Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate

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.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Join a virtual information session to learn more about the entry level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. To register, click the date and time you would like to attend.

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.

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.

Learn More

Tuition & Financial Aid

Find information about the tuition, financial aid, and the cost of attendance for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.

Cost of Attendance

Prospective students may find the estimated cost of attendance for the program on the MUSC Financial Aid Services website.

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 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

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 will be available shortly after graduating our first ELOTD class in May of 2022. 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.