Occupational Therapy

Program Overview

UVM's program stands out for its state-of-the-art laboratories, comprehensive embedded fieldwork opportunities, and interprofessional education. A considerable part of this education occurs beyond the conventional classroom environment, offering abundant opportunities for experiential learning within the community. 

Earning a degree in occupational therapy empowers you to profoundly influence individuals' lives by assisting them in participating in meaningful activities. Our integrated curriculum prepares you for the realities of patient-centered healthcare, aligns with ACOTE® standards, and qualifies you for the NBCOT exam, laying a solid foundation for a successful career in occupational therapy.

Embark on a rewarding career path where your creativity and empathy can truly make a difference.

Apply to the program

Train with the Latest Technology 

Our Smart Apartment lab is outfitted with smart home technology, adaptive technologies, and kitchen and bathroom modifications that offer students and community members various independent living solutions. Furthermore, the facility encourages interdisciplinary cooperation between students of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology, enhancing interprofessional collaboration and therapeutic outcomes.  

Real-World Practice: Hands-On From Day One 

We believe the best way to learn is by doing. That’s why from the moment you arrive, the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program immerses you in embedded fieldwork—real clients, real communities, and real impact. 

UVM’s unique approach blends classroom learning with hands-on experience. Whether you're working with pediatric clients in a fully equipped therapy space or applying your skills in the local Vermont community, you'll gain the confidence and clinical insight to thrive as a future OT.

Explore the World Through Cultural Immersion 

Are you ready to take your occupational therapy education beyond the classroom? UVM’s OTD program offers a transformative Cultural Immersion Course that lets you choose your path—whether it's working with communities locally in Burlington or traveling abroad to places like Belize and Morocco. 

These immersive experiences deepen clinical skills, build cultural awareness, and shape compassionate, globally-minded practitioners. From hands-on work in international clinics to meaningful collaborations with local agencies, discover how UVM prepares you to make a real impact—wherever your journey takes you.  

Inside Our Simulation Labs 

UVM’s state-of-the-art laboratories include the pioneering Pediatric and Design Lab, which fosters children’s self-confidence and vital motor skills essential for daily activities and social engagement. The Smart Apartment Lab features adaptive technologies, smart home systems, and kitchen and bathroom modifications—offering students and community members innovative solutions for independent living.

Graduate Ready to Lead

A considerable part of your education occurs beyond the conventional classroom, with abundant opportunities for experiential learning in the community. Our ACOTE®-aligned curriculum prepares you for the NBCOT exam and a meaningful career in occupational therapy, empowering you to profoundly impact lives by helping individuals participate in the activities that matter most to them.

Accreditation

The University of Vermont’s 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), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814.  ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA (2682) or (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Curriculum

In this 88 credit, three-year (eight-semester) program, you will gain a comprehensive and well-rounded education, enriched with hands-on experience, practical application, and leadership development opportunities in just over two years. The curriculum is designed to ensure your excellence in the field, providing a solid base in fundamental sciences, evidence-based practice, innovation, compassion, interprofessional competencies, and leadership abilities.

Fall 1

• OT 7100: Foundations for OT Practice (2)
• OT 7110: Functional Anatomy (4)
• OT 7120: Movement and Occupational Performance (3)
• OT 7140: Psychosocial and Mental Health Influences on Occupation (3)
• OT 7180: Activity Analysis (3)

Spring 1

• NSCI 6020: Neuroscience (3)
• OT 7200: Therapeutic Interventions (3)
• OT 7240: Visual and Cognitive-perceptual Influences on Occupation (3)
• OT 7250: Older Adults as Occupational Beings (6)

Summer 1

• OT 7350: Cultural Immersion (2)
• OT 7370: Research I (2)
• OT 7600: Capstone I (2)
• OT 7700: Fieldwork – Level I Didactic (1)
• OT 7701: Fieldwork - Level 1 Experiential (1)

Fall 2

• OT 7400: Teaching and Advocacy (2)
• OT 7450: Young Adults as Occupational Beings (6)
• OT 7460: Children as Occupational Beings I (3)
• OT 7470: Research II (2)
• OT 7480: Designing Creative Therapeutic Intervention (2)
• OT 7610: Capstone II (1)

Spring 2

• OT 7490: OT Practice Management (3)
• OT 7550: Children as Occupational Beings II (3)
• OT 7560: Living Life to the Fullest (3)
• OT 7570: Research III (2)
• OT 7590: Becoming a Life-Long Practitioner and Learner (2)
• OT 7620: Capstone III (1)

Summer 2

• OT 7710: Fieldwork - Level II (6)

Fall 3

• OT 7720: Fieldwork - Level II (6)

Spring 3

• OT 7630: Capstone IV Didactic (2)
• OT 7631: Capstone IV Experience (5)
• OT 7881: Professional preparation (1)

Total Credits for OTD = 88 

Further program requirements are outlined in the program handbooks:

• Occupational Therapy Program Manual (PDF)
• Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Student Fieldwork Manual (PDF)
• Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educator Manual (PDF)
• Occupational Therapy Capstone Handbook (PDF)

Deadlines

Fall Start Priority Deadline: November 3
Fall Start Final Deadline: April 30

Note: Our early admissions cycle has closed, but the application for the OTD program is still open! We welcome and encourage prospective students to continue submitting their applications.

Admissions

Our program requires all applicants to complete specific prerequisite courses from an accredited institution, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and prerequisite GPA of 3.2 in the following courses. Applications with fewer than seven (7) prerequisites completed (not counting Medical Terminology) will not be reviewed.

• General Psychology (one semester/3 credits)
• Abnormal Psychology (one semester/3 credits)
• Human Development (one semester/3 credits)
• Statistics (one semester/3 credits)
• Biology (one semester/3 credits)
• Human Anatomy with lab (one semester/3-4 credits)
• Human Physiology with lab (one semester/4 credits)
• Social Sciences (Anthropology, Humanities, Philosophy, Sociology; 2 semesters/6 credits)
• Medical Terminology (If taken online, a certificate of completion must be sent to the UVM Graduate College Admissions office.)

Additional requirements:

• 3 letters of recommendation (1 academic letter and 2 professional letters, preferably one by an OT)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-US residents with an undergraduate degree that is not from an institution where English is the language of instruction
• Optional interview through Kira Talent for students who pass through the first stage of the admissions process

NOTES: GRE scores are not required for this program. No transfer credits will be accepted, and no credit will be given for work experience.

Early Admission for UVM Students

UVM students are eligible to apply for early admission to the Occupational Therapy program. 

Accelerated 3+3 Degree in Occupational Therapy 

Save on the time and cost of earning an advanced degree: Learn more about the 3+3 Pathway.

View the Accelerated 3+3 Degree in Occupational Therapy curriculum (PDF) 

Outcomes

NBCOT Passing Rate Information

Graduates of the program are 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. 

NBCOT Passing Rate

The University of Vermont’s Class of 2025 achieved a 100% pass rate.

Current NBCOT exam pass rate information.

Note: The program’s passing percent data is calculated on the number of New Graduates who passed the NBCOT exam regardless of the number of attempts during the testing year to meet ACOTE’s reporting standard.

Retention and Graduation 

The following information has been reported to the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). 

Costs and Funding

Considering how to finance your education at UVM? Examine the tuition, fees, and financing opportunities for the Occupational Therapy program.

The Accelerated 3+3 Degree in Occupational Therapy is a great way to save time and money on your advanced degree.

More

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a time limit on the acceptability of prerequisites for my application?

Prerequisite courses should ideally be completed within ten years before applying to the program.

What is the average class size?

Each academic year, the program admits 24 students.

Are graduate assistantships offered?

Currently, there are no graduate assistantships available. However, we are in the process of creating these opportunities for the future.

Will I need a car?

Access to a car is generally necessary for clinical experience courses. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from our affiliated clinical sites. While Burlington's public transit system is comprehensive and free for UVM students, it does not serve all clinical locations off-campus.

Is an interview is a mandatory part of the admissions process?

Candidates who progress through the first stage of the admissions process may complete an optional interview, which can be conducted either through Zoom or in person.