Two students participating in a sensory and motor skills assessment in an occupational therapy classroom.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

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What is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree?

In our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, we offer a hybrid format, blending distance learning with on-campus activities. You’ll learn from a crafted curriculum, including lectures from practicing OTs, community-based learning, and fieldwork experiences. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, facilitated by technology and dedicated labs. With community partnerships, we prepare you for diverse practice settings, offering opportunities for engagement with assistive technology resources at Jim’s Place, made possible through the generosity of the O’Rourke Family.

Complete our request form to receive details about our program. If you have further questions, contact Roxanne Freeman.

Reduce tuition with grad assistantships

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Why earn a Doctor of Occupational Therapy?

Our long-standing rigorous OTD program provides you with flexibility and interactive learning. With a hybrid delivery model, you’ll take courses online and on campus allowing you to balance responsibilities outside the classroom. When you’re on campus, you’ll find yourself in learning labs equipped with assistive technology and industry tools. You’ll round out the program with a year of fieldwork

Established program

Our OT program was established in 1989—35 years of occupational therapy education.

Nationwide connections

We’ve established contracts with sites across the U.S., allowing you to complete your fieldwork experiences in different states.

Choose where you learn

Complete your on-campus courses at St. Ambrose University in Davenport or at Loras College in Dubuque.

Assistive technology hub

St. Ambrose's assistive technology house—Jim's Place—is a regional resource for innovative living solutions and technology.

Doctoral project

Partner with a mentor. Your project shapes the profession, encouraging industry involvement.

Accelerated pathways

Apply as a senior in high school or college freshman to begin the OTD program after your junior year of college.

What you’ll learn in your OTD program

You’ll begin the program by learning the professional foundation of OT through lecture and lab experiences. Then, you’ll examine the impact of the client and environmental factors on occupational participation. Finally, you’ll finish the program by putting theory into practice with fieldwork experience and your doctoral capstone.

Preparation as a generalist OT
Preparation for National Occupational Therapy Board Certification Exam
Strong professional identity
Person-centered approach to client care
Strong commitment to service and community

Impactful experience

“My capstone experience was something truly unique that I felt would have not been able to experience anywhere else due to the freedom that SAU provided within the program.

Eric Ross ‘22 OTD

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Explore Doctor of Occupational Therapy courses

This degree will require you to complete a total 97-102 credits
You’ll also complete, 3 level I fieldwork rotations, 2 level II fieldwork rotations, and 1 doctoral capstone

Explore Course Sequence

Sample courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
OTD 550	Interventions IA	5 credits
OTD 605	Critical Inquiry II	3 credits
OTD 675	Scholarship II	2 credits
OTD 735	Fieldwork Level II	6 credits
OTD 800	Capstone Experience	8 credits

How much does a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree cost?

The cost of your OTD degree will not change once you've enrolled. Tuition is billed in six equal payments at the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester. Additional expenses include an acceptance fee ($200), textbooks ($1100-$1250), fieldwork medical/site requirements ($350), and certification exam preparation and registration ($500-800), and additional fieldwork expenses that vary by site. Additionally, OTCAS charges $164 for your first program application and $71 for each additional program application.

You will also need to budget for transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other costs of living.

Explore total cost of attendance.

Fall 2025 Cohort (36-month program)

Expense	Per Semester (Fall or Spring)	Total Program Cost**
Total tuition & fees*	$23,189	$139,134

*Includes tuition and institutional fees. Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees.
**OTD program requires a Fall start date. Total cost includes three Fall semesters and three Spring semesters.

St. Ambrose University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program at St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). (See contact information below.) Graduates of the program 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). All states also require licensure in order 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.

Review the Technical Standards for the OTD Program.

Contact ACOTE

ACOTE
c/o Accreditation Department
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-2682

Review licensure and accreditation details

What are the graduation and exam pass rates for St. Ambrose's OTD program?

The total number of graduates from the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is 168 with an overall graduation rate of 99%. Our overall NBCOT Certification Exam pass rate is 95%.

Graduation Year	Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate	NBCOT Exam New Grad Pass Rate
2019	33/32	97%	100%
2020	36/36	100%	100%
2021	37/37	100%	100%
2022	37/36	97%	94%
2023	27/27	100%	92%
Total (for most recent 3 years)	101/100 total	99%	95%

Visit the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam website to see our NBCOT certification exam pass rate.

How does SAU support OTD students?

St. Ambrose University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy faculty have expansive clinical practice and expertise in all areas of OT and across the patient lifespan. Many remain practicing clinicians ensuring you’ll gain a deep understanding of current OT practice. Faculty combine their clinical experience with passionate dedication to their students through 1-on-1 advising and mentorship, assistance with fieldwork placement, and a compassionate lens for school-life balance.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy faculty

Angela McCombs, OTD

Anne Lansing, OTD, MOL, OTR/L, CAPS

Brenda Hughes, DrOT

Cherie Blackwell, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Jenni Green, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS

Jennifer Petersen, OTD

Jill Schmidt, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CBIS

Julie Jones, OTD, OTR/L, BCP

Kami Holst, OTD

Lynn Kilburg, DHSc, MBA, OTR/L

Roxanne Freeman

Shelli Engelbrecht, MBAH, OTR/L

Stephanie Phares, DHSc, OTR/L

Other support resources

Accessibility Resource Center

Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

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Career services

Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.

Discover career support

Are there cost savings available for OTD?

At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of resources to help make college more affordable for our students.

Graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships can reduce your total tuition cost or provide income as you pursue your degree. Check our employment page for open positions.

Transfer credits

Save time and money by transferring up to 12 credits toward your Doctor of Occupational Therapy at St. Ambrose. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance with transfer credits.

Military benefits

Veterans, service members, and their children and spouses may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn about military benefits.

What’s on campus for Doctor of Occupational Therapy students?

Provide healthcare services to underserved community members in St. Ambrose University’s Interprofessional Health Clinic. This student-led clinic is supervised by faculty and licensed professionals. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to gain hands-on experience alongside other healthcare disciplines.

Join student clubs specifically created for occupational therapy students –Student Occupational Therapy Association, Phi Theta Epsilon–Occupational Therapy Honor Society, and Pre-OT Club.

Gain experience by helping others

“The interprofessional clinic is an awesome opportunity because you're working with licensed therapists, you're working with people of different professions. And I think it's super awesome because we are volunteering to help others but then we’re also getting hands-on experience in real life situations.”

-Elizabeth Nguyen, current student, OTD

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Admission requirements for the OTD program

Here are the admissions requirements for our OTD.

Submit all materials through the OTCAS centralized application service. The OTCAS application fee is $150 for the first application and $65 for each additional program.
Submit transcripts of all courses taken that apply toward college credit, note obtained (or planned) baccalaureate degree
Include three letters of recommendation.
Submit Personal Statement
Provide additional information related to observation, work, and volunteer experiences.
Prospective students may be selected for professional interviews focusing on academic, personal and professional preparedness for graduate studies.

Our early admission deadline is September 15. Our general admission deadline is December 1. All cohorts begin in the Fall semester.

Apply now

Prerequisites for the OTD program

Here are the prerequisites for students entering St. Ambrose University’s OTD program.

Completion of seven prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher, for a combined pre-requisite GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale:

Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
Medical Terminology (course/competency 1 credits)
Lifespan (3 credits)
300 level or above social science (3 credits)
Statistics (3 credits)
Ethics or BioMedical Ethics (3 credits)

20 hours of OT observation in at least two different settings with an OT

Technology note: Students will need to purchase a laptop or a tablet (iPad or Windows Surface Pro) that runs on a Mac, Windows, or iPad operating system. Tablets that run on Chromebook, Android, or Linux will NOT work with required software in the program. Students will also need to purchase and have basic level competency in platforms including Microsoft Word and Powerpoint and the internet.

We are a paperless program and students will receive all handouts and assignments electronically and testing will be conducted through our learning system Blackboard.

International student requirements

If you live outside of the U.S. there are additional admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:

Submit official international transcripts
A minimum 3.0 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: Varies by program; typically TOEFL - 80 IELTS - 6.5)
Copy of your passport and other documentation

Admission requirements for accelerated pathways in our OTD program

High school seniors and first year college students are eligible for an accelerated pathway to their OTD degree through our automatic conditional admission process. These students can save time and money by beginning their OTD degree during their senior year of college.

Once admitted, all students in the automatic, conditional pathway must meet the requirements listed below to remain qualified for conditional admission.

Fill out our Request for Automatic, Conditional Admission into our OTD program
Complete 10+ hours of service per year
Complete all remaining undergraduate coursework with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Complete all prerequisite coursework with a 3.0 prerequisite GPA and no grades lower than C in prerequisite courses
Complete all general education and major requirements
Actively participate in regular advising visits
Participate in pre-OT

Requirements for high school seniors

High school students accepted at St. Ambrose University or Loras College intending to pursue a doctoral degree in OT will receive automatic, conditional admission if they meet these high school requirements:

Complete 20 hours of observation in at least 2 different settings with an OT during high school.
Personal statement describing interest in OT
3.2 unweighted high school GPA

Requirements for first-year students

First-year students at St. Ambrose University or Loras College who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in OT will receive automatic, conditional admission if they meet these first-year college requirements:

Complete this automatic, conditional admission request form and submit all materials by June 1 of their first year of college.
Complete 20 hours of observation in at least 2 different settings with an OT
Personal statement describing interest in OT
3.0 unweighted GPA by the end of the second semester of college

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What can I do with an OTD?

Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Doctor of Occupational Therapy program could achieve.

Potential job titles

Occupational therapist
Rehabilitation director
Clinic manager
Assistive technology specialist

Potential employment settings

Hospitals and clinics
Rehabilitation centers
Schools and educational institutions
Community health organizations

Traits of an OT

Empathetic
Adaptive
Collaborative
Holistic

Industry facts

The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $93,180 in May 2022.
Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 12 percent by 2032.

For more information on Occupational Therapy employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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Johnny McGee '24 OTD pursued his passion through SAU's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.