Occupational Therapy Doctor (OTD)

Quincy University offers a Occupational Therapy Doctor (OTD) degree, the entry-level degree for individuals who wish to become licensed occupational therapists.  In our hybrid DPT program students will be exposed to didactic and  laboratory education throughout seven (7) semesters.  The majority of course work will occur online, with a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Students will be on campus two times per semester for lab intensives.  Clinical Internships will begin in semester five (5).

The hybrid physical therapy program offers a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses throughout eight (8) semesters.  Students will be on campus two times per semester for the first five (5) semesters and one time per semester for the last three (3) semesters for lab intensives.

At the end of the OTD program at Quincy University students will:  

1. Develop a robust professional identity aligned with the core values of occupational therapy (altruism, equality, freedom, justice, dignity, truth, prudence) while embracing the profession’s evolving roles and responsibilities. 

2. Demonstrate ability to integrate evidence-based practice and occupation-centered interventions within interprofessional teams by collaboratively designing and implementing client-centered treatment plans that address the distinct occupational needs of diverse populations. 

3. Exhibit ethical and reflective practice, consistently engaging in self-evaluation to uphold ethical standards to ensure delivery of high-quality, client-centered care. 

4. Develop as servant leaders and advocates who drive positive changes in the occupational therapy profession and support justice within the diverse communities they serve.  

 

The Occupational Therapy Doctor is considered a professional clinical doctorate degree program.  Applications for this program should be submitted through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

Admission: There are 2 pathways (1) Direct Admit for matriculating freshmen and (2) Standard Admit for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree.

Direct Admit

This program targets matriculating freshmen. Requirements for application into the Direct Admit program are:

• Currently a high school senior applying to QU. 

• Declared undergraduate major with Pre-OT coursework (e.g. Biology, Exercise Science, Psychology, or Health Sciences but can be any major). 

• a minimum high school GPA of 3.5. 

• a minimum ACT composite score of 23 or SAT composite score of 1130.  

• ACT Math sub-score of 23 or SAT Math score of 540.  

 

Direct Admit Application Process

1. Submit an Online Application (Deadline: March 1 of each academic year) 

2. Complete the QU OTD Direct Admission Pathway Application Form (available on the QU website). 

3. Upload official high school transcripts. 

4. Submit a personal statement (500-750 words) addressing:

   • Why are you interested in occupational therapy 

   • How QU’s mission aligns with your goals 

   • How your experiences demonstrate your commitment to the profession

5. Provide one letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or occupational therapist. 

6. Candidates for the Direct Admission Pathway will be scored using structured rubrics.  Final decisions will include:  

• Offers of acceptance. 

• Placement on a waitlist. 

• Non-Selection 

Once accepted as an Direct Admit matriculate, students must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

• Meet yearly benchmarks outlined in the OTD student handbook

 

Standard Admit (for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree)

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree or near completion of a bachelor’s degree (at least 90 credit hours)

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of university coursework.

• Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0

  • Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs (8 credits)

  • May substitute with separate courses: Anatomy (4 credits) and Physiology (4 credits) with labs.

  • Statistics (3 credits)

  • Lifespan Developmental Psychology (or equivalent) (3 credits)

  • Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

  • Medical Terminology (1-2 credits)

Note:  No more than six (6) prerequisite credit hours may remain at the time of application, and all courses must be completed before the start of OTD classes. Students who are missing prerequisite courses will be provisionally accepted into the OTD program until final transcripts are sent.

• A minimum of 20 hours shadowing or observing a licensed OTR or OTA.

• Three (3) letters required, including one from an undergraduate professor (or high school teacher for Direct Admission applicants) and one from an occupational therapist (OTR or OTA).

• Completed application submitted via OTCAS.

• Virtual interview

• Recommended coursework to enhance an applicant’s competitiveness includes: 

  • Sociology/Anthropology

  • Ethics

  • Kinesiology

  • Pathophysiology

  • Public Speaking or Oral Communications

  • Global or Cultural Course

  • Research Methods

  • Gross Anatomy

  • Pre-health professions course