Ļć½¶Šć

Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program students working with children.
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Raising Occupational Therapists to Their Highest Potential

Occupational therapy is a client-centered, holistic profession dedicated to enhancing health and well-being through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. This aligns seamlessly with our mission to empower students to create meaningful, lasting change in the world. At Ļć½¶Šć, our Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program embodies the heart of Ļć½¶Šć—a commitment to service, innovation, and empowering individuals to reach their highest potential. 

Occupational Therapy Doctoral students working with a patient.
Ļć½¶Šć Doctoral Occupational Therapy Students assisting patient.

Transform your passion into purpose as you master evidence-based practice, clinical innovation, and service leadership. Through hands-on learning and faculty mentorship, you’ll become a occupational therapy leader who improves lives and strengthens communities.

Read my story
Madie DeGennaro '25

Madie
DeGennaro '25

ā€œI love the puzzle aspect of it—observing a child in their environment and figuring out how to help them develop in a space where they feel safe, loved, and cared for.ā€

Read My Story
Read my story
Janie Tiller '24

Janie
Tiller '24

ā€œIn the long term, I would love to become a student fieldwork educator and give OT students the opportunity to learn and grow through clinical experience like I did."

Read My Story
Read my story
Caroline Philbeck '24

Caroline
Philbeck '24

ā€œI have always been interested in working in pediatrics. I enjoy the hospital setting, and I knew that if given the opportunity, I would love to experience OT in the NICU. I am very thankful for the chance to bring the emerging practice of Neonatal Hydrotherapy to Charleston.ā€

Read My Story
Read my story
Ashley Erwin

Ashley
Erwin

ā€œMy goal is to give as many people and their families dignity, love, respect, and honor during their last moments of life.ā€

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Read my story
Nubia Vazquez Arana '25

Nubia
Vazquez Arana '25

ā€œMy advisor from undergrad really believed that the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Ļć½¶Šć would be a great fit for me. I was looking for a school that provided a program with a small student-to-professor ratio and a close-knit atmosphere, but also a program that could challenge me in this field.ā€

Read My Story
Occupational Therapy (OTD) student assisting with patient in driving simulator.
Occupational Therapy (OTD) student assisting with patient in driving simulator.

Begin your Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD journey with comprehensive coursework, hands-on clinical training, and personalized mentorship. Over 8 semesters, you’ll master 113 credit hours in small classes while developing expertise in our advanced simulation center alongside expert faculty.

Host Fieldwork and Capstone Students

Host Ļć½¶Šć OTD students: Support future occupational therapists through hands-on fieldwork and capstone experiences at your organization.

I chose Ļć½¶Šć because of the small class sizes, the professors, and the resources available at Bailey Hall. When I decided on Ļć½¶Šć, I didn’t know I would find a family and a home away from home. The professors, my classmates, and the surrounding Clinton Community immediately welcomed me as one of their own, and I could not be more grateful.

– Jenna Hare ’25

Accredited. Certified. Ready to Practice.

Our program is built on a foundation of excellence — accredited by the field’s leading bodies and proven by the success of our graduates

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) Logo

Our program meets the rigorous standards set by ACOTE, so you can pursue licensure with confidence.

NBCOT Logo

Our graduates are equipped to pass the NBCOT exam and step confidently into practice.

Accredited. Certified. Ready to Practice.

Our program is built on a foundation of excellence — accredited by the field’s leading bodies and proven by the success of our graduates

NBCOT Logo

OTD Student Outcomes

Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program during the 3-year period of 2023-2025.

Graduation YearStudents Entering/GraduatingGraduation RateNBCOT Pass Rates
202315 / 1387%100%
202421 / 21100%95%
202518 / 1895%89%
Total54 / 96%94%95%
Ļć½¶Šć Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program Building
Ļć½¶Šć Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program Building

VIsit Ļć½¶Šć

The Admissions Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

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One small step today can open doors to all kinds of possibilities at Ļć½¶Šć. Start now and let your future in Occupational Therapy begin.