Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

Online and In-Person: Your OTD Journey at Wilson College 

Become a leader in occupational therapy in just two years with Wilson College’s hybrid, accelerated Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. This program is designed for those who aspire to become innovative care experts, shaping the future of patient-centered care in their community.

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Wilson’s OTD program structure combines independent online learning activities, interactive class sessions with world-class faculty, and several lab immersion experiences in a modern facility in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The hybrid, accelerated program allows future healthcare leaders to collaborate with occupational therapy experts from around the country in different areas of research; gives access to innovative educational technologies and resources; and is designed to empower graduates to remain in their communities and to expand access to client-centric healthcare.

Pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) empowers you to boldly redefine your career and make an even greater impact in healthcare. With an OTD, you gain advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills that allow you to expand your role, embrace new opportunities, and drive change in ways you never thought possible. This degree encourages you to build on your existing passion and equips you with the tools you need to lead, innovate, and improve client care in dynamic, evidence-based ways. The program is designed not only to enhance your practice but to inspire you to step into roles that advocate for and shape the future of occupational therapy in diverse communities and healthcare settings.

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The curriculum empowers students to advance their careers through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous coursework, fieldwork, and in-person lab immersion experiences. The program fosters collaboration and prepares students to lead in occupational therapy, culminating in a Doctoral Capstone ensuring they are well-rounded healthcare practitioners. For the Capstone project, students can have access to unique facilities like the Penn Hall Equestrian Center and Fulton Farm.

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Program Mission

The Wilson College Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is dedicated to empowering students to become ethical, culturally responsive, leaders and advocates of occupational therapy.

Program Vision

Lead the field of occupational therapy with exceptional clinical expertise, empathy, and a passion for creating meaningful change. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, innovation, and service, we shape healthcare leaders who not only improve individual lives but also contribute to transforming systems of care, advancing inclusion, and creating possibilities for all.

Be Bold with Your OTD Degree

Occupational therapy offers a variety of rewarding career paths that allow practitioners to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. With a foundation in helping people regain or improve their ability to perform daily tasks, careers in occupational therapy span numerous settings and client groups, including:

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Mental Health Facilities
• Home Health Care

Occupational therapists work with patients across the lifespan, from children facing developmental challenges to seniors managing age-related conditions. Each setting and client group offers unique challenges, making OT a diverse and fulfilling profession.

Occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings including, but not limited to:

• Pediatrics
• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Mental Health
• Hand Therapy  

View Doctor of Occupational Therapy Courses >

Application Requirements

• All applications must be completed online through OTCAS.
• Students that are accepted into the OTD program must meet the following admissions criteria prior to beginning coursework:
• Complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Complete required prerequisites with a GPA minimum of a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and a verified grade of a C or greater for all prerequisite courses.
• Prerequisite courses:  
  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with lab components; 8 credits; must have been completed within 7 years of application)
  • Developmental Psychology (must cover the entire lifespan; 3-6 credits)  
  • Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
  • Sociology or Anthropology (with a cultural component preferred; 3 credits)  
  • Statistics (3 credits)  
  • Medical Terminology (1 credit)
• Submission of three (3) letters of recommendation by individuals that can objectively assess applicant qualifications such as professors, academic advisors, professional colleagues, and workplace supervisors. Recommendations from family members or friends are not acceptable.
• Documentation of relevant involvement in volunteer work, paid work, or leadership experiences. Additionally, a minimum of 20 observation hours is required. Individuals who have worked as an occupational therapy assistant or rehab aide may be exempt from observation hour requirements.
• Submission of a personal statement addressing why they selected occupational therapy as a career and how the degree relates to their immediate and long-term professional goals.
• Ability to meet the technical standards necessary to perform effectively in the program.  
• Complete a virtual interview. Applicants meeting the requirements will be invited to complete an interview by the Admissions Committee.

Program Accreditation

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program at Wilson College is pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

$1086 per credit hour (as of Fall 2024)

There are no additional fees. Tuition rates are subject to change.  

Wilson College is committed to making your education as affordable as possible. We’re proud to offer online courses at $1086 per credit hour as a private college. Plus, our dedicated financial services team will help you along the way.

Financial assistance and payment plans are available.

Learn More About Financing Your Degree