Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

Pursue an OTD degree to advance your education in occupational therapy and leverage your skills to help patients live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

32 Months

Earn your Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree in 32 months

Scholarship Opportunities Available!

The Dean’s Scholarship and Community Leader Scholarship are available to new students starting WCU’s OTD program in May 2024 or later.

Online Classes

Students will have 1-2 days per week of synchronous learning that gives them the ability to engage with their professors and peers in real time

2022 Graduation Rate

2022 NBCOT Certification Passage Rate

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Highlights

Technologically advanced simulation center that mimics real-life treatment settings

Interprofessional setting where you learn alongside students in other healthcare fields

Dynamic learning environment where you can practice integrated care

One-on-one mentorship with an experienced OT faculty mentor

Why Choose a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program?

WCU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, located at the WCU Center for Graduate Studies in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, helps students develop the skills and competencies needed to enter the field and provide patient-centered care. We take an integrated approach to classroom work and experiential learning.

Our OTD program derives from a practice-scholar model emphasizing the integration of scholarly knowledge in professional practice. Graduates of the program will be prepared to apply principles of evidence-based practice, research, and critical thinking to facilitate the well-being of their OT patients.

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Explore the OTD Program at WCU!

Overview: Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

Program Details

Program Pace

On-Campus and Online Synchronous Learning

120 Credits

32 Months

8 Trimesters

Curriculum

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is offered on a Trimester system, with 3 trimesters a year. Students may complete the OTD program in a total of 8 trimesters over 32 months.

Core Occupational Therapy Courses
Core Occupational Therapy Courses
OCC 700sProfessional Electives1
OCC 710Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice3
OCC 711Occupations Across the Lifespan2
OCC 712Introduction to Fieldwork I1
OCC 713OT Evaluation and Screening I3
OCC 714Introduction to Scholarship and Research2
OCC 715Basic Patient Care Skills2
OCC 716Integrated Physiology and Anatomy5
OCC 720AOccupational Performance in the Older Adult Population5
OCC 720BSkills Lab: Older Adult2
OCC 721Fieldwork I – Older Adult1
OCC 722OT Evaluation and Screening II2
OCC 723Brain, Behavior and Occupation3
OCC 724Movement Analysis in Occupation3
OCC 725Scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice I3
OCC 726Occupations in Practice2
OCC 730Introduction to Doctoral Studies1
OCC 731AOccupational Performance in the Adult Population5
OCC 731BSkills Lab: Adult2
OCC 732Fieldwork I – Adults1
OCC 733Scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice II3
OCC 734Preparatory Methods I3
OCC 736Assistive Technology3
OCC 741AOccupational Performance in the Child and Adolescent Population5
OCC 741BSkills Lab: Children and Adolescents2
OCC 742Fieldwork I-Children and Adolescents1
OCC 743Introduction to Fieldwork II1
OCC 744Preparatory Methods II4
OCC 745Occupational Wellness4
OCC 746Leadership and Advancement in Occupational Therapy Practice4
OCC 751Preparation for Doctoral Professional Practice1
OCC 752Fieldwork II-A12
OCC 761Preparation for Capstone I1
OCC 762Fieldwork IIB12
OCC 771Preparation for Capstone II2
OCC 773Doctoral Capstone Experience I5
OCC 780Doctoral Capstone Experience II6
OCC 782Capstone2
Total Credit Hours:120.0

* Professional electives include OCC 737E, OCC 738E, and OCC 739E

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Occupational Therapy Doctorate tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the OTD program costs at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Tuition and Fees

Degree TypeDoctorate
Total Program Credits120
Program Length(Full-time)8 trimesters
Tuition Cost(per credit)$919
Total Tuition Cost$110,280
Application Fee (non-refundable)$0
STRF Fee1 (non-refundable)$287.50
Estimated Total Book Costs3$3,569
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2$357
Estimate for Uniforms Fees2$0
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees2$70
Technology Fee3($100 per trimester) $800
Estimated Total Program Costs$115,363.50

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year4
with parentsoff campus
Federal Student Loan Fees$220 $220
Course Materials (Personal Electronic Device-1st year only)
$1,000$1,000
Professional License, Certificate, or First Professional Credential
$270$270
Living Expenses (Food & Housing)$3,552$11,840
Transportation$2,456$2,456
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses$8,048$8,048
Total$15,546$23,834

1 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 The Estimate for Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change. Supplies become student purchases once issued to student. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all of the supplies, contact the Bursar Office.

Fees do not include indirect costs, which may include but are not limited to background checks, health screenings/requirements for clinical, out of state fieldwork placements, and/or transportation.

Refer to the Program Fee Schedule for a breakdown of expected indirect costs.

Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software. 

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Note 1: Students who wish to take Challenge Exams will be subject to a fee of $100 for each Challenge exam. Please see the campus Bursar Office for a full price listing.

Note 2: Course Audits - If a course(s) is being audited. Credits for these course(s) will be included for the student's schedule status for courses taken by semester. Audit course fees will be incurred by program, based on these schedule statuses shown above.

Note 3: Applicants are conditionally accepted to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program until a non-refundable $250.00 good faith payment for a Seat Deposit has been submitted. The Seat Deposit is not a separate charge but will be credited to the program costs should the student not cancel their enrollment. The University will retain the full amount of this deposit should the student cancel their enrollment at any time, for any reason. Seat Deposits may be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, or cashier's check made payable to West Coast University. A Seat Deposit will be collected for each enrollment and cannot be applied to or carried over to enrollments for other programs or start terms. At their discretion, the Executive Director may refund the full Seat Deposit for unusual or unexpected circumstances that would warrant a full refund.

Admission Requirements

Student applying for admission to the OTD program at West Coast University must:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission and pay application fee through OTCAS and submit transcripts by the deadline.
  2. Meet the program admissions requirements.
  3. Submit a copy of official transcripts through OTCAS.
  4. Participate in a qualitative admissions interview arranged by a University Admissions Advisor.
  5. Complete an enrollment agreement if accepted into the program.

Program specific application requirements and prerequisites:

  1. Have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Overall last 60 unit requirement must meet a 3.0 minimum GPA.
  2. Application can be submitted during enrollment in an undergraduate degree program or during completion of prerequisite course work.  Note: In order to be considered for admissions all course work must be completed and final documentation must be submitted by the deadline posted on OTCAS.
  3. Medical terminology course required. (1-2 credits)
  4.  Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-English speaking country must have verification of the following scores within two years of intended enrollment:
    1. An Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90 with no less than 20 on each sub-score; or
    2. An IELTS of 6.5 with no less than 6 on each band score.
    3. Students whose native language is English and/or students with a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university are exempted from this examination.
  5. Applicants must have obtained an overall 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) of program prerequisite courses (from accredited universities) within the last ten years.
  1. Required prerequisite courses:
      • Two (2) courses in the humanities or social sciences (Anthropology; Philosophy; Religion; Ethics; Cultural studies; Group dynamics) (3 semester units)
      • One (1) course in Statistics (3 semester units)
      • One (1) course in Human Anatomy plus lab (3 semester units)
      • One (1) course in Physiology plus lab (3 semester units)
      • One (1) course in Human Development or Lifespan (3 semester units)
      • One (1) course in Abnormal or Behavioral Psychology (3 semester units)
      • One (1) course in Advanced Writing (3 semester units)
  1. Student should have:
        1. Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
        2. Three (3) references: (1-2) occupational therapists; 1 faculty member/advisor; 1 professional
        3. A minimum of 40 volunteer or observation hours obtained from an occupational setting of choice

In order to be considered, all program specific admissions requirements and prerequisites must be met by deadlines posted on OTCAS.

To view a full list of program requirements, please visit our catalog.

Academic Calendar

Academic terms begin in Spring, Summer, and Fall. To see a list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Additional Information About our OTD Degree

Welcome to West Coast University's Occupational Therapy Department. Our department has a tradition of excellence.

West Coast University prepares MSOT and OTD students to be successful professionals, by emphasizing holistic client-centered care, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking skills. A part of our mission at West Coast University is to embrace a student-centric learning partnership. We continuously pursue more effective and innovative ways through which our students develop the competencies and confidence required in a complex and changing world.

Our facility is technologically advanced and provides students with an environment that promotes innovative learning methods designed to develop skilled, confident, and competent therapists. Our faculty members represent a wide array of expertise in the field of occupational therapy.

We are a family here at West Coast University. As you step through our doors, you will feel a comfortable and supportive environment. We provide a quality education for our students. We are a tight-knit group and believe that it’s ok to have fun while you learn.

Our legacy is our graduates. They make us proud daily, as they continue to propel the profession forward as leaders, advocates, and trailblazers, exhibiting industry-current solutions to promote quality of life.

Thank you for your interest in our OTD program. I look forward to meeting you during our interview season.

Warmest regards,

Stacey Willis, OTD, BSOT, OTR/L
Dean & Program Director,
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program at WCU

Make Your Degree a Reality With Our OT Scholarships!

We’re offering two new scholarship opportunities to help you pursue your occupational therapy degree. The Dean’s Scholarship and Community Leader Scholarship are available to new students starting WCU’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Doctorate programs in May 2024 or later.

Visit WCU’s online catalog to read more about available scholarships and their eligibility requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, students will be able to:

  • Develop and implement client-centered care that is inclusive of cultural values, beliefs and needs
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills to function effectively as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team
  • Apply critical analysis of evidence during the occupational therapy process and participate to increase the body of knowledge of the profession through the preparation and dissemination of scholarship
  • Design and implement interventions with a central focus on occupation as the means and end of therapeutic processes, in line with the profession’s philosophy.
  • Integrate health promotion and wellness in interventions with individuals, communities, and populations.
  • Model leadership and advocacy for occupational therapy in the full range of service areas.

The OTD Student Handbook is designed to help you navigate through your time in our program. The handbook provides an overview of academic standards, policies and procedures, student resources, and expected behaviors — all in a single location.

WCU OT Student Handbook, please click here.

WCU OT Fieldwork Education Manual, please click here.

NBCOT Certification data for the program is available at the NBCOT website.

Graduates of West Coast University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program are eligible to take the national certification examination for the occupational therapist. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) administers the exam. Once a graduate completes the examination, he or she will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In most states, licensure is required for practice, and state licenses are typically based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination.

Please note that individuals taking the national certification examination must answer the following questions:

  • Have you ever been charged with or convicted of a felony? (Note: Applicants are required to answer “yes” if records, charges, or convictions have been pardoned, expunged, released, or sealed).
  • Have you ever had any professional license, registration, or certification revoked or subject to probationary conditions by a registry authority or certification board?
  • Have you ever been found by any court, administrative, or disciplinary proceedings to have committed negligence, malpractice, recklessness, or willful or intentional misconduct which resulted in harm to another?
  • Have you ever been suspended and/or expelled from a college or university?

Graduation & NBCOT Pass Rates

Graduates from the Occupational Therapy Doctorate 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). Graduation and NBCOT pass rates are as follows:

Graduation Data

YearStudents Entering/GraduatingGraduation Rate
YearStudents Enter/GradGrad Rate
202128/2486%
202228/28100%
202334/2882%
Total90/8089%

NBCOT Certification Data

YearNumber of Students Taking ExamNumber of Students Who Passed ExamPassage Rate
YearNum. of Students Taking ExamNum. of Students Who Passed ExamPassage Rate
2021191895%
20223131100%
2023262388%

 

Information SessionsTo view available dates and reserve your virtual seat, click here!.
Campus ToursAvailable every Thursday at 4pm.
Campus Address: 590 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004
What:Coffee with the Dean & Faculty
When:April 10, 2024
Time:3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where:Center for Graduate Studies
590 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Do you have a passion for helping people get better? Would you like a career helping injured, ill, or disabled patients recover? If so, we would like to invite you to learn more about our Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs at the Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles! At our special open house event, you’ll get a chance to:

  • Meet with the dean and faculty
  • Learn more about careers in Occupational Therapy
  • Take a tour of the campus/facilities
  • Get a complete program overviews
  • Ask questions about the program or admissions requirements in person

Don’t miss out on your chance to discover how a graduate-level degree in occupational therapy can help you obtain a rewarding career in improving the lives of others.

To RSVP, please click here.

Going beyond the generalist requirements of a master’s level program, the doctoral coursework at West Coast University prepares the student as a scholar of practice by preparing them for future leadership and advocacy within occupational therapy and the workplace.

The Doctoral Capstone consists of two parts:

Capstone Project

The purpose of the capstone project is to serve as the culminating project for the doctoral student. The capstone enables the student to see a large project through the phases of initial research and development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination.

Capstone projects will focus on one or more of the following areas:

  • Clinical Practice Skills
  • Program or Policy Development
  • Education
  • Leadership
  • Administration
  • Advocacy
  • Theory Development
  • Research

Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE)

The Doctoral Capstone Experience serves as the context for implementing the capstone project. The DCE site provides the student with the opportunity to develop advanced skills beyond the level of a generalist practitioner, deepen competency as a scholar of practice, and complete their capstone project.

The Doctoral Capstone Experience is 14 weeks (560 hours), and 80% of the DCE hours must be completed directly on-site.

View capstone projects completed by previous students.

 

Message from the Director

West Coast University prepares MSOT and OTD students to be successful professionals, by emphasizing holistic client-centered care, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking skills. A part of our mission at West Coast University is to embrace a student-centric learning partnership. We continuously pursue more effective and innovative ways through which our students develop the competencies and confidence required in a complex and changing world.

Our facility is technologically advanced and provides students with an environment that promotes innovative learning methods designed to develop skilled, confident, and competent therapists. Our faculty members represent a wide array of expertise in the field of occupational therapy.

We are a family here at West Coast University. As you step through our doors, you will feel a comfortable and supportive environment. We provide a quality education for our students. We are a tight-knit group and believe that it’s ok to have fun while you learn.

Our legacy is our graduates. They make us proud daily, as they continue to propel the profession forward as leaders, advocates, and trailblazers, exhibiting industry-current solutions to promote quality of life.

Thank you for your interest in our OTD program. I look forward to meeting you during our interview season.

Warmest regards,

Stacey Willis, OTD, BSOT, OTR/L
Dean & Program Director,
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program at WCU

Scholarship Opportunities

We’re offering two new scholarship opportunities to help you pursue your occupational therapy degree. The Dean’s Scholarship and Community Leader Scholarship are available to new students starting WCU’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Doctorate programs in May 2024 or later.

Visit WCU’s online catalog to read more about available scholarships and their eligibility requirements.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, students will be able to:

  • Develop and implement client-centered care that is inclusive of cultural values, beliefs and needs
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills to function effectively as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team
  • Apply critical analysis of evidence during the occupational therapy process and participate to increase the body of knowledge of the profession through the preparation and dissemination of scholarship
  • Design and implement interventions with a central focus on occupation as the means and end of therapeutic processes, in line with the profession’s philosophy.
  • Integrate health promotion and wellness in interventions with individuals, communities, and populations.
  • Model leadership and advocacy for occupational therapy in the full range of service areas.
OTD Student Handbook

The OTD Student Handbook is designed to help you navigate through your time in our program. The handbook provides an overview of academic standards, policies and procedures, student resources, and expected behaviors — all in a single location.

WCU OT Student Handbook, please click here.

WCU OT Fieldwork Education Manual, please click here.

NBCOT/Grad Rates

NBCOT Certification data for the program is available at the NBCOT website.

Graduates of West Coast University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program are eligible to take the national certification examination for the occupational therapist. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) administers the exam. Once a graduate completes the examination, he or she will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In most states, licensure is required for practice, and state licenses are typically based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination.

Please note that individuals taking the national certification examination must answer the following questions:

  • Have you ever been charged with or convicted of a felony? (Note: Applicants are required to answer “yes” if records, charges, or convictions have been pardoned, expunged, released, or sealed).
  • Have you ever had any professional license, registration, or certification revoked or subject to probationary conditions by a registry authority or certification board?
  • Have you ever been found by any court, administrative, or disciplinary proceedings to have committed negligence, malpractice, recklessness, or willful or intentional misconduct which resulted in harm to another?
  • Have you ever been suspended and/or expelled from a college or university?

Graduation & NBCOT Pass Rates

Graduates from the Occupational Therapy Doctorate 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). Graduation and NBCOT pass rates are as follows:

Graduation Data

YearStudents Entering/GraduatingGraduation Rate
YearStudents Enter/GradGrad Rate
202128/2486%
202228/28100%
202334/2882%
Total90/8089%

NBCOT Certification Data

YearNumber of Students Taking ExamNumber of Students Who Passed ExamPassage Rate
YearNum. of Students Taking ExamNum. of Students Who Passed ExamPassage Rate
2021191895%
20223131100%
2023262388%
Admission Events

 

Information SessionsTo view available dates and reserve your virtual seat, click here!.
Campus ToursAvailable every Thursday at 4pm.
Campus Address: 590 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004
What:Coffee with the Dean & Faculty
When:April 10, 2024
Time:3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where:Center for Graduate Studies
590 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Do you have a passion for helping people get better? Would you like a career helping injured, ill, or disabled patients recover? If so, we would like to invite you to learn more about our Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs at the Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles! At our special open house event, you’ll get a chance to:

  • Meet with the dean and faculty
  • Learn more about careers in Occupational Therapy
  • Take a tour of the campus/facilities
  • Get a complete program overviews
  • Ask questions about the program or admissions requirements in person

Don’t miss out on your chance to discover how a graduate-level degree in occupational therapy can help you obtain a rewarding career in improving the lives of others.

To RSVP, please click here.

About the OTD Capstone

Going beyond the generalist requirements of a master’s level program, the doctoral coursework at West Coast University prepares the student as a scholar of practice by preparing them for future leadership and advocacy within occupational therapy and the workplace.

The Doctoral Capstone consists of two parts:

Capstone Project

The purpose of the capstone project is to serve as the culminating project for the doctoral student. The capstone enables the student to see a large project through the phases of initial research and development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination.

Capstone projects will focus on one or more of the following areas:

  • Clinical Practice Skills
  • Program or Policy Development
  • Education
  • Leadership
  • Administration
  • Advocacy
  • Theory Development
  • Research

Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE)

The Doctoral Capstone Experience serves as the context for implementing the capstone project. The DCE site provides the student with the opportunity to develop advanced skills beyond the level of a generalist practitioner, deepen competency as a scholar of practice, and complete their capstone project.

The Doctoral Capstone Experience is 14 weeks (560 hours), and 80% of the DCE hours must be completed directly on-site.

View capstone projects completed by previous students.

 

Career Services

Career Services

Occupational Therapy Career Guidance and Support

Our OTD students get one-on-one support through every step of their job search. Our dedicated Career Services team can help with anything from resume writing to interview coaching.1 We partner with industry professionals to enhance our students’ prospects for securing employment and obtaining professional success.

Additionally, OTD students are matched with an occupational therapy faculty mentor from day one of their education, giving them the ability to get continuous professional guidance and learn about the different environments and fields where they could practice as occupational therapists.

Placement Opportunities

Occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings and specialties. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists most often work in:

  • Hospitals
  • Offices of occupational, physical, and speech therapists
  • Elementary and secondary schools
  • Home healthcare services
  • Nursing care facilities2

Meet the Dean

Stacey Willis, OTD, BSOT, OTR/L

Dean & Program Director,
Occupational Therapy Program at WCU-CGS

Dr. Stacey Willis obtained her doctorate degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California in 2012, and her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy from California State University Dominguez Hills in 2002. Dr. Willis is an expert in psychosocial occupational therapy treatment and has been working in community-based mental health for the past 12 years. She has extensive experience in the areas of management, leadership, program development, community integration, fiscal operations, and contract administration.

Dr. Willis served as the Intensive Services Director at the Occupational Therapy Training Program, where she was responsible for overseeing all daily and administrative operations of the Intensive Services Department. This included the oversight of three intensive programs funded by the county of Los Angeles (Wraparound Program, Center for the Assessment of Prodromal States Pilot Program, and the Full Service Partnership Program). Dr. Willis was able to identify, promote, and embed occupational therapy services into various community-based programs. As director, she also provided ongoing management, training, and mentorship to an interdisciplinary mental health services team. She remains a consultant for the division.

Dr. Willis has spoken at numerous conferences and community events emphasizing the importance and vital role that occupational therapy provides in the treatment of individuals living with mental illness.

Dr. Willis is an avid Lakers fan and self-proclaimed movie buff, and she enjoys engaging in community outreach in an effort to inspire youth to reach their fullest potential. Her and her husband’s favorite pastime is to cheer on their son and daughter at their numerous sporting events.

Meet the OT Dean | Watch Video

View All Occupational Therapy Faculty

NBCOT

NBCOT Certification data for the program is available at the NBCOT website.

West Coast University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program received accreditation on July 26, 2019 from 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 is 301-652-6611, and their website is Acoteonline.org.

Program 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, most states require licensure to practice; however, state licensure is usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

FAQs

What is an OTD degree?

An occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) is the most advanced degree you can pursue in occupational therapy. WCU’s OTD program helps provide you with the hands-on experience and skill set needed to succeed as a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

 

How is WCU’s doctorate OT program different from the master’s OT program?

WCU’s OTD program is based in the practice-scholar model, which focuses on the integration of scholarly knowledge in professional practice. Going beyond the generalist requirements of a master’s-level program, the doctoral coursework for WCU’s OTD program provides the student with a deepened engagement with practice skills, innovation, occupational therapy and occupational science theory, and research, thereby building a solid foundation for future leadership and advocacy within occupational therapy and the workplace.

How long does it take to become an OTD?

With WCU’s OTD program, you can earn your degree in 32 months, which is 8 trimesters.

Is the GRE Exam Required?

No, we do not require your GRE scores. Please do not send them as these scores will not be taken into account for our admissions decision.

Can I take a combined anatomy and physiology course?

Yes, as long as you meet the minimum 6-semester unit requirement, including labs. To meet both our anatomy and physiology prerequisite requirements, you can submit two single courses (i.e., Human Anatomy + lab and Human Physiology + lab) or two combination courses (i.e., A&P1 and A&P2).

Can I have pending coursework when I apply?

Yes, but only if you are going to have the coursework and all admissions requirements completed and submitted by the deadline. Coursework must be verified by OTCAS by the deadline in order to be reviewed/accepted.

When does the program start?

WCU’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program starts in the fall of each year.

Do I need to submit a personal statement or resume?

No, please do not send in a resume or personal statement. This is not part of the application process.

Are the program admissions requirements based on semester units or quarter units?

Our program admissions requirements are based on semester units.

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Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.