In our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, we offer a hybrid format, blending distance learning with on-campus activities. You’ll learn from a crafted curriculum, including lectures from practicing OTs, community-based learning, and fieldwork experiences. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, facilitated by technology and dedicated labs. With community partnerships, we prepare you for diverse practice settings, offering opportunities for engagement with assistive technology resources at Jim’s Place, made possible through the generosity of the O’Rourke Family.
What is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree?
Reduce tuition with grad assistantships
Why earn a Doctor of Occupational Therapy?
Our long-standing rigorous OTD program provides you with flexibility and interactive learning. With a hybrid delivery model, you’ll take courses online and on campus allowing you to balance responsibilities outside the classroom. When you’re on campus, you’ll find yourself in learning labs equipped with assistive technology and industry tools. You’ll round out the program with a year of fieldwork
Established program
Our OT program was established in 1989—35 years of occupational therapy education.
Nationwide connections
We’ve established contracts with sites across the U.S., allowing you to complete your fieldwork experiences in different states.
Choose where you learn
Complete your on-campus courses at St. Ambrose University in Davenport or at Loras College in Dubuque.
Assistive technology hub
St. Ambrose's assistive technology house—Jim's Place—is a regional resource for innovative living solutions and technology.
Doctoral project
Partner with a mentor. Your project shapes the profession, encouraging industry involvement.
Accelerated pathways
Apply as a senior in high school or college freshman to begin the OTD program after your junior year of college.
What you’ll learn in your OTD program
You’ll begin the program by learning the professional foundation of OT through lecture and lab experiences. Then, you’ll examine the impact of the client and environmental factors on occupational participation. Finally, you’ll finish the program by putting theory into practice with fieldwork experience and your doctoral capstone.
- Preparation as a generalist OT
- Preparation for National Occupational Therapy Board Certification Exam
- Strong professional identity
- Person-centered approach to client care
- Strong commitment to service and community
Explore Doctor of Occupational Therapy courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total 97-102 credits
- You’ll also complete, 3 level I fieldwork rotations, 2 level II fieldwork rotations, and 1 doctoral capstone
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OTD 550 | Interventions IA | 5 credits |
| OTD 605 | Critical Inquiry II | 3 credits |
| OTD 675 | Scholarship II | 2 credits |
| OTD 735 | Fieldwork Level II | 6 credits |
| OTD 800 | Capstone Experience | 8 credits |
How much does a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree cost?
The cost of your OTD degree will not change once you've enrolled. Tuition is billed in six equal payments at the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester. Additional expenses include OTCAS application fee ($155), acceptance fee ($200), textbooks ($1100-$1250), fieldwork medical/site requirements ($350), and certification exam preparation and registration ($500-800), and additional fieldwork expenses that vary by site.
You will also need to budget for transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other costs of living. Explore total cost of attendance.
Fall 2024 Cohort (36-month program)
| Expense | Per Semester (Fall or Spring) | Total Program Cost** |
|---|---|---|
| Total tuition & fees* | $22,522 | $135,132 |
*Includes tuition and institutional fees. Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees.
**OTD program requires a Fall start date. Total cost includes three Fall semesters and three Spring semesters.
St. Ambrose University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program at St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). (See contact information below.) 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). All states also 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.
Review the Technical Standards for the OTD Program.
Contact ACOTE
ACOTE
c/o Accreditation Department
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-2682
What are the graduation and exam pass rates for St. Ambrose's OTD program?
The total number of graduates from the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is 168 with an overall graduation rate of 99%. Our overall NBCOT Certification Exam pass rate is 97%.
|
Graduation Year |
Entering/Graduating |
Graduation Rate |
NBCOT Exam New Grad Pass Rate |
|
2019 |
33/32 |
97% |
100% |
|
2020 |
36/36 |
100% |
100% |
|
2021 |
37/37 |
100% |
100% |
|
2022 |
37/36 |
97% |
94% |
|
2023 |
27/27 |
100% |
92% |
|
Total |
101/100 total |
99% |
95% |
Visit the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam website to see our NBCOT certification exam pass rate.
How does SAU support OTD students?
St. Ambrose University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy faculty have expansive clinical practice and expertise in all areas of OT and across the patient lifespan. Many remain practicing clinicians ensuring you’ll gain a deep understanding of current OT practice. Faculty combine their clinical experience with passionate dedication to their students through 1-on-1 advising and mentorship, assistance with fieldwork placement, and a compassionate lens for school-life balance.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy faculty
Other support resources
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there cost savings available for OTD?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of resources to help make college more affordable for our students.
Graduate assistantships
Graduate assistantships can reduce your total tuition cost or provide income as you pursue your degree. Check our employment page for open positions.
Military benefits
Veterans, service members, and their children and spouses may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn about military benefits.
What’s on campus for Doctor of Occupational Therapy students?
Provide healthcare services to underserved community members in St. Ambrose University’s Interprofessional Health Clinic. This student-led clinic is supervised by faculty and licensed professionals. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to gain hands-on experience alongside other healthcare disciplines.
Join student clubs specifically created for occupational therapy students –Student Occupational Therapy Association, Phi Theta Epsilon–Occupational Therapy Honor Society, and Pre-OT Club.
Gain experience by helping others
“The interprofessional clinic is an awesome opportunity because you're working with licensed therapists, you're working with people of different professions. And I think it's super awesome because we are volunteering to help others but then we’re also getting hands-on experience in real life situations.”
-Elizabeth Nguyen, current student, OTD
Admission requirements for the OTD program
Here are the admissions requirements for our OTD.
- Submit all materials through the OTCAS centralized application service. The OTCAS application fee is $150 for the first application and $65 for each additional program.
- Submit transcripts of all courses taken that apply toward college credit, note obtained (or planned) baccalaureate degree
- Include three letters of recommendation.
- Submit Personal Statement
- Provide additional information related to observation, work, and volunteer experiences.
- Prospective students may be selected for professional interviews focusing on academic, personal and professional preparedness for graduate studies.
Our early admission deadline is September 15. Our general admission deadline is December 1. All cohorts begin in the Fall semester.
Prerequisites for the OTD program
Here are the prerequisites for students entering St. Ambrose University’s OTD program.
- Completion of seven prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher, for a combined pre-requisite GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale:
- Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
- Medical Terminology (course/competency 1 credits)
- Lifespan (3 credits)
- 300 level or above social science (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Ethics or BioMedical Ethics (3 credits)
- 20 hours of OT observation
Technology note: Students will need to purchase a laptop or a tablet (iPad or Windows Surface Pro) that runs on a Mac, Windows, or iPad operating system. Tablets that run on Chromebook, Android, or Linux will NOT work with required software in the program. We are a paperless program and students will receive all handouts and assignments electronically and testing will be conducted through our learning system Blackboard.
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are additional admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Submit official international transcripts
- A minimum 3.0 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: Varies by program; typically TOEFL - 80 IELTS - 6.5)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
Admission requirements for accelerated pathways in our OTD program
High school seniors and first year college students are eligible for an accelerated pathway to their OTD degree through our automatic conditional admission process. These students can save time and money by beginning their OTD degree during their senior year of college.
Once admitted, all students in the automatic, conditional pathway must meet the requirements listed below to remain qualified for conditional admission.
- Complete 10+ hours of service per year
- Complete all remaining undergraduate coursework with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Complete all prerequisite coursework with a 3.0 prerequisite GPA and no grades lower than C in prerequisite courses
- Complete all general education and major requirements
- Actively participate in regular advising visits
- Participate in pre-OT
Contact us for more information
Requirements for high school seniors
High school students accepted at St. Ambrose University or Loras College intending to pursue a doctoral degree in OT will receive automatic, conditional admission if they meet these high school requirements:
- Complete 20 hours of observation in at least 2 different settings with an OT during high school.
- Personal statement describing interest in OT
- 3.2 unweighted high school GPA
Requirements for first-year students
First-year students at St. Ambrose University or Loras College who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in OT will receive automatic, conditional admission if they meet these first-year college requirements:
- Complete this automatic, conditional admission request form and submit all materials by June 1 of their first year of college.
- Complete 20 hours of observation in at least 2 different settings with an OT during high school.
- Personal statement describing interest in OT
- 3.0 unweighted GPA by the end of the second semester of college
What can I do with an OTD?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Doctor of Occupational Therapy program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Occupational therapist
- Rehabilitation director
- Clinic manager
- Assistive technology specialist
Potential employment settings
- Hospitals and clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools and educational institutions
- Community health organizations
Traits of an OT
- Empathetic
- Adaptive
- Collaborative
- Holistic
Industry facts
- The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $93,180 in May 2022.
- Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 12 percent by 2032.
For more information on Occupational Therapy employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
