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Curriculum & Course Schedule

The expected curriculum plan for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program would require students to complete nine consecutive semesters of graduate study (including spring, summer and fall) within a 36-month, full-time curriculum design following the completion of a baccalaureate degree, which includes:

  • 112 graduate credit hours
  • Approximately 75 percent of time in classroom, lab and simulated patient experiences
  • Approximately 25 percent of time in clinical fieldwork experiences across a variety of clinical practice settings and populations
  • Curriculum threads integrated throughout the Doctor of Occupational Therapy that support learning and enhance theory, application and practice preparation in occupational therapy

Course Topics

Students will be expected to complete courses in topics including:

  • Foundational sciences, such as anatomy, pathophysiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, activity analysis, group treatments and business management
  • Occupational performance across the lifespan in occupational therapist practice including mental health, occupational disabilities, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, health and wellness
  • Professional development, including in leadership, ethics, program development, and evaluation and therapeutic intentional relationship

Students will also complete:

A capstone project. This ​will provide in-depth learning with a student-selected faculty advisor and community mentor to achieve mutually beneficial projects allowing advancement of the profession through dissemination of capstone work and evidence-based practice in one or more of the eight following areas through completion of a doctoral experiential component: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development.

Clinical fieldwork education. Students will apply theoretical and scientific principles learned in class to address client needs, and develop a professional identity as an occupational therapy practitioner in an interdisciplinary context within a practice clinic. Students will complete two fieldwork experiences, with the potential of being placed locally or in another state.

Please note: Applicants need to be aware that certain forms of body art (tattoo, piercing, ear gauges) may make it difficult to be placed at clinical education sites. Students may be asked to modify or cover body art to comply with site polices. An inability or unwillingness to do so may result in a delay or inability to participate in clinical placement, which may impact the matriculation and/or graduation plan. 

Cohort Model

You'll take courses and complete the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program with a group of approximately 30 other students. Because your cohort remains together throughout the program, you'll have the opportunity to develop a strong sense of community, participate in collaborative learning, study for exams with peers and practice treatment on each other. Your knowledge base and clinical skills will increase with each successive term as you progress through courses and integrated clinical experiences together.

Course Schedule

Designed with you in mind, Whitworth's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program allows you complete your degree in just 36 months, over nine consecutive semesters.

OTD Course Sequence

  • Year One (three semesters)

    Fall Semester (18 weeks): 18 credits
    OTD 701 Introduction to Occupation & Interprofessional Practice 2 credits
    OTD 702 Applied Anatomy & Kinesiology for Occupational Performance 6 credits
    OTD 704 Theories & Models of Practice in Occupational Therapy 3 credits
    OTD 705 Activity Analysis 2 credits
    OTD 706 Assessment in Occupational Therapy 2 credits
    OTD 710 Doctoral Capstone Experience: Introduction 1 credit
    OTD 711 Therapeutic Use of Self & Community 2 credits
    Spring Semester (18 weeks): 17 credits
    OTD 712 Evidence-Based Practice 3 credits
    OTD 713 Interprofessional Applied Clinical Neurology 3 credits
    OTD 715 Theory & Practice in Mental Health 4 credits
    OTD 716 Theory & Practice in Physical Disabilities 4 credits
    OTD 719 Level I Community Fieldwork & Interprofessional Practice 1 credit
    OTD 720 Doctoral Capstone Experience: Literature Review 2 credits
    Summer (12 weeks): 4 credits
    OTD 721 Cultural Responsiveness & Occupation 3 credits
    OTD 729 Level I International/Culturally Responsive Community Fieldwork & Interprofessional Practice 1 credit
  • Year Two (three semesters)

    Fall Semester (18 weeks): 16 credits
    OTD 801 Applied Leadership & Ethics 3 credits
    OTD 802 Program Evaluation & Development 3 credits
    OTD 805 Theory & Practice with Neurological Conditions 4 credits
    OTD 806 Theory & Practice with Community 3 credits
    OTD 809 Level I Community Fieldwork & Interprofessional Practice 1 credit
    OTD 810 Doctoral Capstone Experience: Needs Analysis 2 credits
    Spring Semester (18 weeks): 15 credits
    OTD 811 Environment & Technology 2 credits
    OTD 812 Management of Health Care Services 3 credits
    OTD 815 Theory & Practice with Older Adults 4 credits
    OTD 816 Theory & Practice with Children 4 credits
    OTD 819 Level I Community Fieldwork & Interprofessional Practice 1 credit
    OTD 820 Doctoral Capstone Experience: Plan 1 credit
    Summer (12 weeks): 12 credits
    OTD 829 Level II Community Fieldwork 12 credits
  • Year Three (three semesters)

    Fall Semester (12 weeks): 12 credits
    OTD 909 Level II Community Fieldwork  12 credits
    Spring Semester (14 weeks): 14 credits
    OTD 910 Doctoral Capstone Experience: Implementation 14 credits
    Summer (12 weeks): 4 credits
    OTD 930 Doctoral Capstone Experience: Capstone Project/Scholarship 4 credits