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.