Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Welcome to Shenandoah University’s Division of Occupational Therapy. We offer three distinct 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.

The Shenandoah Occupational Therapy program offers students the opportunity to learn all the skills they will need as an entry-level occupational therapist. 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 OTD-PP program is a cohort program, with students in each curriculum track beginning courses in the summer semester and proceeding through the program in the same sequence at the same time. Courses in the OTD-PP program are taken in fall, spring, and summer terms, with each course being offered only in a specific term each year.

The OTD-PP requires 30 credits to earn the degree. Students will earn a total of 21 credits through the Division of OT at Shenandoah University. Up to 9 graduate credits will be transferred from the student’s previous graduate degree.

The OTD-PP program is delivered online through a distance-based format. Course materials (lectures, tests, readings, etc.) are available online in Canvas, the university’s Learning Management System. Lectures are provided in a podcast format. Courses follow an asynchronous format, meaning that there are generally no requirements for students to attend the online courses simultaneously on a particular schedule, although regular participation is required throughout the entire term. Courses are structured to facilitate engagement, active learning, and regular interaction with classmates and instructors. A variety of assessment methods are employed, including discussion boards, independent and small group activities, quizzes, and exams.

Track I – One Year Option

Track II – Two Year Option

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 continued to practice in their area of interest to maintain clinical competency.

Meet the Faculty

Apply Now for the OTD program

Prerequisites

• Masters degree in Occupational Therapy or Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy and Masters degree in a related field

Admissions requirements

• Graduate application
• Unofficial transcripts
• Copy of current NBCOT certification
• Resume/CV

Discounts are available for SUDOT alumni, employees of clinical sites for SUDOT, employees of Valley Health Systems, Inova Health Systems, and West Virginia University Hospital- East.

Important Information for COTA Applicants:

Contact Information:

Morghen Sikes, Ph.D., OTR/L
Director of OTD-PP
esikes@su.edu

Our university and programs pride ourselves on our international opportunities for experiential learning. We regularly engage in interprofessional and intraprofessional abroad trips to Spain, Ecuador and Morocco for course credit. We are always open to new opportunities for expanding our collaborations abroad. Check out all the international opportunities at Shenandoah University!

Entry Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) – Winchester

This program is for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree.

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 bachelor’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

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) – Winchester

This program is for high school students who are interested in becoming an occupational therapist by attending Shenandoah University Undergraduate 3 years and then transitioning to the Entry Level Doctorate Program.

Shenandoah University Articulation Agreement

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

NOVA Community College Articulation Agreement

This articulation agreements provides a simplified, guaranteed admissions process for a limited number of undergraduate students from NOVA Community College.