Doctoral Capstone Experience
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. Once students have decided on their area of focus they move into the design portion of the project. In this class, students finalize their literature reviews, needs assessments and individual objectives for their projects. Students are then able to participate in the 14-week (560 hour) capstone experience being mentored by an expert consistent with the student’s area of focus. Upon completion of the capstone experience, students disseminate their projects and are ready for graduation and the NBCOT exam. No more than 20% of the 560 hours can be completed off site from the mentored practice setting(s), to ensure a concentrated experience in the designated area of interest. Time spent off site may include independent study activities such as research and writing. Prior fieldwork or work experience may not be substituted for this doctoral capstone experience.
- 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