College of Health Professions
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Empowering future occupational therapists to lead with compassion, innovation, and purpose.
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
Two-and-a-Half-Year Program
Multiple Pathways into OTD
Small Student to Faculty Ratio
On-Campus
Cadavar Lab
Program
Mission
The mission of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program at the University of Findlay is to prepare occupational therapists who value clinical and professional reasoning, implement evidence-based, community-focused, and occupation-based approaches to practice grounded in the tenets of humans as occupational beings; are ethical, reflective, autonomous practitioners and leaders in a variety of meaningful professional roles for service with diverse populations.
Curriculum
Course Requirements
Designed to be completed in 11 consecutive modules including 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
Students earning a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy must complete the following curriculum. 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.
doctor of occupational therapy
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.
- 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.
Students who are accepted into the OT Program must meet technical standards.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Find Your Pathway
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.
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.
Undergraduate Pathways
Eligible candidates include students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or have earned an associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA) or Physical Therapy (PTA) and are enrolled in the University of Findlay Bridge Accelerated Pathway MOT Strand or are enrolled in or have completed a bachelor’s degree.
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.
opportunities
Hands-On Experience
At the University of Findlay, Occupational Therapy students gain hands-on experience through immersive clinical education, community engagement, and innovative learning environments designed to prepare compassionate and skilled practitioners.
Explore Opportunities:
Community Outreach
Connect with local organizations and populations through service-learning opportunities that promote health, wellness, and accessibility.
Adaptive Living House
Experience hands-on learning in a simulated home environment focused on adaptive equipment, accessibility, and independent living solutions.
Fieldwork
Gain real-world clinical experience in diverse healthcare and community settings under the guidance of experienced professionals. Learn more.
college of Health Professions
NBCOT Program Data Results
The NBCOT Program Data Results provide information regarding student outcomes, including certification exam pass rates for graduates of the program. This data reflects the program’s commitment to academic excellence, professional preparation, and student success. Please click the button below to view detailed program outcome information and annual performance results.
For NBCOT pass rates, please visit https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
college of Health Professions
Graduation Rates
Program Data Results provide information regarding student outcomes, including graduation rates for graduates of the program. This data reflects the program’s commitment to academic excellence, professional preparation, and student success. Please click the button below to view detailed program outcome information and annual performance results.
college of Health Professions
Employment Rates
Program Data Results provide information regarding student outcomes, including Employment rates for graduates of the program within the first year of graduation. This data reflects the program’s commitment to academic excellence, professional preparation, and student success. Please click the button below to view detailed program outcome information and annual performance results.
college of Health Professions
Accreditation
The University of Findlay’s entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has been granted Accreditation with a 7-year review cycle by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
Contact Us
Need more information about the Occupational Therapy program at the University of Findlay? Have questions about admissions, curriculum, fieldwork experiences, career opportunities, or student support? We’re here to help—connect with our team to learn how the Occupational Therapy program prepares students to empower individuals, promote independence, and make a meaningful impact in healthcare and community settings.
Email: occupationaltherapy@findlay.edu
Phone: 419-434-6558
Location: 1000 N. Main St. | Findlay, OH 45840