Post-Professional Occupational Therapy OTD

Degree: Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
https://www.towson.edu/chp/departments/occutherapy/programs/ppotd/

Program Director: Kendra Heatwole Shank, PhD, OTR/L
Phone: 410-704-4437
Email: kheatwoleshank@towson.edu

The Post-Professional Occupational Therapy doctorate (PPOT) is an advanced clinical degree for eligible occupational therapists with evidence of successful initial certification by the National Certification Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) as an OTR, and at least a Master's degree. The PPOT is grounded in the science of occupation and evidence-based advanced practice. The curriculum consists of 33 units, which are fully available via online learning. Course content includes advanced clinical assessment and intervention, occupational science seminars, and inter-professional studies. Each graduate must complete an individual capstone project during a two-course sequence. The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.

Admission Requirements

Application deadlines and a full listing of materials required for admission can be found on the website.

Licensed occupational therapists can earn a doctorate in Post-Professional Occupational Therapy (PPOT) by completing required coursework in an online format.

The PPOT program consists of 33 units, with advanced clinical coursework focused on children and youth, adults and aging, or other relevant areas such as autism or mental health.

Degree Requirements

All required courses are delivered in an online format. Some courses may require synchronous attendance in online courses as well as use technologies that allow for accurate assessment of certain skill competencies.

Required Occupational Therapy Courses:
OCTH 778ADVANCED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSESSMENT3
OCTH 779ADVANCED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS3
OCTH 881CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECT I3
OCTH 882CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECT II3
Required Occupational Science Courses:
OSC 742ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE3
OSC 744PARTICIPATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PEOPLE IN THEIR CONTEXT3
OSC 746PARTICIPATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN COMMUNITIES AND POPULATIONS3
Required Inter-Professional Education Courses (Choose one from each category):
Leadership/Advocacy3
LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY IN EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE
ETHICS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN EDUCATION AND RELATED HUMAN SERVICES
HEALTH LEADERSHIP
HEALTH ADVOCACY ACROSS SERVICE SETTINGS
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
LEADERSHIP & GROUP DYNAMICS
LEADERSHIP AND ACTION RESEARCH
Health Care Systems/Administration3
EMERGING ISSUES IN THE HEALTH OF THE NATION
MANAGEMENT OF POST-ACUTE CARE SERVICES
HEALTH CARE POLICY
ADMINISTRATION OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS
PLANNING AND MARKETING HEALTH IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
Program Evaluation/Grant Funding3
PROGRAM EVALUATION
Elective3
One 3 unit elective that complements clinical focus
Total Units33
  1. Examine and apply knowledge related to occupation as it supports the participation of people in their daily lives.
  2. Analyze, generate, and disseminate knowledge that reflects advanced professional reasoning and models of occupation for individuals, groups, or populations.

  3. Demonstrate application of knowledge and skills that integrates critical thinking, reflective practice, and creativity to generate evidence-based evaluations and interventions.