The Doctor of Science in Occupational Therapy degree is a terminal academic doctoral degree that prepares clinicians to be practice scholars who teach both in higher education and the clinic, to be leaders and agents of change in healthcare, and conduct applied research. This degree combines the scientific study of human occupation in conjunction with education, leadership, and other allied health professions to create a holistic view of the relationship between occupations, occupational beings, health, and everyday life experiences. Your education is enriched through interprofessional collaboration, in shared core courses, with our well-established DScPT program. The focus of the program is to transform clinicians into educators and leaders who integrate the science of occupational participation and engagement into communities, corporations, and academics. Our overarching goal is to develop therapists who have a personal interest and commitment to the growth of the profession, research, and education. Graduates are primed for teaching in a university setting, contributing to scholarly research, and leading the profession in evidence-based clinical practice. The DScOT is uniquely designed to cater to the needs of bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral trained occupational therapists who are working professionals.
POINTS OF DISTINCTION
Postprofessional programs (such as our DScOT) are not accredited by ACOTE or CAPTE, as they currently accredit only qualified entry-level OT and DPT programs.