What is Occupational Therapy?
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, “occupational therapy enables people of all ages to participate in daily living” (AOTA, 2023). Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping individuals overcome physical, psychological, or developmental obstacles that affect their ability to engage in meaningful daily activities (occupations) and enable them to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
Why Occupational Therapy?
The profession of occupational therapy is a dynamic and rewarding career choice! As an occupational therapy practitioner, you can:
- Empower individuals to overcome physical, psychological, or developmental challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
- Work in diverse settings, including hospitals, community centers, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, schools, and many other locations.
- Provide holistic, person-centered care while collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
- Discover purpose in advocating for and empowering your clients to regain their independence and maximize their overall quality of life.
About the OTD Program at the University of New Haven
We believe all people and communities have a right to meaningful participation in occupations that promote health and well-being. Occupational therapy provides a powerful and multidimensional lens to capture diverse human experiences, allowing practitioners to create solutions for engagement in everyday occupations.
The University of New Haven Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is dedicated to preparing compassionate, competent occupational therapists who advance cultural humility and can profoundly impact the lives of individuals and communities. Our program philosophy is rooted in holistic person-centered care, evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and a commitment to service, reflecting our belief in the transformative power of occupational therapy.
OTD Program Quick Facts
Total Credits: 96
Time to Complete: 2.75 years / 8 semesters
Start Dates: Fall, only
Application Deadline: Still accepting applications
Program Accreditation
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) has granted the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program Preaccreditation Status. The program must 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).
For more information, please visit:
ACOTE
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E,
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 652-6611
acoteonline.org
Email: accred@aota.org
Jump to NBCOT Exam Info and Outcomes
Distinguished, Expert Faculty
Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.
OTD Curriculum
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) is a 2.75-year full-time program across eight semesters. Our program focuses on a dynamic and developmental framework based on constructivism and transformative learning principles. The curriculum has three levels: Foundations, Occupational Therapy (OT) Process, and Experiential Learning.
In the Foundations Level, students learn the basic principles supporting occupational therapy, building a solid knowledge foundation for advanced practice. Moving to the OT Process Level, students explore clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention strategies, applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations. Finally, the Experiential Learning Level offers immersive opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in different settings, transforming theoretical understanding into practical, person-centered practice.
This approach not only equips students with requisite skills but also fosters a reflective and adaptive mindset, essential for the ever-changing landscape of occupational therapy.
Read more about our curriculum, objectives, and courses in the OTD program.
The following information comes directly from our Academic Catalog. Read below, or you can open the full OTD Academic Catalog page in a new window.
Graduation Requirements
- Students must complete all required didactic and laboratory coursework before starting fieldwork.
- Students must comply with all site requirements, including background checks, immunizations, etc., to attend fieldwork experiences.
- All Level II Fieldwork experiences must be completed within 12 months following the didactic portion of the program.
- Students must complete all required didactic and laboratory coursework, Level II Fieldwork, and pass a comprehensive exam before starting the Doctoral Capstone Experience and Doctoral Capstone Project.
- Students must comply with all site requirements, including background checks, immunizations, etc.
- Doctoral Capstone Project and Doctoral Capstone Experience must be completed within 12 months following completion of Level II Fieldwork.
NBCOT Exam
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) administers the certification examination for occupational therapy practitioners. To be eligible to take the NBCOT exam, candidates must meet specific requirements.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
- Completion of the following prerequisites with a grade of C or better:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs (8 credits, completed within 4 years).
- Human Development (3 credits, e.g., Child/Adolescent, Adult, or Lifespan; within 10 years).
- Abnormal Psychology (3 credits, within 10 years).
- Statistics (3 credits, within 10 years).
- At least 10 verified observation hours (completed in the past 5 years).
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement addressing: “Explain how your preparation, experiences, and interests have led you to a career in Occupational Therapy and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of New Haven.”
- Resume or CV.
- Successful interview (virtual or in-person).
The program may accept up to 3 graduate-level occupational therapy courses transferred from another accredited OT program, provided a grade of B or better is earned and the content aligns with the program curriculum.
Advanced placement is not offered.
Applicants must document at least 10 hours of verified observation in occupational therapy or related practice settings. Online modules may be used as a substitute when in-person access is limited.
In addition to the general criteria above, international applicants must provide:
- A course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services (WES) verifying equivalence to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- Proof of English proficiency: minimum TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.5, or PTE 68.
The OTD program follows a holistic admissions review process that goes beyond GPA and prerequisites. We value:
- Diverse educational, cultural, and life experiences.
- Leadership and service in academic, professional, or community settings.
- Commitment to working with underserved or emerging practice populations.
- Motivation, resilience, and potential for professional growth.
This process ensures equitable access and reflects the University’s mission to create an engaged, inclusive community dedicated to innovation and impactful education.
- Apply through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).
- Admission is on a rolling basis with final deadlines each spring.
- Applicants are notified of outcomes (acceptance, conditional acceptance, or denial) within four weeks of interview.
Annual Program Costs for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program
Tuition for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is $1,185 per credit for students entering the program in the 2026–2027 academic year. The program spans eight semesters over a three-year period. Estimated direct educational costs are outlined below:
| Semester/Year | Credits | Tuition | Fees | Total Direct Educational Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Fall, Spring) | 29 | $34,365 | $380 | $34,745 |
| Year 2 (Summer, Fall, Spring) | 41 | $48,585 | $355 | $48,940 |
| Year 3 (Summer, Fall, Spring) | 26 | $30,810 | $280 | $31,090 |
| Total Program | 96 | $113,760 | $1,015 | $114,775 |
Estimated direct educational costs to complete the program (for students entering in the 2026–2027 academic year): $114,775
Total Cost of Attendance
In addition to the direct educational costs listed above, students should plan for
additional educational and living expenses that contribute to the total cost of attendance.
These may include, but are not limited to:
- Books, instructional materials, technology costs, and professional expenses (including American Occupational Therapy Association student membership)
- Transportation and travel
- Housing and living expenses
- Health insurance (if not otherwise covered)
- Fieldwork- or capstone-related expenses
These costs vary based on individual circumstances and are not included in the direct educational cost totals listed above.
Distance Education Fees
The OTD program includes courses delivered using hybrid and distance education methodologies.
There are no additional fees specific to distance education beyond the direct educational
costs listed above.
Tuition and Fee Changes
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Updated tuition rates may apply to future
academic years and incoming cohorts. Click here to view our tuition and fees webpage.
The University of New Haven is an excellent value with reasonable tuition. We are committed to assisting our Graduate students in the financing of their education by offering a comprehensive financial aid program.
