OBU is now accepting applications for our first class of students in our entry-level, hybrid, 2-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree starting in January 2026.
Applications open January 13, 2025, with a priority deadline of June 20, 2025.
Hybrid
online learning and on-campus immersions
24 months
to complete (six semesters)
105
credit hours
OBU's Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program (OTD) offers top-tier training that equips you to become a compassionate, highly skilled occupational therapist. Our faculty's personal and professional learning approach fosters an atmosphere committed to advancing the health and well-being of others. This is accomplished through a holistic and Christ-centered avenue of care.
Rooted in Christian values, our program integrates academic excellence, hands-on clinical training, and spiritual growth to prepare you for rewarding and meaningful experiences in the field of occupational therapy.
As a student, you will engage in a two-year accelerated, hybrid curriculum that is academically rigorous and relevant. This type of learning module allows you to balance your personal and professional commitments. You will acquire the knowledge, skills, and personal growth necessary to meet the demands of modern healthcare. An important aspect of your training includes understanding the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals across diverse populations and communities.
Hybrid Program Information
Online Learning
The online component of the program occurs asynchronously (working independently on assigned modules and tasks at your convenience) and synchronously (participation in live online class with professors). The online courses deliver foundational knowledge in occupational therapy theory, research, and practice through engaging, interactive modules.
You will have access to a robust online learning platform that includes video lectures, case studies, practical simulations, and collaborative projects, allowing you to build a solid understanding of the profession from anywhere you choose. The curriculum is designed to foster critical and clinical thinking, ethical decision-making, professionalism, and a Christ-centered approach to client care.
On-Campus Immersions
Throughout the program, you will participate in periodic on-campus immersions (see course schedule for frequency), which provides opportunities for personal interaction with faculty, peers, and clinical experts. During these sessions, you will refine your practical skills in our state-of-the-art labs, simulations, and workshops.
These immersions will help to foster a sense of community and belonging, and allow you to integrate faith into learning while connecting Christian principles in real-world scenarios. Information will be provided on housing and meal options while visiting OBU for the on-campus immersions.
Clinical Fieldwork
In addition to the online coursework and on-campus immersions, you will gain extensive fieldwork experience. Your fieldwork will include three Level I Fieldwork rotations on campus, two 12-week Level II fieldwork rotations, and one 14-week Capstone project in a variety of healthcare settings and emerging practice areas.
These experiences allow you to apply your knowledge, provide compassionate care to others, build your clinical competency and reinforce the importance of servant leadership and advocacy for vulnerable and underserved communities.
Outstanding Faculty
OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.
Program Director, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
Director of Clinical Education/Academic Field Work Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
Director of Admissions for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Director of Capstone and Research, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Director of Curriculum, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Become a Future Shaper
Have questions? Fill out the form below or contact us by email or phone.
Email: occupational.therapy@okbu.edu
Phone: 405.302.8611
Accreditation Information
ACOTE – Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, 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 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.
In addition to the above statements, the program must have a documented and published policy to ensure that students complete all graduation, fieldwork, and doctoral capstone requirements in a timely manner. This must include a statement that all Level II fieldwork and the doctoral capstone must be completed within a time frame established by the program. Sample wording: “Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and an individual 14-week capstone experience within 18 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework, Level II fieldwork and preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.”
Higher Learning Commission
The proposed program is pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission.