How to Choose an OTD Program
Dr. Barb Hooper, Founding Program Director and Division Chief of Duke’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program discusses the unique features of the Duke OTD curriculum and key factors to consider when selecting an OTD program.
No two occupational therapy programs are the same.
Yes, all programs must meet minimum accreditation standards, but how those standards are achieved—and the additional opportunities offered beyond the basics—can vary significantly from one program to another. So, what criteria should guide you in selecting the program that best fits your needs? We believe these ten factors are key to choosing a high-quality educational experience:
- The curriculum’s development process and rationale are straightforward to you;
- The program’s perspective on occupational therapy is clear and compelling, and this viewpoint is reflected in the program’s vision, inspiring you;
- The vision, mission, goals, and outcomes of the program are aligned and cohesive;
- The program’s goals for your professional growth (usually outlined in the program outcomes) align with your aspirations as a future professional;
- There is a thoughtful integration of coursework and practical experiences through fieldwork, simulations, community and professional engagement, and your prior life experiences before entering OT school;
- The learning community is broad and welcoming;
- The teaching methods align with your preferred learning style;
- You sense a culture of care and support in the community;
- There is a commitment to advancing evidence-based practices and research in occupational therapy and occupational science;
- You feel that the importance of occupation as the core concept of occupational therapy is deeply valued and that this idea energizes the entire educational experience.