Degree Requirements
The entry-level OTD program consists of six semesters and three summer terms of didactic and fieldwork education and doctoral internship. 130 credits are required. The description below provides a semester-by-semester list of the courses and the number of semester credits associated with each course; course descriptions follow later in this section. Successful completion of all courses, fieldwork, and internship is required.
The first two years of the program are delivered on campus in Hillsboro, Ore., while Year 3 is offered in a distance-based learning environment.
Prior to enrolling in each term’s classes, students must successfully complete the previous term’s coursework and be approved to continue study by the School of Occupational Therapy faculty. Prior to enrolling in the OTD program students must have earned a bachelor’s degree.
Joint Program Option: Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Gerontology Certificate
Students pursuing the OTD may apply to earn the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology concurrently or following completion of the OTD. This inter-professional education; with faculty who come from many healthcare professions and the members of the student cohort work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as case management, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work. All gerontology courses are provided online.
In the joint program, OTD students apply two gerontology courses (6 credits) as the two OTD specialty elective courses. These 6 credits also are applied toward the 18 required credits for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. The remaining 12 gerontology credits may be taken prior to or after graduation from the OTD program.
Candidates from the School of Occupational Therapy applying for the joint program must go through the formal admission process for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, and should contact the Program Director, Dr. Amber McIlwain (amcilwain@pacific) for information on the application process. Applicants are evaluated using the same criteria established for the general Certificate program.
