Curriculum
The curriculum for KU's doctorate degree in occupational therapy combines practicum and community-based fieldwork to provide optimal learning experiences toward a successful career in occupational therapy
This program allows students with an undergraduate degree and the appropriate prerequisite coursework to pursue a three-year clinical doctorate degree. This includes academic, practicum and fieldwork preparation for professional practice in a variety of occupational therapy settings.
In this program, you'll have the benefit of practicum and fieldwork experiences throughout the Kansas City community, the state of Kansas and, in some cases, other locations in the U.S.
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 48 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
Upon completion of the three-year program, you'll be eligible to take the occupational therapist certification examination administered by NBCOT. Successful completion of the entire three-year program is necessary to take this certification exam, which is required for legal employment as a practicing occupational therapist.
- Enrollment as a full-time student with degree requirements normally completed within three years of admission to the OTD program.
- All academic preparation and fieldwork in the professional program must be completed within 4.5 years of the first date of matriculation into the program.
- Cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 for all graduate course work.
- Successful completion of all courses with a grade of “C” or higher.
- Successful completion of required Level II fieldwork experiences with a grade of “B” or higher. A part-time optional Level II fieldwork experience will not count toward satisfying this requirement.
- Successful completion of a minimum of 112 credit hours, including academic coursework and fieldwork experiences.
- Enrollment in a minimum of one (1) credit hour the semester the student will graduate.
- Successful completion of the courses below.
- OTDE 700 Foundations in Occupational Therapy (2 credit hours)
- OTDE 705 Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology to Support Occupational Performance (3)
- OTDE 710 Professionalism in Context - I: Interpersonal and Interprofessional (2)
- OTDE 711 Professionalism in Context II (4)
- OTDE 715 Occupational Therapy Scholarship - I (2)
- OTDE 716 Occupational Therapy Scholarship - II (3)
- OTDE 720 Theory to Practice in Occupational Therapy (2)
- OTDE 725 Analysis & Adaptation I (3)
- OTDE 726 Analysis & Adaptation II (4)
- OTDE 730 Population Health & Wellness (3)
- OTDE 740 Neuroscience Foundations to Support Occupational Performance (3)
- OTDE 755 Occupational Performance and Participation Across the Lifespan - I (5)
- OTDE 756 Occupational Performance and Participation Across the Lifespan - II (5)
- OTDE 760 Policy and Advocacy for Occupational Therapy - I (2)
- OTDE 761 Policy and Advocacy for Occupational Therapy - II (3)
- OTDE 795 Research Discovery for Occupational Therapy (2)
- OTDE 815 Supporting Occupational Performance Across the Mental Health Continuum (3)
- OTDE 845 Research Implementation and Dissemination in Occupational Therapy (4)
- OTDE 850 Professionalism in Education (2)
- OTDE 860 Professionalism in Practice I (2)
- OTDE 861 Professionalism in Practice II (3)
- OTDE 870 Contemporary Community Engagement (3)
- OTDE 900 Occupational Therapy Level II Fieldwork - Part I (12)
- OTDE 901 Occupational Therapy Level II Fieldwork - Part II (12)
- OTDE 915 Professionalism in Leadership and Administration (3)
- OTDE 950 Capstone Project Planning (3)
- OTDE 980 Capstone Dissemination (3)
- OTDE 990 Capstone Experience (14)
Total Hours: 112
Specific elective courses may be selected to complement the student's program in consultation with the student's academic advisor.
To view the course sequence by semester and year in the program, please see the plan of study (PDF).
For detailed information about the entry-level doctorate program in occupational therapy, please visit the KU Academic Catalog.
Certification
The National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy administers a national certification examination to graduates of accredited entry-level programs. All states require licensure or registration to practice; initial certification is obtained by completing the nationally administered, standardized examination. Students are eligible to take the national certification exam after completion of all program requirements.
"Graduating from KU's occupational therapy program prepared me well for the professional world as an occupational therapist. The great faculty mentors I made during my studies led me to return to KU Medical Center to continue my education at the doctoral level."- Mark Burghart, Class of 2018
Vaccines and Clinical Site Requirements
The University of Kansas Medical Center requires various immunizations for its students. For a detailed list please visit the student health forms webpage or speak with Student Health Services. These immunization requirements help promote health and safety and facilitate clinical placement.
Many, if not all, clinical sites who partner with the University of Kansas Medical Center require proof of these vaccines for students engaged in training or other programmatic experiences at clinical sites. Not being vaccinated may preclude students from participating in activities, potentially impeding their ability to complete all program requirements for degree completion. Applicants with questions should speak with a representative from the academic program to which they intend to apply.