Occupational therapy helps people of all ages take part in the everyday activities that matter most to them. Through the therapeutic use of daily activities, practitioners promote health and help people prevent or better manage injury, illness, or disability. With over 35 years of experience providing occupational therapy education, St. Ambrose’s ACOTE-accredited OTD program develops ethical, innovative, and socially responsible health professionals through a hybrid delivery model, blending distance learning with on-campus activities.
Why should I earn a Doctor of Occupational Therapy at SAU?
Our OTD program offers on-campus classes in two Iowa locations: St. Ambrose University (Davenport) and Loras College (Dubuque). Students take courses online and on campus in dedicated learning labs equipped with assistive technology and industry tools. Our experienced faculty, practicing OT instructors, and community partnerships prepare you to help people across the lifespan achieve meaningful participation in daily activities.
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
Students in St. Ambrose University's OTD degree program complete a total 102 credits, including 3 level I fieldwork rotations, 2 level II fieldwork rotations, and 1 doctoral capstone.
Students learn alongside other professional programs in multiple interprofessional activities and gain hands-on experience with assistive technology at Jim’s Place, made possible through the generosity of the O’Rourke Family. 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.
SAU offers multiple pathways to your Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree, including a 3+3 pathway for eligible students. Explore our paths below.
Early admission for high school students
Secure your spot with early admission | Complete two degrees in six years
High school seniors who plan to attend St. Ambrose University, Mount Mercy University, and Loras College can apply for automatic, conditional admission into St. Ambrose University's OTD program.
Through this early admission pathway, students can earn a confirmed spot in our OTD program and bypass the typical interview process required for traditional students. Eligible students can also enter our 3+3 pathway, saving time and money by beginning their OTD degree during their senior year of college.
How can high school seniors apply for early admission into St. Ambrose University's OTD program?
High school students should fill out the Request for Automatic, Conditional Admission form to apply for the early admissions pathway to St. Ambrose's OTD program.
Early admission requirements for high school seniors
High school students accepted at St. Ambrose University, Mount Mercy University, and Loras College intending to pursue an OTD degree at St. Ambrose University 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
Ongoing requirements for conditional admission
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
Early admission for freshmen at SAU, MMU and Loras
Secure your spot with early admission | Complete two degrees in six years
First year students enrolled at St. Ambrose University, Mount Mercy University, and Loras College can apply for automatic, conditional admission into St. Ambrose University's OTD program.
Through this early admission pathway, students can earn a confirmed spot in our OTD program and bypass the typical interview process required for traditional students. Eligible students can also enter our 3+3 pathway, saving time and money by beginning their OTD degree during their senior year of college.
How can freshmen at St. Ambrose, Mount Mercy, and Loras apply for early admission into St. Ambrose University's OTD program?
First-year students at St. Ambrose University, Mount Mercy University, and Loras College should fill out the Request for Automatic, Conditional Admission form to apply for the early admissions pathway to St. Ambrose's OTD program.
First-year students at St. Ambrose University, Mount Mercy University, and 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 20 hours of observation in at least 2 different settings with an OT
Personal statement describing interest in OT
3.0 unweighted GPA by the end of the second semester of college
Ongoing requirements for conditional admission
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
Complete two degrees in six years with our 3+3 pathway
Current sophomores and juniors at St. Ambrose University, Mount Mercy University, and Loras College can apply for our 3+3 pathway to earn their bachelors and OTD degree in just six years. Through this accelerated pathway, students save time and money by starting their OTD degree during their senior year of college.
To qualify for our 3+3 pathway, current students should complete all general education and bachelor degree requirements before their senior year. OTD courses in the student's first year then count as electives toward the student's bachelors degree.
How can college sophomores and juniors apply for St. Ambrose University's accelerated OTD program?
Current students at St. Ambrose University, Mount Mercy University, and Loras College should submit all application materials through the OTCAS centralized application service. St. Ambrose uses a rolling admissions deadline. All cohorts begin in the Fall semester.
Admissions requirements for college sophomores and juniors
Here are the admissions requirements for sophomores and juniors applying for our OTD program:
Submit all materials through theOTCAS centralized application service. The OTCAS application fee is $164 for the first application and $71 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.
Advanced Placement: The OTD department does not accept Advanced Placement
Credits for Experiential Learning: The OTD department does not offer credits for experiential learning
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 in at least two different settings with an OT
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. Students will also need to purchase and have basic level competency in platforms including Microsoft Word and Powerpoint and the internet.
We are a paperless program and students will receive all handouts and assignments electronically and testing will be conducted through our learning system Blackboard.
Traditional path for college seniors and graduates
College seniors and college graduates are invited to apply for St. Ambrose University's OTD program through the traditional pathway.
How can college seniors and graduates apply for St. Ambrose University's accelerated OTD program?
Traditional students, including college seniors and college graduates, should submit all application materials through the OTCAS centralized application service. St. Ambrose uses a rolling admissions deadline. All cohorts begin in the Fall semester.
Here are the admissions requirements for college seniors and college graduates applying for our OTD program:
Submit all materials through theOTCAS centralized application service. The OTCAS application fee is $164 for the first application and $71 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.
Advanced Placement: The OTD department does not accept Advanced Placement
Credits for Experiential Learning: The OTD department does not offer credits for experiential learning
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 in at least two different settings with an OT
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. Students will also need to purchase and have basic level competency in platforms including Microsoft Word and Powerpoint and the internet.
We are a paperless program and students will receive all handouts and assignments electronically and testing will be conducted through our learning system Blackboard.
What is the total cost of St. Ambrose’s OTD program?
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the total cost of tuition and fees for St. Ambrose University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree is $139,134. 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 an 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. Additionally, OTCAS charges $164 for your first program application and $71 for each additional program application.
You will also need to budget for transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other costs of living.
*Includes tuition and institutional fees. Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. **OTD program requires a Fall start date. Total cost includes three Fall semesters and three Spring semesters.
Is the St. Ambrose OTD program accredited?
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.
ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814 301-652-6611 https://acoteonline.org/
What are the NBCOT pass rates and graduation rates for St. Ambrose OTD graduates?
Graduates of St. Ambrose University’s OTD program consistently achieve strong outcomes, including an overall NBCOT Certification Exam pass rate of 95%. The total number of graduates from the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is 201 with an overall graduation rate of 99%, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers as licensed occupational therapists.
What student support and faculty resources are available in St. Ambrose’s OTD program?
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.
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
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.
Campus resources 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.”
What career opportunities are available after earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals, though St. Ambrose University cannot guarantee specific outcomes. Graduates may pursue careers as occupational therapists, rehabilitation directors, clinic managers, or assistive technology specialists, and work in hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools and educational institutions, or community health organizations. Successful occupational therapists often demonstrate traits such as empathy, adaptability, collaboration, and holistic care.
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 $98,340 in 2024.
Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14% by 2034, much faster than average.
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.
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