Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Overview

About the Program

Occupational therapists assist individuals across the lifespan to develop, improve, sustain or restore daily living, work or productivity and play or leisure by using meaningful and healthy occupations. At the University of Findlay, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program prepares students to not only practice occupational therapy but also fulfill leadership roles and advanced positions in the field. The program embodies principles of human occupation and incorporates community-based experiences and service learning to prepare occupational therapists who understand and value a community focused and occupation-based approach to practice and participate in ongoing professional development in preparation for service in diverse communities.  

Program

Highlights

At the University of Findlay, the Occupational Therapy program prepares you to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and community settings by developing the clinical knowledge, compassionate care, communication, and critical thinking skills needed to help individuals achieve greater independence, participation, and quality of life.

Admissions

Admissions Requirements

Students wishing to apply for admission to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program must complete the admission criteria and prerequisite courses. Students enrolled at the University of Findlay are given special consideration.  

Admission Requirements 

• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Please refer to each program entry point for specific admissions requirements.  

Candidates must have completed the following prerequisite courses with a “C” or better prior to beginning the program. Click here to view course descriptions. If you would like to have your courses evaluated to determine whether they meet the requirements, please utilize Transferology for this purpose. Click here to access our Transferology Guide for instructions.  

• MATH 221, Integrated Statistical Analysis 
  or MATH 223, Applied Statistics & Data Analysis 
  or BSLA 314: Applied Statistics  

• BIOL 201 & BIOL 201L Introduction to Anatomy 
  & Physiology w/ lab 
  or 
  BIOL 222 & BIOL 222L Anatomy & Physiology for 
  Health Professions I w/ lab 
  AND 
  BIOL 223 & BIOL 223L Anatomy & Physiology for 
  Health Professions II w/ lab  

• PSYC 100: General Psychology 

• PSYC 208: Lifespan Development 

• PSYC 233: Abnormal Psychology  

• ANHS 220: Medical Terminology 

• SOCI 105: Introduction to Sociology 

Factors considered during the selection process: 

• GPA (minimum 3.0) 

• Completion of prerequisite courses  

• Involvement in extracurricular and community service activities 

• Understanding of the profession 

• Professional recommendations 

• Written and verbal skills 

• Leadership 

While the application criteria serve as general guidelines, final decisions are based on a review of the student’s entire record. 

Students enrolled at the University of Findlay are given special consideration. 

Program Entry Points 

Students interested in entering the OTD program can choose from the following options:  

University of Findlay Students 

Early Assurance  

High school seniors have the option to apply for Early Assurance, which reserves a seat in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program following the completion of their bachelor’s degree and required criteria at the University of Findlay. Students must have a 3.5 GPA (3.5 on a 4.0 scale) or higher. Click here for more information about the Early Assurance Program.  

Undergraduate Pathways 

Students interested in the OTD program can choose any bachelor’s degree that meets the OTD prerequisites, but the university offers several clear pathways that fulfill all program requirements. Pathways include exercise science, intervention specialist, wellness and health promotion, psychology, and social work. Students who choose one of these options will apply for the OT program during their senior year of undergraduate studies, and if accepted, begin OT courses in the summer following graduation.  

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Combined Accelerated Pathways 

University of Findlay is the only institution in the state of Ohio to offer two accelerated pathways to OTD – Wellness and Health Promotion or Psychology. In the accelerated model, students complete three years of undergraduate coursework and two-and-a-half years of graduate school to complete the doctorate in a total of five-and-a-half years. A bachelor’s degree is earned after successful completion of the first year of OTD curriculum.  

Post-Baccalaureate 

Students who have completed, or are in the process of completing, a bachelor’s degree and the required prerequisite courses from any university may apply through OTCAS one year prior to the year they intend to enter the OTD program.  

Curriculum

Course Requirements

Designed to be completed in nine consecutive semesters with summer terms, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program includes: 

• 84 academic course credits 

• 3 Level l Fieldwork credits (120 hours) 

• 12 Level ll Fieldwork credits (960 hours) 

• 2 Doctoral Capstone Project credits  

• 7 Doctoral Capstone Experience credits (560 hours)  

Level l Fieldwork is integrated throughout the academic program, Level ll Fieldwork follows the completion of all academic requirements, and the Doctoral Experience provides students with an opportunity to enhance their skills and expertise in specific areas of interest (i.e. clinical practice, administration, advocacy, research, and/or education.) Click here to view the Doctor of Occupational Therapy courses. 

Students earning a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy must complete the following curriculum. The curriculum consists of required courses. View the full curriculum in the University of Findlay Graduate Catalog.  

The occupational therapy program reserves the right to make program and admission requirement changes without prior notice.