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Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Unlock Your Full Potential

At the heart of occupational therapy lies a profound commitment to empowering individuals to live life to the fullest. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health and well-being and help individuals maximize participation and independence in their daily lives to the best of their abilities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported expected job growth of 17% over the next decade.

A career in occupational therapy offers a diverse range of opportunities and experiences. Occupational therapists work with people across the lifespan in an array of settings, both in the clinic and beyond.

Here are just some of the areas where occupational therapists can make a difference:

  • Rehabilitation: We assist individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, helping them regain strength, mobility and independence.
  • Pediatrics: Our specialized care for children focuses on fostering development and enhancing skills to support their growth and participation in daily activities.
  • Mental Health: We provide compassionate support and effective strategies to improve coping skills, manage stress and enhance emotional well-being.
  • Geriatrics: Our services for older adults aim to enhance their independence, safety and overall well-being, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives.
  • Ergonomics and Workplace Wellness: We work with businesses to optimize workspaces, prevent injuries and promote the well-being of employees.

TCU will be offering an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. The program is currently under development. Our aim is to have applications officially open in summer 2024 and welcome the first cohort in fall 2025. For more information, email OTD@tcu.edu

Leadership

Michael D. Justiss, Ph.D.
Founding Director

Learn more about Michael Justiss, Ph.D., and the future of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at TCU.

Updates will be made to this site as they are confirmed. 
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program at Texas Christian University has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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). In addition, all states 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.