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.
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.
Admission Requirements
All of the following criteria must be met for admission:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- GPA of 3.25 in graduate course work—conditional admission with overall GPA of 3.00
- Towson University Graduate Application and fee
- Official transcripts indicating occupational therapy degree and any other post-graduate coursework
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Personal statement (750 words)
- Proof of NBCOT certification (copy of NBCOT certificate)
- Current licensure in good standing to practice occupational therapy
- Interview at the request of the department
To begin the application process, submit an online application. Students are admitted to the program on a rolling basis. An Admissions Committee reviews submitted materials after receipt of all components.
Non-immigrant International Students
Program Enrollment: F-1 and J-1 students are required to be enrolled full-time. The majority of their classes must be in-person and on campus. See the list of programs that satisfy these requirements, and contact the International Student and Scholars Office with questions.
Admission Procedures: See additional information regarding Graduate Admission policies and International Graduate Application online.
**See Exceptions to Policy in Graduate Admissions.
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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Occupational Therapy Courses: | ||
| OCTH 778 | ADVANCED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSESSMENT | 3 |
| OCTH 779 | ADVANCED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS | 3 |
| OCTH 881 | CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECT I | 3 |
| OCTH 882 | CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECT II | 3 |
| Required Occupational Science Courses: | ||
| OSC 742 | ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE | 3 |
| OSC 744 | PARTICIPATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PEOPLE IN THEIR CONTEXT | 3 |
| OSC 746 | PARTICIPATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN COMMUNITIES AND POPULATIONS | 3 |
| Required Inter-Professional Education Courses (Choose one from each category): | ||
| Leadership/Advocacy | 3 | |
| 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/Administration | 3 | |
| 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 Funding | 3 | |
| CLINICAL PROGRAM PLANNING,IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION | ||
| PROGRAM EVALUATION | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
One 3 unit elective that complements clinical focus | ||
| Total Units | 33 | |
- Examine and apply knowledge related to occupation as it supports the participation of people in their daily lives.
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Analyze, generate, and disseminate knowledge that reflects advanced professional reasoning and models of occupation for individuals, groups, or populations.
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Demonstrate application of knowledge and skills that integrates critical thinking, reflective practice, and creativity to generate evidence-based evaluations and interventions.