campus Financial Aid Office For More Information)
Concentrations in this Program
Ready For Your Next Step?
You May Enjoy This Line of Study If…
-
Want to help people develop or master everyday skills for independent, satisfying lives -
Are fascinated with how the human body moves, recovers, and functions -
Like coming up with plans and programs to benefit individuals and communities -
Can be professional, empathetic, and ethical in all situations -
Feel driven to provide holistic quality patient care and support
Additional Information
Mission
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program mission is to cultivate diverse doctor of occupational therapy practitioners who understand, apply, and model with confidence the distinct values of the occupational therapy profession. This includes, but is not limited to, demonstrating professionalism, critical reasoning, best-practice skills, empathy, mindfulness, and evidence in the design, development, and implementation of occupation-based and culturally responsive interventions, and to improve occupational performance, health, and well-being of individuals and populations in traditional and emerging practice areas.
Student Learning Outcomes
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is designed to prepare you to:
- Engage in therapeutic practice that reflects the distinct value of the Occupational Therapy profession across the lifespan, for individuals, groups, and populations and contexts.
- Employ systems thinking to select appropriate interventions in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced and where it is emerging as a service.
- Apply evidence-based assessments and interventions to improve occupational performance and provide client-centered care within contexts.
- Demonstrate the requisite skills to function effectively as a collaborative member of intra and interprofessional healthcare teams.
- Demonstrate transformational leadership and advocacy while engaging with individuals, groups, organizations, and populations.
- Perform as reflective practitioners who are committed to lifelong learning and scholarship.
OTD Level II Fieldwork and Capstone Requirement
The following statement from the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) provides guidance on completion timeline requirements for the fieldwork and capstone components of the OTD educational program:
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and an individual 14-week capstone experience within 12 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework, Level II fieldwork, and preparatory activities as defined in 2023 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.H3o.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements for the program are as follows:
For a student to graduate from the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, the student must be in good academic and professional standing, have had satisfactory progress in all quarters of the academic program, and satisfactorily complete the following:
- Satisfactorily complete all courses with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0.
- On approval of faculty, successfully complete the Capstone Project and Experience.
- Complete and pass all Level-II Fieldwork Experiences.
- Abide by all college rules and regulations and settle any financial obligations to the college prior to graduation.
- Complete the Graduate Exit Survey.
Matriculation and attendance at South College are privileges granted to the student in consideration of performance of specified assignments and the maintenance of established standards of personal and professional conduct. The College reserves the right, and the student by the act of matriculation concedes to the College the right, to require withdrawal at any time the College deems it necessary to safeguard the standards of scholarship, conduct, and compliance with regulations, or for such other reasons deemed appropriate by the College as set forth in the program manual and/or the South College Catalog.
Occupational Therapist Licensure
All 50 states in the United States plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam require occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to be licensed to provide occupational therapy services. A license grants you the legal privilege to practice occupational therapy in the state in which you are licensed.
Your occupational therapy license is not the same as the certification that you earn by passing the exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Some states have unique licensure requirements. For example, a jurisprudence exam is required in some states to test the graduate’s knowledge of state laws, rules, and practice acts that govern occupational therapy practice. Some require satisfactory background checks. These unique requirements are not associated with preparation in the South College program.
The following link provides information regarding licensing:
Learn the steps to occupational therapy state licensure. | AOTA
The core aspects of licensure include:
- Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited educational program
- Complete fieldwork requirements
- Pass the NBCOT Certification Exam
- Complete all state specific licensing requirements and pay a fee
Accreditation
South College Atlanta and Knoxville Campus are seeking accreditation of a new occupational therapist education program from Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE). South College’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is currently in applicant status to submit a candidacy application by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. Upon review of that Application, ACOTE grants, defers action on, or denies Candidacy Status. Although the designation “Candidacy Status” is not a guarantee of accreditation, it does indicate that the resource allocation and plan for development of the proposed program appears to demonstrate the ability to meet the applicable ACOTE Standards if fully implemented as planned. Candidacy Status must be granted before students may be admitted or notified of admission to the program and is required in order for the program to proceed.Upon receiving full accreditation, this program’s graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), Inc. An individual will be considered an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) following successful completion of the above-mentioned exam. Though most states require licensure to practice, the state licenses are usually contingent on successful passage of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination as well as eligibility to obtain state licensure. For further questions, one may reach ACOTE by phone c/o AOTA, at (301) 652-6611 x1184.
Got A Question? South College Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tuition for South College?
Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
More InfoDoes South College offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
More InfoIs South College Accredited?
Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
More InfoHow do I apply to South College?
Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!
Apply NowDo you Offer Housing?
South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
More InfoLooking for South College Consumer Information?
South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.
More InfoDoes South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
More InfoWhat Kind of Certificate u0026amp; Degrees does South College Offer?
South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!
More InfoOnline vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 140 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
More InfoDoes South College Have Programs for Active or Retired Military?
As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.
More Info