OTD
Prepare to make an impact as a compassionate, skilled occupational therapist. The CSM Occupational Therapy Doctorate program gives you the knowledge, experience, and confidence to lead in today’s healthcare system.
You’ll graduate ready not just to treat, but to lead, advocate, and innovate in a changing healthcare landscape. With a doctorate, you’ll open doors to more career paths—from direct practice to program development, teaching, or administration.
Program At A Glance
- Length: 3 years (full-time)
- Format: In-person with hands-on learning
- Clinical Training: 700+ partner sites across 45 states
- Labs: State-of-the-art facilities
- Career Pathways: Clinical practice, leadership, teaching, program development
Admissions Information
Getting started is simple. You’ll apply through the OTCAS. No GRE is required—just a bachelor’s degree and a strong desire to lead in the field of occupational therapy.
Why Students Choose CSM
Expert, Mission-Driven Faculty
Learn from nationally recognized clinicians and educators who bring diverse expertise and a values-based approach to every class.
Extensive Fieldwork Experience
Gain real-world skills through fieldwork at 700+ partner sites nationwide, from hospitals and schools to community programs.
Leadership and Advocacy Focus
Graduate prepared not only for clinical excellence but also to lead, teach, and advocate in a changing healthcare system.
Hear From Students Just Like You
See what it’s really like to be a student here, why they chose College of Saint Mary, the moments that made the biggest impact, and how their program is shaping their future.
Occupational therapy is moving toward doctoral-level education as the new standard. While a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) prepares you for entry-level practice, an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) takes you further—building leadership, advocacy, and research skills that keep your career ahead of the curve. Our OTD program combines clinical expertise with mission-driven care, preparing you not just to enter the field, but to lead it.
Our OTD faculty are expert clinicians and educators who bring real-world experience and a mission-driven approach to every class. They’ll mentor and challenge you to become a compassionate, confident OT leader.
Occupational Therapy Doctorate
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited 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. 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). In addition, all states require licensure 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.
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
