Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Programs

Student occupational therapist working with a patient at Camp Hand to Hands

About the Program

The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree prepares students for lifelong and rewarding careers. Graduates are prepared to play their part in improving the quality of life for people who experience difficulties and challenges to everyday living.

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OTD Student Testimonials

“ I am beyond happy about my choice to join MUSC's OTD program. Our days are filled with collaborative moments with fellow OTD classmates, engaging professors, outside speakers, and students from various other programs at MUSC. The OTD program highlights the unique qualities of every student while emphasizing the harmony in our similarities as well. ”

Catie Spaulding - OTD Class of 2026

“ From day one, you are a professional. The faculty and staff see you not as their students, but as their colleagues. They hold you to the standard their predecessors held them. You truly stand on the shoulders of the giants that came before you. ”

Joshua Brown, OTD Class of 2024

“ MUSC has given me so many opportunities to learn and grow. The faculty and staff are so kind, understanding, educated, and qualified. They value us as people, not only students. We focus on skills in and out of the classroom, really having the opportunity to gather hands-on experiences. ”

Beth Chard, OTD Class of 2025

Residential OTD

OT faculty observe while students work with patient hand function

Our Residential OTD (Res OTD) program offers a more traditional experience with in-person classes taken on our campus in Charleston, SC.

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OTD Residential Estimated Cost of Attendance - 8 semester 

OTD Residential Estimated Cost of Attendance - 9 semester 

Hybrid OTD

OT faculty and students observe VR anatomy simulator

Our Hybrid OTD program offers a flexible learning experience with classes taken online – both synchronously and asynchronously. Students visit our hybrid campus in Charleston, SC twice each semester for immersive lab experiences.

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OTD Hybrid Estimated Cost of Attendance

About the Profession

Occupational therapists (OT) are motivated and creative problem solvers who like working with people and translating scientific knowledge into everyday practicalities. They are collaborators who bring about desired change and attainment of meaningful goals.

What is an OT?

CARES Therapy Clinic

Occupational therapy student helping a patient while a supervisor looks on.

The student-run CARES Therapy Clinic provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on, service-learning experience while providing pro-bono occupational therapy services to patients the Charleston area.

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Accreditation

ACOTE logo 2023The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301)652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

The MUSC Hybrid OTD Program received ACOTE approval to offer a hybrid format in September 2024.

Program Outcomes

NBC OT new logoGraduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). NBCOT Exam Data is available for ELOTD classes through 2023. Passing the NBCOT Certification Examination is necessary, but each state may have additional requirements for state licensure. You can find information about state licensure here. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

View MUSC Occupational Therapy Doctorate program outcomes.