TCU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators in health
care. Through a rigorous curriculum grounded in theory and emphasizing hands-on practice,
students have unique opportunities to deepen their knowledge and skills in the dynamic
field of occupational therapy (OT).
The capstone experience with project culminates this learning experience, providing students with in-depth exposure to key areas of OT while fostering the professional growth necessary to drive the field forward.
Integrating Theoretical Knowledge Into Practical Applications
The OTD doctoral capstone is a culminating 14-week experience with project that allows students to immerse themselves in areas of focus that align with their individualized professional interests.
Students will explore opportunities within clinical skills, research skills, administration, education, program development and evaluation, advocacy, leadership and policy development, all of which are essential to an OTD curriculum.
“Students may enhance clinical skills in areas like hand therapy and neurorehabilitation, engage in research alongside faculty or learn about rehabilitation management in a hospital setting,” said Doctoral Capstone Coordinator Crystal Smith, OTD, OTR. “As potential future educators, students may gain teaching experience in academic settings, while others may choose to focus on program development to create tailored services for specific populations or take on advocacy roles to influence health care policies.”
This diverse range of options prepares students to make significant contributions to the growing field that is OT.
These capstone focal areas align closely with the mission of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), which aims to advance OT practice, education and research through standard setting and advocacy on behalf of its members, the profession and the public. By focusing on these key areas, students create goals that reflect the profession’s evolving needs.
“The capstone integrates theoretical knowledge into practical applications, advancing the field through evidence-based scholarship to address real-world challenges in OT practice,” adds Smith.
Broadening Academic and Professional Impact
Beyond the immediate learning outcomes, student scholarship within the OTD program plays a vital role in elevating the academic profile of Harris College. Chris Watts, Ph.D., Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College, emphasizes that the opportunity for hands-on scholarship and research fosters innovation, faculty-student collaboration and contributes to groundbreaking discoveries.
“By collaborating with faculty on scholarly work, OTD students not only prepare for advanced health care careers but also help shape the future of occupational therapy through their research contributions,” explains Watts. “Many projects tackle real-world problems and partner with local organizations, furthering the college’s impact on society and health care.”
The OT Applied Functional Laboratory
Supporting this hands-on experience is TCU’s OT Applied Functional Laboratory, a dedicated space for students to practice essential clinical skills. Program Founding Director Michael D. Justiss, Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA, explains the lab is crucial for developing practice competencies.
“This forward-thinking approach aims to position TCU’s OTD program as a leader in research and scholarship while offering exceptional and contextually relevant, practice-based learning opportunities,” said Justiss.
While the lab currently serves primarily as a training space, the program aims to expand its research capabilities, seeking space at TCU’s main campus to support further initiatives.
The capstone experience with project is designed to challenge students and push them to grow in new directions.
“We encourage students to pursue their interests or explore something new,” says Smith. “The capstone will challenge them in ways that will inform their decision-making as practitioners.”
This in-depth exploration enables students to develop effective interventions, improve client care and contribute meaningfully to the OT profession.
As they gain expertise in their chosen areas, students are prepared not only for their careers but for their long-term professional growth, as well.