The University of Vermont's new entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree program, the first in the State of Vermont, is accepting applications. The eight-semester, full-time, year-round program will accept its first cohort of students beginning in August 2022, contingent upon a successful candidacy application. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a doctorate degree in occupational therapy.
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is designed with a strong science and experiential learning component. Every semester, students will participate in community-based learning opportunities that exemplify the many facets of occupational therapy practice. There is also a strong interprofessional component, and students will learn to work together as members of a health care team, an essential function for the highest quality, patient-centered health care.
The curriculum blends traditional classroom learning with experiential, community-based learning opportunities. Approximately one-quarter of the program will be offered online, which affords students some scheduling flexibility. Students will complete fieldwork experiences and can explore an area of interest through a capstone experience. Students will achieve the competencies set forth by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). Upon completion of the degree, students will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
“Starting this program in the State of Vermont was a collaborative effort between the University and community partners,” said Program Director Victoria Priganc. “There is no occupational therapy program in Vermont, and the demand for occupational therapy both regionally and nationally remains high.”
The program aims to attract a diverse group of high-achieving students who come prepared with substantial background preparation in the life sciences.
“Strong candidates will be innovative, creative, and compassionate. They will be scholarly thinkers, able to critically analyze and synthesize material, yet be flexible in their thinking to allow for the development of new ideas and discoveries,” said Priganc.
Key facts about the program:
- In its first year, the program will enroll a cohort of 40 students.
- The first Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate cohort will matriculate in August 2022, contingent on a successful candidacy application.
- Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree in any major at an accredited institution and meet program admission requirements.
For more information, contact Program Director Victoria Priganc at victoria.priganc@med.uvm.edu.