Doctoral Capstone Experience
The Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) provides students with an in-depth, immersive experience that culminates in a high-quality scholarly project. Students identify a specialized area of focus during the introductory capstone coursework. These areas include clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program development, policy and advocacy, or education.
Once a focus area is selected, students transition into the design phase. During this period, students finalize their literature reviews, conduct formal needs assessments, and establish individualized learning objectives. Students then participate in the capstone experience, which must be a minimum of 14 weeks (full-time) and 32 hours per week (totaling a minimum of 448 hours). The experience may be carried out on-site, virtually, or in a hybrid format. Throughout the 14-week experience, students are mentored by an expert consistent with their focused area of study. Upon successful completion and dissemination of their project, students demonstrate a synthesis of in-depth knowledge and are prepared for graduation and the NBCOT exam.
- 14 Week Proposed Timeline
- DCE Action Plan to Achieve In-Depth Skills
- DCE Capstone Dissemination Form
- DCE Student Evaluation of Doctoral Capstone Experience
- OTD FW At A Glance
- SU Capstone Weekly Summary Form
OTD DCE Capstone Project Examples
Dr. Kristen Springer, OTD, OTR/L, RYT-500
Topic: An exploratory mixed methods analysis of Pelvic Floor Clinicians current knowledge base of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Trauma and Trauma Informed Care.
Contribution: Dr. Springer’s research was the first of its kind to deeply explore the knowledge of Pelvic Floor Clinicians and their applications of highly specialized psychosocial principles in the management of trauma. This research has set the foundation for the development of standardized practice guidelines for trauma management in the specialty practice area of Pelvic and Women’s Health, which she continues to research in the field to this day.
Publication: Springer, K., Patton, R., Hagaman, H., & Martin, D. (2023). Trauma-Informed approaches in pelvic health: Exploratory understandings of Adverse Childhood Experiences, trauma, and Trauma-Informed Care. Journal of Women’s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, 10(1097), 1-13. DOI: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000285
Dr. Virginia Osorio, OTD, OTR/L
Topic: A quasi-experimental research study regarding the implementation of an occupation-based infant sleep education programming for improving maternal mental health and symptomatology of postpartum depression.
Contribution: Dr. Osorio’s research developed and implemented education interventions for women in one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives. The development and implementation of her program has provided the healthcare community as a whole with a piloted and tested intervention for postpartum depression symptoms that can easily be utilized in numerous outpatient contexts.
Publication: Osorio, V. & Martin, D., (2023). Utilizing sleep education to reduce postpartum mood disorder in new mothers. Journal of Maternal and Child Health, 8(5), 566-575. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2023.08.05.04