Wilson College is now accepting applications for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy’s inaugural cohort expected to start classes in January 2026 with the first graduating class to receive diplomas in December 2027. Prospective students can apply through December 5, 2025, through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).  

The new hybrid accelerated Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is the first online doctorate to be offered by Wilson College. The OTD educational model will include flexible online learning, in-person lab immersion experiences, and fieldwork opportunities, culminating in a capstone project and preparation for board examination. Wilson’s accelerated OTD program allows students to complete the program in two years rather than the average three or more years in a traditional OTD program. The condensed timeline allows graduates to enter the workforce sooner and with less debt. Evidence In Motion (EIM), a leading provider of online and hybrid healthcare education, provides the unique hybrid program structure and curriculum.  

Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate said, “We are excited to welcome the first OTD cohort to Wilson. The addition of this program furthers our mission to innovatively provide high quality, affordable education while providing students access to a high-demand program that will ultimately benefit them and their communities.”  

The hybrid structure of the program makes it accessible to students in areas beyond the state or region who want to remain in their own communities for the online and fieldwork portions of the program. Travel to the Philadelphia metropolitan area is required eight times during the two-year program for hands-on lab immersions. The Wilson College faculty, with decades of combined expertise in occupational therapy, developed the course curriculum. The program coursework involves innovative educational methods, current research, cutting-edge software, and personalized support that will empower future generations of leaders in occupational therapy.  

Wilson OTD Program Director Michael Gerg, DOT, OTR/L, said, "Wilson College’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation has provided the foundation for a curriculum that not only prepares students for clinical success but also inspires them to become transformative leaders in the field of occupational therapy. I eagerly anticipate welcoming students from both the local region and across the country, fostering a diverse and dynamic learning community."

Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people across the lifespan, focusing on occupational tasks, daily skills and personal goals that promote independence. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for occupational therapists in 2023 was $96,370, and the profession is expected to grow by 11% (faster than average) through 2033.

For more information visit: https://www.wilson.edu/doctor-occupational-therapy.  

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