Occupational Therapy (OTD) – Entry-Level

Why Choose the Entry-Level OTD?

The Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) is designed for individuals without a degree in occupational therapy who are looking to enter one of the fastest growing fields in health care with an advanced set of leadership skills and clinical experiences.

The entry-level OTD curriculum is grounded in the science of occupation and designed to prepare skilled and ethical clinical leaders. The program uses active learning experiences, such as labs and clinical opportunities, to develop skills of knowledge translation and the ability to evaluate research evidence. The program is not intended to prepare individuals to conduct independent research in line with a research doctorate, nor assume academic roles of a tenured or tenure-track professor.

Not sure if the ELOTD is the right fit?

• Individuals looking to enter the profession with a master’s degree can explore our Occupational Therapy Master’s degree (OT MS) program.
• Currently certified Occupational Therapists interested in earning an OTD should explore our Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD).
• Individuals with an MS degree interested in earning a research doctorate should explore the Occupational Science (PhD) program.

A Community-Based Program

The department’s 40-plus year history of collaboration with world-renowned healthcare resources in the area as well as community programs and agencies benefits students with access to the full continuum of health care delivery.  The Occupational Therapy Center and Hussman Center for Adults with Autism in the Towson University Institute for Well-being provide additional fieldwork, research and service outreach opportunities.

In the last semester of the program, students complete a Doctoral Experiential Practicum (DEP) that dovetails with a required Capstone Project. The DEP and Capstone Project involve direct interaction with an assigned community program or agency to address the site’s needs and priorities in ways that allow students to refine self-identified targeted learning goals skills beyond the generalist level. Students are mentored by faculty throughout the DEP and Capstone Project. Community site agreements are made based on the ability of the site to provide the targeted experiences for students and supervision capacity.

Admission to the Entry-Level OTD

Entry-Level OTD applicants must satisfy all admission requirements and deadlines to be considered for admission to the program, and must complete all prerequisite coursework prior to entering the program.

Accreditation status

The program is accredited by the Acceditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Assocation located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates of the program 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 and/or attain state licensure.

View the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy pass rates.

Degree Requirements

The Entry-Level OTD is a professional, full-time, year-round commitment. Students complete 97 credits over three years, including three Level I Fieldwork experiences, a community program experience, two Level II Fieldwork experiences, a Capstone Project, and a Doctoral Experiential Practicum. Coursework is completed on campus with limited hybrid and online components. Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Catalog and program expectations for more information about required coursework, access to technology for online learning, and the course sequence.

Hands-on Learning

The Entry-Level OTD includes required laboratory and clinical learning experiences designed to reinforce classroom learning and further prepare students for career success.

Level I Fieldwork

Level I Fieldwork introduces students to the practice of occupational therapy by exposing them to a variety of occupational therapy settings and roles. Under the supervision of licensed practitioners, and with the support of faculty, students complete three Level I fieldwork experiences: one in mental health, one in adult physical rehabilitation, and one in children and youth practice. Students also participate in a community-based program to develop skills in conducting needs assessment and program development/evaluation.

Level II Fieldwork

Level II Fieldwork provides full-time, in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients, focusing on the application of purposeful and meaningful occupational therapy services. Under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, and with the support of a faculty supervisor, students complete two required Level II fieldwork experiences focused on one or more of the following practice areas: adult physical rehabilitation, mental health, and children and youth. Each experience is a 12-week, 480-hour, full-time commitment requiring additional time for preparation on the evenings and weekends; students are not permitted to maintain employment during Level II fieldwork.

Capstone Experience

The Capstone Experience facilitates students in producing a high quality scholarly product. Through a two-course sequence, the student will design, propose, implement, document, defend, and disseminate an independent, evidence-based project related to their area of focus and addressing the priorities of the assigned community program/agency. Common areas of focus include: clinical practice, research, administration, program development/evaluation, or advocacy.

Doctoral Experiential Practicum

The Doctoral Experiential Practicum (DEP) serves as the final component of the capstone experience. It focuses on refining skills in the student’s area of focus beyond the generalist level in a community program/agency. While completing their first several semesters of coursework, students work under a faculty advisor and the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator to design a DEP plan with individualized learning goals and objectives. Students must gain DEP approval and successfully complete the Occupational Therapy Knowledge Exam (OTKE) prior to site placement and DEP enrollment. The DEP experience is a 14-week commitment often requiring additional time outside of the on-site schedule for planning, review, and other related responsibilities; students are advised to eliminate employment during that time.

Estimated Costs: 3-Year ELOTD Program

This table contains estimates based on the 2022-2023 academic year: students are strongly encouraged to review the current official tuition and fee schedule that is maintained by the Student & University Billing Office and should independently determine their own costs.

Cost Estimate: In-State Residency

YEAR (summer - Spring)	tuition & fees	books/supplies	total
2022 - 2023 (32 units)	Tuition: $15,424 School Fees: $3,572 Course Fees: $150	$500	$19,646
2023 - 2024 (38 units)	Tuition: $18,316 School Fees: $3,892 Course Fees: $50	$500	$22,758
2024 - 2025 (27 units)	Tuition: $13,014 School Fees: $2,932 Course Fees: N/A	$300	$16,246
TOTAL (97 units)			$58,650

Cost Estimate: Out-of-State Residency

YEAR (summer - Spring)	tuition & fees	books/supplies	total
2022 - 2023 (32 units)	Tuition: $31,936 School Fees: $2,572 Course Fees: $150	$500	$36,158
2023 - 2024 (38 units)	Tuition: $37,924 School Fees: $3,892 Course Fees: $50	$500	$42,366
2024 - 2025 (27 units)	Tuition: $26,946 School Fees: $2,932 Course Fees: N/A	$300	$30,178
TOTAL (97 units)			$108,702

Additional Notes

• Estimates do not include out of pocket expenses which may include but are not limited to: Background checks, health screening requirements, and/or transportation
• Tuition and fees are estimated based on the current tuition and fee schedule and are subject to change. The Student & University Billing Office provides a full breakdown of tuition and fees.
• The Provost Budge Office publishes the full list of TU's course/ lab fees.
• Fees do not include room and board. Various housing and dining options are available through the university.

ELOTD Graduation Rates

Graduation Year	Entering Students	Students Graduating	Graduation Rate
2022	20	20	100%

Making Connections in a Growing Field

Towson University Occupational Therapy students have presented their work at the annual conferences of the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Society for the Study of Occupation (SSO) USA, and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress, and have co-authored publications with faculty. Throughout the program, students establish a strong professional network with facilities and practitioners, with opportunities in the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and Pi Theta Epsilon, which often lead to a smooth transition to employment post-graduation.