Doctor Of Occupational Therapy

About the OTD Program at the University of New Haven

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at the University of New Haven emphasizes professional excellence, clinical leadership, and community impact. Our curriculum prepares students for advanced, evidence-based practice through coursework in the sciences, health promotion, and interprofessional collaboration. The program is delivered primarily in-person with integrated hybrid components—classroom and lab sessions occur on campus, while select seminars, lectures, and collaborative projects are offered online to enhance flexibility. Students receive clear guidance on required technology (hardware, software, connectivity), and we ensure full accessibility in all learning environments, both on campus and online. Through coursework, fieldwork experiences, and mentorship, our graduates are equipped to lead in practice, administrative, educational, and advocacy roles within occupational therapy.

• OTD Program Philosophy, Mission, and Vision

  OTD Program Philosophy

  We believe all people and communities have a right to meaningful participation in occupations that promote health and well-being. Occupational therapy provides a powerful and multidimensional lens to capture diverse human experiences, allowing practitioners to create solutions for engagement in everyday occupations.

  ��ɫAV of New Haven Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is dedicated to preparing compassionate, competent occupational therapists who advance cultural humility and can profoundly impact the lives of individuals and communities. Our program philosophy is rooted in holistic person-centered care, evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and a commitment to service, reflecting our belief in the transformative power of occupational therapy.

  Mission

  The mission of the University of New Haven's Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is to educate and empower future healthcare leaders who will serve as agents of change in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. We are dedicated to fostering a community-based approach to occupational therapy education, where students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in their profession and inspired to make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

  Vision

  The vision for the University of New Haven’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that fosters excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, empowering students to become transformative leaders in healthcare, inspiring innovation, and promoting holistic well-being in communities near and far.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of New Haven Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is based on clearly defined, published criteria that reflect the rigor of doctoral study, in alignment with the University's mission and vision, as well as the School of Health Sciences' objectives. The OTD program employs a holistic review process that considers academic preparation, leadership, service, and a commitment to inclusive excellence.

• Admissions Criteria

  Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
  • Completion of the following prerequisites with a grade of C or better:
    • Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs (8 credits, completed within 4 years).
    • Human Development (3 credits, e.g., Child/Adolescent, Adult, or Lifespan; within 10 years).
    • Abnormal Psychology (3 credits, within 10 years).
    • Statistics (3 credits, within 10 years).
  • At least 10 verified observation hours (completed in the past 5 years).
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Personal statement addressing: “Explain how your preparation, experiences, and interests have led you to a career in Occupational Therapy and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of New Haven.”
  • Resume or CV.
  • Successful interview (virtual or in-person).
• Transfer of Credit & Advanced Placement

  The program may accept up to 3 graduate-level occupational therapy courses transferred from another accredited OT program, provided a grade of B or better is earned and the content aligns with the program curriculum.

  Advanced placement is not offered.

• Work & Observation Experience

  Applicants must document at least 10 hours of verified observation in occupational therapy or related practice settings. Online modules may be used as a substitute when in-person access is limited.

• International Student Requirements

  In addition to the general criteria above, international applicants must provide:

  • A course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services (WES) verifying equivalence to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Proof of English proficiency: minimum TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.5, or PTE 68.
• Holistic Admissions & Diversity

  The OTD program follows a holistic admissions review process that goes beyond GPA and prerequisites. We value:

  • Diverse educational, cultural, and life experiences.
  • Leadership and service in academic, professional, or community settings.
  • Commitment to working with underserved or emerging practice populations.
  • Motivation, resilience, and potential for professional growth.

  This process ensures equitable access and reflects the University’s mission to create an engaged, inclusive community dedicated to innovation and impactful education.

• Application Process
  • Apply through the .
  • Admission is on a rolling basis with final deadlines each spring.
  • Applicants are notified of outcomes (acceptance, conditional acceptance, or denial) within four weeks of interview.

Graduation Requirements

Progression, retention, and graduation policies and procedures are found in the OT Student Handbook. The OT Student Handbook is updated annually and reviewed with students at the beginning of each Level of the program. Successful completion of all didactic, laboratory, fieldwork, and capstone requirements are necessary for graduation. This includes:

Fieldwork Requirements:

1. Students must complete all required didactic and laboratory coursework before starting fieldwork.
2. Students must comply with all site requirements, including background checks, immunizations, etc., to attend fieldwork experiences.
3. All Level II Fieldwork experiences must be completed within 12 months following the didactic portion of the program.

Doctoral Capstone Requirements:

1. Students must complete all required didactic and laboratory coursework, Level II Fieldwork, and pass a comprehensive exam before starting the Doctoral Capstone Experience and Doctoral Capstone Project.
2. Students must comply with all site requirements, including background checks, immunizations, etc.
3. Doctoral Capstone Project and Doctoral Capstone Experience must be completed within 12 months following completion of Level II Fieldwork.

OTD Curriculum

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) is a 2.75-year full-time program across eight semesters. Our program focuses on a dynamic and developmental framework based on constructivism and transformative learning principles. The curriculum has three levels: Foundations, Occupational Therapy (OT) Process, and Experiential Learning.

In the Foundations Level, students learn the basic principles supporting occupational therapy, building a solid knowledge foundation for advanced practice. Moving to the OT Process Level, students explore clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention strategies, applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations. Finally, the Experiential Learning Level offers immersive opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in different settings, transforming theoretical understanding into practical, person-centered practice.

This approach not only equips students with requisite skills but also fosters a reflective and adaptive mindset, essential for the ever-changing landscape of occupational therapy.

Read more about our curriculum, objectives, and courses in the OTD program.

View OTD Course List (PDF)

Accreditation Status

Program Accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®) has granted the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program Candidacy Status. A program with Candidacy Status may admit students into the OTD Program according to the approved timeline and proceed to the pre-accreditation review step of the accreditation process. The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

For more information, please visit:

ACOTE
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E,
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 652-6611
www.acoteonline.org
Email: accred@aota.org

• NBCOT Exam

  The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) administers the certification examination for occupational therapy practitioners. To be eligible to take the NBCOT exam, candidates must meet specific requirements. Eligibility criteria include:

  • Completion of an entry-level occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
  • Candidates must have a degree (master's or doctoral) from an accredited occupational therapy program.
  • Successful completion of all required fieldwork experiences as part of the accredited occupational therapy program.

  Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by NBCOT upon completing ACOTE accreditation (NBCOT, 2022).

  As a newly developed program, the University of New Haven Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program has limited outcomes to share at this point. Graduation rates and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination pass rates will be tracked and shared when available. Once posted, program results from the NBCOT examination can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/en/Educators/Home#SchoolPerformance.

  NOTE: A felony conviction may affect candidates' ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination.

  For more information, please visit:

  National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
  One Bank Street
  Suite 300
  Gaithersburg, MD 20878
  Phone: (301) 990-7979
  Email: info@nbcot.org
  

  Graduating Year	Students Entering / Graduating	Graduation Rate	New Graduate Pass Rate*
  2027	7/
  2028	15/
  2029

  
  

  Program results from NBCOT:
  

Annual Program Costs for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program

Tuition for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is $1,092 per credit for students entering the program in the 2025–2026 academic year. The program spans eight semesters over a three-year period. Estimated tuition and mandatory fees are outlined below: