Programs
The mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy is to prepare highly qualified and motivated therapists to become leaders in the profession. We welcome applications from therapists with an earned master's degree and a strong desire to pursue an independent line of research in either an academic or clinical setting. Students will be assigned an advisor whose interest is aligned with theirs. Research interests of the Occupational Therapy faculty are diverse and focus on the needs of people with disabilities across the lifespan and range from basic science to clinical applications in medical and community settings. Please explore our departmental website to learn more about our faculty and their research interests.
Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Entry Level
VCU offers an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program designed for persons who have a bachelor's degree. This 9 semester, 3-year, fulltime, face-to-face professional program includes 104 graduate credits of academic courses, six months of fulltime fieldwork experiences, and a semester-long doctoral practicum.
Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences
The Ph.D. Program in Health Related Sciences is an innovative hybrid program designed for working health professionals to learn research skills for solving real-world problems. Within this interdisciplinary program, students can receive mentorship in their specific area including Occupational Therapy.
Dual-Degree OTD/PhD Program
The dual-degree OTD-to-PhD program allows students to earn an entry-level OTD while simultaneously completing course credits in the interdisciplinary Health Related Sciences Ph.D. program in the College of Health Professions. While the OTD prepares students clinically, the Ph.D. degree provides additional training and mentorship in research.
Occupational Therapy Doctorate/Certificate in Aging Studies
The dual degree Occupational Therapy Doctorate and Certificate in Aging Studies program allows current OTD students to earn an occupational therapy doctorate degree with a Graduate Certificate of Aging Studies with a minimum of 116 credits rather than the 119 credits necessary if the two degrees were pursued separately.