Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate, OTD

Why this Program?

Transform your clinical expertise into educational impact through Belmont's Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. As an experienced clinician, you'll develop the essential skills to shape the next generation of occupational therapists while advancing your own career in academia.

Our program empowers you to:

Share your clinical knowledge effectively in academic settings through advanced teaching methods and educational technology
Build a strong foundation in educational leadership to advance into program director and administrative roles
Enhance your research and scholarly writing abilities to contribute to the field's knowledge base
Create innovative learning experiences through hands-on teaching opportunities and simulation technologies
Join a supportive community of fellow clinician-educators who share your passion for advancing OT education

Whether you aspire to teach full-time, lead an OT program or combine clinical practice with teaching, our Post-Professional OTD program provides the bridge between your clinical expertise and a rewarding career in academia. You'll graduate prepared to make meaningful contributions to both occupational therapy education and the profession's future.

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What You'll Learn

You will take your role from clinician to educator in a professional degree program.

At the conclusion of the OTD program, you will be able to:

Design an individualized professional development plan for teaching, scholarship, and service within OT education.
Apply occupational therapy and educational theories to instructional design to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Apply a valid, systematic, and objective process to assess, develop, and modify programs and services through an occupational perspective to benefit stakeholders.
Demonstrate responsiveness to educational and societal needs by collaborating effectively within interprofessional contexts to implement occupation-based solutions to a complex need.
Demonstrate applied research skills and ethical conduct of research to produce an individualized, educationally focused, and occupation-based scholarly project.
Develop and enhance leadership and administrative capabilities to effectively manage OT academic programs, support the professional growth of students and colleagues, and contribute to institutional initiatives.

Program Details

OTD 6230: Leadership for the Health Professional

Students analyze leadership theories and models and develop awareness for application in the professional community and healthcare systems. This course will examine diverse leadership styles and how differing styles may be viewed by others. Leadership strategies to facilitate a workplace culture that promotes advancement of the organization, and its employees will be explored. Course themes include self-reflection on leadership style, growth mindset, fostering intra- and interprofessional collaboration, leaders as mentors, and leading change.

OTD 6500: Advanced Theory Application

This course will examine linkages between theory and practice. Contemporary trends in practice will be examined in terms of theoretical utility by practitioners and educators. This course will explore strategies to strengthen use of occupation-focused, theory-driven practice.

OTD 6510: Knowledge Translation

The impact of evidence-based practice on occupational practices will be examined. Evidence-based practice application and gaps as related to program development, community-based initiatives, and educational practices will be explored. An individually designed project that applies evidence-based practice to effect positive change will be created.

OTD 6540: Professional Writing I

This course will cover the foundational principles and practices of professional writing to craft clear, concise, and compelling documents for success in academic, professional, and research-based environments.

OTD 6530: Instructional Design & Pedagogy

This course emphasizes the integration of theory and practice in designing educational programs and materials for diverse learning environments. Students will apply instructional design models, develop learner-centered curricula, and utilize various technologies to enhance teaching and learning. Topics include: learning theories, assessment strategies, accessibility, and inclusive educational experiences. Additionally, students will engage in reflective practice and collaborative projects to refine their instructional approaches and adapt to emerging trends in education.

OTD 6550: Outcomes, Measurement & Assessment

This course examines assessment and evaluation methods that are used to determine program effectiveness. Performance measurement will be examined in relation to assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of programs. Course content also includes SWOT analysis, strategic planning as well as outcome assessment.

OTD 6560: Capstone I - Planning & Proposal

In this course, students will identify a focus area within OT education and develop a scholarly culminating project plan that reflects their professional goals. Students will submit a written proposal that includes learning objectives, learning activities, timeline, and an evaluation method for the project.

OTD 6570: Teaching Practicum

This practicum requires application of academic theory through the design and delivery of instruction based on professional interest or area of expertise. The course requires assessment of learner needs, identification of learning objectives, and the creation and delivery of learner-centered instruction. Strategies to provide and obtain feedback will be explored and implemented.

OTD 6640: Professional Writing II - Higher Education

Building on Professional Writing I, this course focuses on advanced techniques for crafting clear, persuasive, and impactful documents tailored to diverse audiences. Through rigorous writing exercises, peer reviews, and instructor feedback, students will enhance their ability to produce polished, academic/audience-appropriate documents. Additionally, the course covers effective collaboration on writing projects, and strategies for managing writing tasks in academic/professional settings.

OTD 6670: Capstone II - Development & Dissemination

Students will implement and execute their accepted capstone plan with mentored support. Students will prepare their completed capstone project for dissemination at a national or regional level.

OTD 6690: Elective (Indepth Study) - SIM, research

Independent study in special topics related to occupational therapy education. This course is an elective by approval of the department.

OTD 6870: Capstone Defense, In-person, REQUIRED

Students will present an oral defense of their completed capstone project. This is the culmination of the Capstone course sequence and is the third and final phase of the Capstone process. Students will attend an in-person Capstone event with their cohort to both hear their classmates’ presentations and present their own final project.

The Post-Professional Occupational Therapy doctorate combines the convenience of online learning with the rigor of a premier academic program. Through asynchronous coursework, you'll advance your career while maintaining your professional practice — learning where and when works best for you. The program consists of ten core courses and one elective, all delivered online to fit your schedule.

Your journey begins and culminates on our beautiful Nashville campus, where you'll connect with peers during orientation and showcase your growth through your capstone presentation at Belmont University.

Belmont University’s Post-Professional OTD program will seek candidates who exhibit the ability and desire to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities representative of professionally licensed clinicians looking to advance their career in higher education. Our primary target audience will include:

Recent graduates with Master of Science in Occupational Therapy or equivalent degrees
Working licensed professionals who desire to share their clinical expertise in professional degree programs and wish to upskill
Entrepreneurs and leaders who see the value of higher education skills and how these can be leveraged to better serve individuals, groups, and populations.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the program must submit the following:

A completed Belmont graduate application, selecting the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree as the program of study.
All undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
A profressional résumé that includes educational background and career experience.
Candidates may submit graduate standardized test scores as evidence, but standardized test scores are not required for admission to the program.
Three references, including referees who can speak to the applicant's professional experience, and at least one referee who can speak to the applicant's past academic performance and his or her academic readiness for graduate studies.
An interview with two representatives from the School of Occupational Therapy Post-Professional OTD Admissions committee. This committee will be comprised of the Program Coordinator, and a minimum of four additional members of the School of Occupational Therapy faculty at Belmont.

All the informational elements listed above will be considered by the Admissions Committee in selecting highly qualified applicants and offering admission to the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. The Admissions Committee will seek to accept and enroll candidates in pursuit of advancing their career in the field of occupational therapy as leaders in the profession that display a character of high ethics and moral compass. Successful applicants will have demonstrated through their background, experience, and application that they are prepared for the intellectual rigor and intensive challenge of immersing themselves in a graduate program that demands proficiency in utilizing diverse technologies and showcases the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. A well-rounded mix of technical proficiency, academic achievement, practical experience, and a clear vision of his/her professional trajectory will determine an applicant’s readiness for a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program

	Cost
Tuition	$1,250 per hour
Student Fee (12+ Credit Hours)	$675 per semester

Download the Graduate Cost Estimator (PDF)

Health Insurance

Graduate health insurance is not included in the estimated cost of attendance above. It can be waived with proof of alternate coverage. Rates may increase yearly. The health insurance rate is based on $5,354 for the 24-25 academic year as new rates have not been posted. Cost is billed half in the fall and half in the spring.

Financial Aid

To determine your eligibility for any financial aid, graduate students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online and should be completed each year. Complete and return the FAFSA by the February 15 priority date.

Belmont will start the financial aid awarding process in late-February and will continue through out the spring semester. Once all the forms are received, your file will be reviewed.

Learn more about the financial aid process for graduate students

Students must satisfactorily complete all required coursework (30 credit hours) from the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program to which they have been admitted. Additionally, candidates must satisfactorily complete a capstone project under the supervision of a faculty member in Belmont University’s School of Occupational Therapy to graduate. Students in the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy program must adhere to the graduation requirements outlined in the Belmont University graduate catalog for effective for the academic year.

Learn from the Best

At Belmont, you will engage with a robust faculty team who represent various practice areas and specialties, bringing real-world expertise into the classroom. Several faculty hold advanced certifications in pediatrics, seating and mobility, aging in place, and assistive technology, ensuring you receive a comprehensive and innovative education. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to hands-on learning prepare you to excel.