Occupational Therapy

Program Overview

The University of Vermont's Occupational Therapy degree program offers a competitive advantage in a rapidly expanding field, both within Vermont and across the nation.

UVM's program stands out for its state-of-the-art laboratories and comprehensive fieldwork opportunities. The pioneering pediatric lab aims to foster children's self-confidence and vital motor skills, which are essential for their everyday activities and social engagement. Furthermore, the facility encourages interdisciplinary cooperation between students of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology, enhancing interprofessional collaboration and therapeutic outcomes. The "smart apartment" simulation lab, outfitted with adaptive technologies and modifications in the kitchen and bathroom, offers students and community members various independent living solutions.

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

Accreditation

The University of Vermont’s entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Preaccreditation Status 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 (2682) and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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 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.

Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 4 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.DOCTOR'S-DEGREE-LEVEL-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM (Program with Candidacy Status).

Curriculum

In this eight-semester program, you will gain a comprehensive and well-rounded education, enriched with hands-on experience, practical application, and leadership development opportunities. 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 7130: Development of occupational beings (2)
• OT 7140: Psychosocial and mental health influences on occupation (3)
• OT 7180: Activity analysis (2)

Spring 1

• NSCI 6020: Neuroscience (3)
• NH 6899: Fundamentals of Critical Inquiry (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 7700/7701: Fieldwork – Level I (2)

Fall 2

• OT 7400: Teaching and advocacy (2)
• OT 7450: Young adults as occupational beings (6)
• OT 7470: Research II (2)
• OT 7480: Designing creative therapeutic intervention (2)
• OT 7490: OT practice management (3)           
• OT 7610: Capstone II (1)

Spring 2

• OT 7550: Children as occupational beings (6)
• OT 7560: Living life to the fullest (3)
• OT 7570: Research III (2)
• OT 7590: Becoming a life-long practitioner and learner (3)
• OT 7620: Capstone III (1)

Summer 2

• OT 7710: Fieldwork - Level II (9)

Fall 3

• OT 7720: Fieldwork - Level II (9)

Spring 3

• OT 7630: Capstone IV (7)

Total Credits

98 

Further program requirements are outlined in the Occupational Therapy Program Manual (PDF), Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Manual (PDF), and Occupational Therapy Capstone Handbook (PDF). 

Deadlines

The deadline for applications is April 30.

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:

• 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/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
• An interview via 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.

Accelerated 3+3 Degree in Occupational Therapy 

Save on the time and cost of earning an advanced degree.

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 must complete an interview, which can be conducted either through Zoom or in person, to be considered for admission into the program.