More open doors The OTD is helpful for those who seek roles in practice leadership, on boards of occupational therapy associations, in patient advocacy, and in research. Shenandoah University offers one- and two-year tracks, giving you the ability to tailor the program to a pace that’s right for you. With a bachelor’s degree, the program includes 75 credits, and with a master’s degree, it features 36 credits. Only students who are already licensed to practice occupational therapy are eligible to apply to this program. Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Bachelor’s-to-OTD program contains 61 credit hours, 12 of which can be transferred from another program. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at Radford University here. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at Loma Linda University here. Where Can I Find The Easiest Accredited Online College Programs? Quinnipiac University’s Doctorate of Occupational Therapy focuses on practical skills that can be used in real-life settings working with patients. Puerto Rico has the lowest median wage for this profession, at just over $35,000 per year. Graduates of the bachelor's-master's bridge program will be eligible to sit for the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam, which is part of the licensing process for OTs in all 50 US states. Additionally, sometimes higher education in the form of a doctoral degree will lead to higher pay from current and future employers. The Penn Foster Career School certificate program for occupational therapy aides requires 10 self-paced courses that can be completed in as little as a month. Because the field of occupational therapy is state regulated, all OTs and OTAs must be licensed or registered by their state's regulatory board in order to practice. The school also requires prospective students to submit three letters of recommendation, which will help them determine if you’ll be a good fit for their program. It is designed for working professionals who plan to continue working while they earn their degree. Online Graduates Vs. Each track consists of 15 credit hours of coursework spread out among four to seven classes. For students who are considering becoming a professional OT or OT assistant, accreditation is critical. Two other common occupations in this field are occupational therapy assistants, who earn a median annual salary of $61,510, and occupational therapy aides, who earn a median annual salary of $29,230. What Are The Cheapest And Easiest Accredited Online College Programs For Graduate Degrees? The Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate at Gannon University was created to produce leaders in the field of occupational therapy. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at Gannon University here. These kinds of programs are for occupational therapists who want to learn advanced techniques and become a leader in their community. If you’re worried about passing the certification exam, let us set your fears to rest, as the students who have graduated from Houston Community College in the past few years have had a 100% pass rate. A job as an occupational therapy aide does not require a degree or licensure. Doctorate programs focus on teaching students research, writing, and leadership skills. This university offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitative Sciences to its students. Assignments must be completed by specified deadlines. The vast majority (71%) of occupational therapists have a master’s degree, with just under 20% of OTs having only a bachelor’s degree. Occupational therapists treat patients who are injured, ill, or have a disability by helping them develop or recover daily life skills. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-AOTA and it’s web address is www.acoteonline.org. The majority of the classes are offered online, however, students will need to visit campus twice during the program. The entire program in both tracks consists of 36 credit hours. Depending on what level of education you hold, the program is either 35 credits (with a master’s degree) or 60 credits (with a bachelor’s degree). Those who choose the one-year track will take two to three classes each semester, while individuals in the two-year option can expect to take one class per semester, except in the first semester, which features two classes. The 30-credit Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PPOTD) program at Chatham University is geared toward those who wish to enrich and further their practical skills in occupational therapy. Are There Easy, Accredited Online College Programs Where I Can Get My PhD? Graduate with an entry-level occupational therapy degree from an accredited school or program and submit official transcripts. Keep in mind that many programs have application deadlines that are months before the actual start date of classes. Be sure to carefully review all program requirements prior to submitting your application for enrollment to ensure that the program will work with your lifestyle and your location. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at University of Kansas here. Some OTs may be interested in becoming self-employed life or wellness coaches, medical equipment sales associates, assistive technology (prosthetics) professionals, or social workers. Students who wish to complete this doctorate degree in two years can expect to take two classes each semester. Most graduates with degrees in occupational therapy go into clinical practice, meaning they are working directly with patients. Accessed March 3, 2018. Programs may ask you to submit three letters of recommendation as well, which will allow the admission team to gauge the kind of person you are and whether or not you’ll be a good fit for their program. Accredited Online College considers the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online. There are two start dates available each year: one in May and one in September. The program allows students to complete the Master of Occupational Therapy program and their bachelor’s in four years. Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor. Other kinds of classes that will teach you skills you’ll use daily in the profession include health and wellness promotion, neurorehabilitation, occupational assessment, as well as classes that address problems commonly encountered in specific stages of an individual’s life. Getting into your dream program can be an anxiety-provoking experience, especially for those who don’t know if they are competitive applicants to the program. Applicants who have previously earned a Master’s in Occupational Therapy will be required to complete 27 semester hours to earn their doctorate, while those with a bachelor’s degree can expect to take 33 semester hours before graduating. Every state requires that OT and OTA licensing applicants pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and, in order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have a degree from an accredited institution. What’s more, there is an option to certify in ImPACT with completion of the elective Concussion in Sport. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at Chatham University here. The program is divided into two sections, each with 18 credits for a total of 36 credits. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at Columbia University in the City of New York here. Students may receive up to six credits for their work in leadership, education, or practical skills through submitting a reflective portfolio. One of the major benefits of choosing this program to continue your education is that Grand Valley State University offers the same tuition rates for its non-resident students as it does its resident students. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. St. Catherine’s has a reputation for having one of the most comprehensive occupational therapy programs, which has been active for over 70 years. Online certificates can serve as a supplement to a degree, or as a standalone qualification. The program emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other health and wellness professionals. Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Shreveport The city of Shreveport is located in northwest Louisiana, roughly 213 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas , and 170 miles to Garland, Texas . Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center here. For online and Web-assisted courses, students may access readings and other materials at their 24-hour convenience from a school's website. Under the guidance and supervision of an occupational therapist, OTAs use their formal training to provide support for, and frequently carry out, treatment. Applicants to this program are expected to have a Master’s in Occupational Therapy or at least 30 credit hours of coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree. NOTE: Prospective applicants should carefully review the program’s Web site for in-class and fieldwork requirements. The large majority of OTAs have associate degrees from accredited technical colleges or universities, and must complete fieldwork requirements as well as receive licensure through passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. Applicants are not required to have taken the GRE, however, an OT license and either a bachelor’s or master’s degree is required for acceptance. If traveling to the campus twice during this program is a deal-breaker, however, then you may want to look at another university, as on-campus visits are part of the graduation requirement. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at The University of Alabama at Birmingham here. Students can opt for online bachelor’s degree programs and prepare to become occupational therapy assistants. A.T. While each state has its own licensing rules, every state requires that OT and OTA candidates pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. The Post-Professional OTD program consists of 31 credit hours, which can be completed in five semesters of study. It was created to help OTs further their professional skill sets and career opportunities. Arizona. Cost: $77,804 not including … The accelerated Master of Occupational Therapy program allows high school graduates to earn both their Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy in as little as four and a half years of full-time study. List of occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs accredited by or seeking accreditation by ACOTE. The Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate is designed for working occupational therapists with either a bachelor’s or master’s in occupational therapy and at least two years of work experience. Since this is an associate’s degree program, it can be completed in around two years, with in-district, total program tuition costing $6,344.50 and out-of-state program costs totaling $12,957.50. This is in part due to the fact that the number of Americans ages 65 and older will grow considerably in the next 10 years, as will the demand for occupational therapy. The online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is typically designed for practicing OTs who are seeking advanced clinical or academic roles. In total, the program includes 32 credits and takes most students two years to complete. Special note: Our online OTA program is listed as a “distance education track” under Minnesota on the AOTA website due to its combination of online an… There are three start dates throughout the year, which makes the program flexible for working professionals. New ACOTE Members and Officers The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTEâ) is pleased to announce the appointment of the following new ACOTE members who recently began their first term on ACOTE: Velvet L. Hewett, OT/L, MPA Director of Rehabilitation UC San Diego Health La Jolla, CA Kristi McLeod, MS, BBA, COTA, DCS Associate […] How to Get a License. The core curriculum, no matter the track selected, consists of 25 credit hours of coursework spread among eight courses. Still University, Arizona School of Health Sciences (Next Visit: 2025/2026) (OT - entry-level doctoral)Occupational Therapy Department5850 E. Still CircleMesa, AZ 85206-3618(480) 219-6000admissions@atsu.eduwww.atsu.edu/occupational-therapy-degreeStatus: Accreditation Northern Arizona University (Next Visit: 2022/2023) (OT - entry-level doctoral) Department of Occupational Therapy435 N. 5th StreetPhoenix, AZ 85004-2157(602) 827-2421OT.OTD@nau.eduhttp://nau.edu/CHHS… Coursework required for OTD programs will include topics such as leadership, ethics, advanced OT theory, program design and evaluation, quantiative research methods, occupational science, and evidence-based practice. There are 12 classes that make up the program and 34 credit hours in total. These graduate programs take two to three years to complete and involve research and clinical work in addition to the didactic coursework. In addition to didactic coursework, on-site clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities help students learn how different therapy interventions work in practice. Occupational therapist aides generally have a high school education or GED, and should display strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and empathy when applying for jobs. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at Salus University here. The number of credits featured in most tracks is 36, with 30 credits in the Accelerated track. The duties of OT aides aren't regulated, so aides don't need to earn a license in the way that OTs and OT assistants do. These classes, along with the extensive practical experiences integrated into each school’s curriculum, prepare students to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam required for licensing in each state. The occupational therapy programs offered by the University of Utah come in at our No.1 spot because of the high graduation rate and student satisfaction with their education. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. The bulk of the coursework is completed online, however, during the summer semesters, students are required to complete on-campus training for one week. Although the program coursework is completed online, the majority of the learning takes place in a clinical setting. A brick and mortar program might involve more direct experience.Again, though, this varies widely depending upon the programs in question, especially because online occupational therapy programs may sometimes offer internship opportunities or hands-on experience opportunities near its students’ locations. This program emphasizes turning to evidence-based practice to develop practical skills. To complete the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, students have to participate in a capstone research project that spans two courses. The coursework is based on criteria set forth by the American Occupational Therapy Association. On average, the program’s workload is around 15-20 hours per week. At the end of the program, students complete a capstone course. Students can complete this program in as little as six consecutive semesters. The Online OTA program at St. Catherine University is changing that by making it possible to earn an associate degree in occupational therapy in as few as 16 months. Certification will demonstrate to the public, as well as future employers, that you are a competent OT professional and are qualified to handle the responsibilities of being an OTR or COTA. The Master’s-to-Post-Professional OTD program is composed of eight core courses and four elective courses. Clinical fieldwork will be required. Those who are accepted into this program will take courses over six semesters to earn their doctoral degree. The Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University will give you everything you need to become an evidenced-based scholar and leader in your community. The school offers two occupational therapy degrees online: a Master of Occupational Therapy and a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at George Washington University here. Whether students choose the Education or the Administration track, they will take the same classes during the first semester of study, which includes courses like Occupational Based Theories and Participation and Clinical Education and Fieldwork Supervision. To earn this degree, students are required to complete a capstone project consisting of a research project, professional paper, or case report. The program accepts applicants with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at Concordia University-Wisconsin here. Completion of this program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE), allows graduates to become certified as an occupational therapy assistant. The degree is estimated to take students two and a half years to complete, with the total program tuition coming in at just under $50,000. This program takes three years to complete and includes a research-based paper that must be submitted for publication in a research journal. A job as an occupational therapist will require a master's degree and certification. While working toward a degree in occupational therapy, you’ll take many science courses, including classes in human anatomy, neuroscience, and research methods, among others. Institutional accreditation by a regional or national accrediting body is required if you plan to apply for federal financial aid or transfer your college credits to another accredited school in the future. Box 2000 Hanceville, AL 35077-2000 (256) 352-8307erika.lee@wallacestate.eduwww.wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division/occupational-therapy-assistantStatus: Accreditation Admission to each program varies but typically requires a minimum of a bachelors degree. Location: Utica, NY. Physical therapists, by contrast, focus on treating, rehabilitating, and preventing further injury in patients who are dealing with injuries or chronic illnesses. Those with a master’s degree can select two electives in the program to explore more deeply, while those with a bachelor’s degree will need to choose four to meet the credit requirement for the degree. Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) have more professional responsibility than occupational therapist aides, as they are qualified to administer care, prescribe therapeutic regimens, and observe and record patients' progress. Students start this program at one time during the year, which is during the summer semester. The program consists of 36 credit hours and is based on the clinician-scholar model. Most programs are delivered in an in-person format to account for the ways in which the career is highly physical and dependent on human observation. This program is the only one of its kind in the state and allows students to select one of three tracks, which are detailed on the school’s website. Individuals who choose the Education track will learn how to teach other occupational therapists skills and impart valuable learning experiences, while those in the Administration track teach students how to be leaders in organizations. The earning potential of a job can be an important aspect of choosing to pursue a career or higher education. Conversely, Puerto Rico pays the lowest median wages to medical and health service managers, who earn, on average, $62,470 per year. The online, distance-learning Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program from Barry University was designed for NBCOT-certified occupational therapists. Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Occupational Therapy at Barry University here. What Are The Most Affordable, Accredited Online Associate Degree Programs? Online Occupational Therapy Programs. Alabama State University (Next visit: 2026/2027)(OT - professional entry-level master's)Department of Occupational Therapy915 South Jackson StreetPO Box 271 Montgomery, AL 36101-0271 (334) 229-5056 graines@alasu.edu www.alasu.edu/chs/occupational-therapy/occupational-therapyStatus: Accreditation Tuskegee University (Next visit: 2025/2026) (OT - professional entry-level master's) Occupational Therapy Program School of Nursing and Allied Health71-271 John A. 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