Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Welcome to Shenandoah University’s Division of Occupational Therapy. We offer three distinct entry-level programs in unique hybrid and online curriculum models to meet the needs of diverse learners. Our students graduate prepared to be a leader in the field of occupational therapy and make a difference locally, nationally, and abroad.

Shenandoah University’s Occupational Therapy Program offers students the opportunity to learn all the skills they will need as entry-level occupational therapists. These skills include evaluation of clients, treatment planning, being an evidence-based practitioner, and specific treatment interventions such as adaptations to the client’s environment, splinting and mobility skills.

The majority of coursework in Shenandoah University’s Occupational Therapy Programs is based on a hybrid model with over 50% of the content delivered online. Online work includes recorded lectures, readings, and various interactive online assignments.

The format is flexible, with students gaining foundational understanding via assigned reading, online lectures, virtual discussions, and projects. Students also benefit from hands-on practice that emphasizes the synthesis of occupational therapy theory, evidence, and its application to clinical practice during in-person classes. Our facilities offer lab spaces where students are able to practice in simulated pediatric and adult settings, as well as work with community partners to advance their skills. Students then enter their fieldwork experiences prepared to implement the knowledge gained during formal coursework and graduate with the confidence required to enter the dynamic and exciting field of occupational therapy. View all of Shenandoah University’s Occupational Programs.

The OTD program has Level I fieldwork experiences built into many courses, as well as a Specialization Level I Fieldwork for an emerging or specialized practice area (NICU, hands, burns, telehealth, etc.). Students will also complete two 12-week Level 2 Fieldwork placements, one in an adult setting and one in a pediatric setting.

Learn more about OTD Fieldwork

Shenandoah University’s Entry-Level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program was started in 2020. The first class graduated in May 2023. 

Many future employers offer financial assistance while a student is in school or loan repayment options after graduation.

View our Graduation Rates, Cost Of Attendance, and Scholarship Opportunities

Occupational Therapy Rankings

• The current U.S. News and World Report ranked Occupational Therapists as #8 in Best Health Care Jobs and #23 in 100 Best Jobs in 2025.
• The current US News and World Report indicated that occupational therapists made a median salary of $96,370 in 2023 and that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the profession to grow by 11.1% from 2023-2033.

Occupational Therapy Salary Projections

Recent reports from OTD alumni indicate that a majority of full-time starting salaries were between $60,000-$80,000 (sample size 13 respondents from class of 2023 working full-time).

62% | $60,000-$80,000

38% | $80,000-$100,000

Recent alumni obtained entry-level positions in:

• early intervention
• school system
• outpatient (peds, adults, specialty services)
• rehab hospital (non-mental health)

Data from 2024 indicates that all reporting recent grads who were looking for employment after graduation were employed in either traditional OT (80%) , emerging practice OT (13%) or non-OT (7%) related positions within 12 months of graduating.

Shenandoah University’s 107-credit three-year Doctorate of Occupational Therapy is delivered in a flexible, hybrid format, with over 50% of the content delivered online.

As part of the hybrid curriculum, our students engage in weekly face to face learning on Tuesdays with their peers and faculty members. These experiences are well planned and executed to maximize learning outcomes to supplement online materials. Examples include students working in small groups to analyze the systems of a homeless shelter in order to make health promotion recommendations, students working in pairs with children to increase balance, posture, coordination and sequencing at an equine assisted therapy ranch, and students working alone with community members to understand their client’s self-perceptions of performances in everyday activities.

*This course cannot be completed before semester 2 of the program nor after semester 6. This course will be offered at various times throughout the curriculum depending on the type of learning experience that is offered.

**Marks all online courses.

Semester 1 (Summer): Foundational OTD

OT 700 Foundations of Occupational Therapy

This course introduces students to occupational therapy history, the philosophical basis of the profession, theories and models of practice and frames of reference that shape professional practice. (3 credits)

OT 701 Experiential Learning and Professionalism

This is a preparatory course for the Level I and Level II Experiences. Students will examine the experiential learning component of the occupational therapy curriculum and OT professionalism. (1 credit)

OT 702 OT Framework and Task Analysis

This course explores the dynamic nature and purpose of occupations. Students will explore occupations throughout the lifespan and apply the OT profession’s framework in order to observe, analyze and synthesize the client’s engagement with occupations. (3 credits)

OT 705 Research: Introduction**

This course will set the foundation for the research course progression by introducing foundational concepts including evidence-based practice, levels of evidence, research traditions and the role of theory in research. (2 Credits)

OT 714 Occupation & Health: Participation

This course will address the relationship of philosophy and research to health and occupation. Students discuss theories and models linking occupation to individual health, public health and health changes. (3 credits)

Semester 2 (Fall)

OT 710 Group Dynamics

This course prepares students to understand the theoretical foundation of group dynamics in occupational therapy practice and to apply principles of group process within a variety of settings across the lifespan. (3 credits)

OT 711 Level I Experience: Group Dynamics

This course is the first of the seven Level I experiences sequence. In groups, students will design and implement group interventions. In their groups, students will utilize occupational models to plan clinically appropriate activities and discussions in small group formats. (1 credit)

OT 712 Communication and Documentation**

This course introduces students to multiple platforms for interacting and communicating effectively and professionally. Students will utilize technology to analyze and evaluate occupation and occupational needs through effective communication with patients, families, communities and interprofessional and intraprofessional team members. (2 credits)

OT 714 Occupation & Health: Participation

This course will address the relationship of philosophy and research to health and occupation. Students discuss theories and models linking occupation to individual health, public health and health changes. (3 credits)

OT 715 Research: Quantitative**

This is the second course in the research sequence and will focus on the development of skills to validate practice, evaluate evidence and inform clinical decisions. This course introduces quantitative (experimental) design and statistical analyses typical in occupational therapy research through design, implementation and analysis of a quantitative project. (3 credits)

OT 718 Occupational Performance: Neurological

This course emphasizes the dynamic interactions between the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and occupational engagement. (4 credits) 

Semester 3 (Spring)

OT 720 Devices, Technology, Accessibility

This course focuses on the assessment and application of environmental interventions. Methods of educating clients to improve their occupational performance, collaborating with clients to select and modify environmental interventions, and advocating for funding and policies to support environmental interventions will be addressed. (3 credits)

OT 721 Level I Experience: Community

This course is the second of the seven Level I experiences sequence. In groups, students will apply scientific and theoretical knowledge to the OT Process in various communities, populations and settings. (1 credit)

OT 723 Theoretical Perspectives

This course is designed to examine the theories, models of practice and frames of reference that guide and inform interventions for persons, groups and populations in a variety of occupational therapy practice contexts and environments. (2 credits)

OT 725 Research: Qualitative

This is the third in the research course sequence and introduces interview and observation through the lens of qualitative research methods. This course introduces qualitative design typical in occupational therapy research through design, implementation and analysis of a qualitative project. (2 credits)

OT 732 Occupation & Health: Service Delivery and Systems

This course will provide an overview of healthcare management principles necessary for understanding, applying and practicing in a diverse healthcare environment. The interplay of dynamic OT healthcare systems, intervention planning and outcome measures will be examined in relationship to political, regulatory, economic and social forces that affect OT service delivery. (3 credits)

OT 734 Occupation & Health: Population**

This course will explore population health in relationship to social determinants, health literacy and contextual factors. The relationships of these factors to the health and well-being of populations are also explored. (2 credits)

Semester 4 (Summer II)

OT 740 Assessments

This course instructs students in the process of selecting and applying assessments to determine the need for occupational therapy intervention. The merging of cultural and contextual client factors with scientific evidence, current occupational therapy best practice and bias will be addressed in relation to assessment choice. (3 credits)

OT 741 Level I Experience: Assessments

This course is the third of the seven Level I experiences sequence.Students will observe and apply assessments during occupational therapy intervention. Students will interpret the ways that assessment choice is influenced by cultural and contextual client factors, scientific evidence, current occupational therapy best practice, and bias. (1 credit)

OT 744 Traditional and Emerging Practice Areas

This course focuses on students’ development of practice skills across traditional and emerging practice areas. Methods of educating clients to improve their occupational performances and collaborating with individual clients, groups and other interprofessional team members. (3 credits)

OT 755 Research Project: Intro && Design

In this course, students will work in small groups with a research mentor to critique scholarly literature that will support a research project. Based on the review of literature, students will design and develop a project to submit for institutional review board (IRB) approval that fills the gap in knowledge identified in the literature review. (3 credits)

OT 818 Teaching & Learning**

This course focuses on learning theories within the context of healthcare practice and higher-level education in order to effectively acquire skills for clinical and academic teaching roles. (2 credits)

Semester 5 (Fall II)

OT 746 Doctoral Capstone: Introduction**

This course is the first of a four-course capstone sequence. Students explore clinical practice skills, research approaches, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education and theory development of occupational therapy professional practice in order to develop an individual capstone project idea. (2 credits)

OT 805 Research Project: Implementation

Students will continue to work in small groups with a research mentor to implement the research project designed in the previous semester. (2 credits)

OT 810 Occupational Performance: Mental Health

This practice-focused course requires analysis and application of the occupational therapy process for individuals with mental health conditions in a variety of treatment settings. Occupational performance capacities and limitations for pediatric, adolescent and adult populations will be analyzed using both standardized and non-standardized assessments. (3 credits)

OT 811 Level I Experience: Mental Health

This course is the fourth of the seven Level I experiences sequence. Students will observe the therapeutic process and apply scientific, theoretical, and practical knowledge to practice in behavioral health, or to psychological and social factors that influence occupation. (1 credit)

OT 817 Leadership and Management

This course examines the management and leadership skills necessary in occupational therapy practice. Emphasis is placed on the application of management strategies and development of knowledge in multi-level systems. (3 credits)

OT 820 Occupational Performance: Pediatrics

This is an advanced course in pediatric interventions in which therapeutic skills needed to work with a variety of pediatric clients and their families are addressed. Students will apply occupational therapy models, frames of reference and scientific evidence to evaluations, interventions, and community programming in specific pediatric practice areas. (3 credits)

OT 821 Level I Experience: Pediatrics

This course is the fifth of the seven Level I experiences sequence. Students will observe the therapeutic process and apply scientific, theoretical, and practical knowledge to practice with pediatric clients and their families. (1 credit)

Semester 6 (Spring II)

OT 825 Research Project: Completion

This course is the final course in the research sequence. Students will continue to work in small groups to complete the research project and disseminate findings. (2 credits)

OT 830 Occupational Performance: Adults

This is an advanced course in adult interventions in which therapeutic skills are needed. Students will apply occupational therapy theories and models, complete specialized evaluations and treatments of adult clients and create appropriate goals for adults with diverse diagnoses. (4 credits)

OT 831 Level I Experience: Adults

This course is the sixth of the seven Level I experiences sequence. Students will apply occupational performance assessments and occupational therapy practice with adult individuals or communities. (1 credit)

OT 836 Professional and Scholarly Practice**

This course focuses on the process of locating and securing grants and promotion of the occupational therapy profession through education of other professionals, service providers, consumers, third-party payers, regulatory bodies, and the public. (2 credits)

OT 837 Occupation & Health: Policy & Advocacy**

This course will examine current policy issues relative to OT practice. Future service delivery models to address societal needs will be examined. Professional policy issues related to ethics and liability will be addressed in the context of professional interactions and service provision. (2 credits)

OT 847 Doctoral Capstone: Design

This course is the second of a four-course capstone sequence. Students design individualized doctoral capstone projects in one or more areas: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education or theory development. (3 credits)

OT 801 Level 1 Experience: Specialization*

This course is the final of the seven Level I experiences sequence. Students will explore and practice scientific, theoretical, and practical knowledge in areas of practice with individual learning projects. (1 credit)

Semester 7 (Summer III)

OT 851 Level II Fieldwork A

This course is the first of two Level II experiences sequence; the sequence is intended to prepare competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists. Clinical placements expose students to a variety of client ages, diagnoses, and clinical settings, and provide experiences that promote clinical reasoning, professionalism, and reflective and ethical practice. Students complete a minimum of 24 weeks full-time supervised by an occupational therapist. (Part 1 of 2) (6 credits)

Semester 8 (Fall III)

OT 852 Level II Fieldwork B

This course builds on the clinical work completed in OT 851 and expands student experience in delivery of OT services. The goal of this experience is to allow students to increase clinical skills, professionalism, clinical reasoning and demonstrate competency to that of an entry-level OT practitioner (Part 2 of 2) (6 credits)

Semester 9 (Spring III)

OT 858 Doctoral Capstone: Experience

This course is the third of a four-course capstone sequence. Students develop advanced knowledge in a specific area of focus under the supervision of a site mentor in one or more areas: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education or theory development. (8 credits)

OT 859 Doctoral Capstone: Dissemination

This is the final course in the doctoral capstone sequence. Students disseminate capstone experiences and project outcomes with the larger community. Students demonstrate scholarly work and specialty experience beyond that of an entry-level practitioner. (3 credits)

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the NBCOT. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a registered occupational therapist. Most states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. In addition, fieldwork placements may be limited or unattainable in out of state locations due to varying state restrictions.

View our program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

The faculty in the Shenandoah University Occupational Therapy program are experienced and skilled experts in a variety of areas of occupational therapy practice including pediatric and adult physical dysfunction, mental health, and hand therapy. Faculty continue to practice in their area of interest to maintain clinical competency.

Meet the Faculty

Shenandoah University’s Division of Occupational Therapy requires all applicants to go through OTCAS for the application process. This is an online centralized application service located at www.otcas.liaisoncas.com which has a thorough and accurate list of all required documents and prerequisites for the program. You can also find prerequisite information on the Program Admission Prerequisites tab below.

Application Timeline

OTCAS Opens	Mid-July
Priority Deadline	November 15
Rolling Deadline	May 1 (applications accepted continually based on availability)
Interviews	Held monthly September through April
Classes Start	Mid-May
OTCAS Closes	June 1

• Once applications are verified in OTCAS, they will be reviewed by the Admissions Team.  If the application is complete and meets minimum admissions requirements, it will be reviewed by two faculty members. If the application is incomplete and does not meet the minimum admissions requirements, the Admissions Team notifies the applicant through OTCAS.
• Faculty will then review the application.
• If the Faculty Review is favorable, the Admissions Team invites the applicant to interview via Zoom. If the Faculty Review is not favorable, the applicant will be notified that their application has not been accepted for this admissions cycle.
• Acceptance offers are emailed through OTCAS to applicants after the interview process.
• Graduate Admissions will follow up via email with accepted applicants with instructions on how to officially accept the offer.

View Application Information

For application questions, contact otdadmissions@su.edu.

Shenandoah occupational therapy alumna Brenna Mauro shares her thoughts on what incoming OT students should know about OT school. Shenandoah University lets you benefit from her experience as she offers great advice about being successful by staying organized, being kind to yourself, and embracing the entire process of OT education.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (in any field) from a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation.
• A grade of “C” or above is required for all prerequisite courses. AP credits are not acceptable for prerequisite coursework.
• Three letters of recommendation from current/recent academic and/or professional contacts are required. Recommenders will complete an evaluation form via OTCAS and upload a recommendation letter. No personal references will be accepted.
• Observation hours: In order to obtain an understanding of Occupational Therapy, we recommend shadowing a licensed OT, preferably in multiple settings. While this is not mandatory, it is highly recommended in order for applicants to demonstrate knowledge of the profession.
• Personal Essay: Please write an essay explaining your motivation for choosing a career in Occupational Therapy. Discuss how pursuing this degree aligns with both your short-term and long-term professional goals. Additionally, demonstrate your understanding of Occupational Therapy as a profession. Ensure that your writing is professional and adheres to proper grammar and punctuation.
• No GRE require

PREREQUISITES

Prerequisite courses taken during the COVID-19  outbreak (Spring 2020-Summer 2022) and/or P/NC or P/F grade of “P” will be accepted for credit. In situations where candidates were awarded P/F grades, the grade point average (GPA) for those grades is not impacted in the calculation of GPA. Shenandoah University Division of Occupational Therapy will only consider the GPAs calculated by OTCAS.

The GPA requirements for program admission will not change.

Applicants must still have the following academic requirements to be admitted:

• A Minimum 3.0 overall grade point average (GPA)
• A Minimum 3.0 prerequisite grade point average (GPA) with 3.2 preferred

All students must have completed the following courses with grades of “C” or better. Classes may be completed in-person or online:

• 3 credits: General or Introductory Psychology (waived for psychology major/minor applicants)
• 3 credits: Abnormal Psychology
• 3 credits: Statistics Course (content must include descriptive and inferential statistics)
• 6 credits (minimum): Two sequential courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology. Content must include lecture and laboratory sections to include human structure and function, including the musculoskeletal system and an overview of the nervous system. 
• 6 credits Social Science (two 3-credit hour courses) can include courses in: sociology, anthropology, ethics, economics, political science, community or public health, epidemiology, gerontology, religion, philosophy, gender studies, or cultural or urban studies.
• 3 credits (minimum): Life Span Human Development from infancy to the elderly (Students may have to take more than one course to meet this requirement)
• 1 credit: Medical Terminology course (CEU courses/certificates are not accepted)
• No more than 9 outstanding credits of prerequisite course work permitted at time of application.
• Outstanding credits must be shown in OTCAS as courses “in progress” or “planned” and must be completed prior to matriculation.
• No AP Credit or CLEP credits are accepted for prerequisites.
• Students must also complete all required application materials as listed in OTCAS to be considered for application.

Essential Functions And Professional Behaviors

Computer Technology Requirements

Important Information for COTA Applicants:

In the case of nationally accredited (vs. regionally accredited) institutions with program accreditation from ACOTE, Shenandoah University Division of Occupational Therapy (SUDOT) may transfer in ONLY those courses under the program accreditor’s umbrella, such as OT courses. SUDOT will not transfer in other courses, such as English, math, etc., that are not from a regionally accredited institution. All prerequisite courses must be taken at a regionally accredited institution.

Health Requirements:

All Shenandoah University Occupational Therapy students are required to have a complete health record on file with the Wilkins Wellness Center, including immunizations. The complete list of what is required is listed on the Health & Insurance Requirements page. Please note that while Shenandoah University (“SU”) may grant a request for a medical or religious exemption to one or more of the health requirements, students whose program requires clinical or experiential training should be aware that if SU grants the student’s request, it cannot guarantee SU will be able to secure the clinical/experiential assignments necessary for the student to graduate with a degree, or to obtain a licensed position, in their field.

The Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) provides students with an in-depth experience that culminates in a high-quality scholarly project. Students decide on an area of focus during the introduction to the DCE course. This area may include clinical practice, administration, advocacy, leadership, theory, research, program development, community practice or education/teaching. For additional information about the Doctoral Capstone Experience, visit the Capstone Projects webpage.

“I really appreciate the global perspective SU has; GEL trips are so inspiring and such a unique opportunity. There’s a great combination of cultural experiences, including more tourist-y activities, alongside fieldwork experience and practical education.” – Madison Biggs ’26/Doctor of Occupational Therapy student

Shenandoah University and the OT programs pride ourselves on our international opportunities for experiential learning. We regularly engage in interprofessional and intraprofessional abroad trips to places such as Spain, Ecuador, and Morocco for course credit. We are always open to new opportunities for expanding our collaborations abroad. Learn more about education abroad at Shenandoah!

Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) – Online

This program is for occupational therapists who have a master’s degree and are interested in obtaining an OTD.

Entry Level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) – Loudoun

This program is for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree or an OTA associate’s degree and are interested in obtaining a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

Entry Level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) – Weekend Program – Winchester

This program is for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree or an OTA associate’s degree and are interested in obtaining a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

COTA Associates to Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) – Loudoun and Winchester

This program is for Occupational Therapy Assistants who have an associate’s degree or higher and are interested in becoming an occupational therapist.

Early Assurance Entry Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) or Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) – Loudoun and Winchester

This program is for high school students who are interested in becoming an occupational therapist by attending Shenandoah University as an undergraduate student for 3 years and then transitioning to the Entry Level OTD, or attending as an undergraduate student for 2.5 years then transitioning to the Entry Level MSOT Program.

Shenandoah University Articulation Agreement

This articulation agreement provides a simplified, guaranteed admissions process for a limited number of undergraduate students from Shenandoah University.

NOVA Community College Articulation Agreement

This articulation agreement provides a simplified, guaranteed admissions process for a limited number of undergraduate students from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).