Doctor of Occupational Therapy
The entry-level doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) program at the University of the Incarnate Word prepares the OTD student to gain the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary to becoming an occupational therapist. The 114 credit hour program is completed over eight semesters in classroom and laboratory settings. The OTD program is a full-time, cohort based curriculum with majority of coursework delivered face-to-face at the School of Physical Therapy in San Antonio, Texas. Online content will be supported through Canvas, Zoom, and other technology supported by the University. The OTD students engage in research and other scholarly activities to advance their academic career.
The UIW OTD program is built on the profession of occupational therapy engagement in occupation within the context of environment for the betterment of health and participation of individuals, groups, communities, and populations. OTD students engage in understanding theory, assessment and intervention skills, evidence-based practice, research, and technology necessary to becoming an occupational therapist. Years 1 and 2 are completed on campus with year 3 being fieldwork II's and capstone experience which may be completed in other parts of the United States.
The OTD program prepares the graduate for direct care provider, consultant, educator, manager, leader, researcher, and advocate for the profession and the consumer. The OTD graduate will demonstrate an in-depth area of knowledge in one or more of the following areas: clinical practice areas, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development.
Graduates of the OTD program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; However, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or attain state licensure.
Admission Requirements
OTCAS Application Process
—Know the Application Deadlines
The OTCAS application will open around July 15, 2022. The Fall 2023 application deadline is January 16, 2023
—Complete the OTCAS Application
We encourage applications to complete and submit the application as soon as possible through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) at https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login .
—Submit Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation to OTCAS. At least one letter must be from a licensed Occupational Therapist or healthcare professional.
—Submit Observation Hours
We recommend that applicants complete and submit at least 50 verified observation hours in an occupational therapy setting
Entry-Level OTD Admissions Requirements
—Bachelor’s Degree Applicants must complete a bachelor’s from a regionally accredited college or university. Must have a minimum of 3 years undergraduate work prior to entering the OTD program (ACOTE standard)
—Academic Excellence: Recommended minimum 3.0 Overall GPA and a 2.9 Prerequisite GPA. Must earn a C or higher in prerequisite courses.
—Strong References: Three letters of recommendation, with at least one letter from a licensed occupational therapist or healthcare professional.
—Observation Hours: Recommend at least 50 hours of observation
—Admissions Interview & Writing Sample: Following a holistic review of candidates, the Admissions Committee will invite those deemed most competitive to an admissions interview. During the interviews, applicants will have the opportunity to meet administrators, faculty, and staff. Candidates will also complete a writing sample as part of their interview day.
Prerequisite Coursework
Prerequisite science courses must be designated for science majors, pre-medical, or pre-health majors. Undergraduate science courses that are designated as courses for non-majors are not accepted as prerequisites for entry into the UIW OTD program.
Applicants must earn a C or higher in the following prerequisite courses.
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Course
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Semesters
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Human Anatomy with Lab (4 hours)
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1
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Human Physiology with Lab OR (4 hours)
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1
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Combined Human Anatomy Physiology I and II with Lab (4 hours each)
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2
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General Biology I or other science with Lab (4 hours)
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1
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Medical Terminology* (See comment below)
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1
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Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
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1
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Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)
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1
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Social Science- (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology) (3 hours)
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1
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Statistics or Research Class (3 hours)
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1
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* University of the Incarnate Word contracts a qualified provider to deliver a six-week online non-credit Medical Terminology course.