Occupational Therapy, Post-Professional DrOT
Give back to your profession with a post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (DrOT). Enhance your scholarship, grow your knowledge, and prepare the next generation of occupational therapists.
About Our Post-Professional DrOT Program
A post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (DrOT) enhances your ability to lead, innovate, and elevate the field of occupational therapy. Valpo’s flexible, 100% online DrOT program is designed for practicing clinicians ready to deepen their expertise and expand their impact. Through advanced coursework and scholarly engagement, you’ll strengthen your clinical reasoning, research capabilities, and leadership skills. Whether you’re aiming to influence policy, educate future therapists, or lead change in clinical settings, our DrOT program empowers you to make meaningful contributions to the profession and the diverse communities you serve.
Admission to the post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (DrOT) program is decided by the following criteria:
- A completed Valparaiso University graduate application.
- Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Current state licensure as an occupational therapist in good standing.
- Proof of current registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume demonstrating a minimum of one year of work experience as an occupational therapist.
- A 1-2 page reflective essay describing your reasons for seeking this degree and your goals for using it.
Application Deadlines:
Rolling admission review with enrollment deadlines based on program start date:
• Fall Term: Intent to enroll/deposit deadline is August 1
• Spring Term: Intent to enroll/deposit deadline is December 1
• Summer Term: Intent to enroll/deposit deadline is April 1
At Valpo, our post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (DrOT) offers a comprehensive and advanced exploration of the field, designed for experienced practitioners seeking to elevate their practice and impact.
Our coursework fosters scholarly growth and leadership development, preparing you to drive change and contribute to the future of occupational therapy (OT). You’ll engage in critical topics such as:
- Educational principles in occupational therapy
- OT theories and frameworks
- Leadership in healthcare
Course Requirements
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Theories, Models, and Framework | 6 Cr. |
| Research Methodologies | 6 Cr. |
| Educational Principles in Occupational Therapy | 3 Cr. |
| Leadership in Healthcare | 3 Cr. |
| Elective or Independent Study option | 3 Cr. |
| Capstone Discovery and Design | 3 Cr. |
| Capstone | 6 Cr. |
| Total | 30 Cr. |
Capstone Project
The required capstone project integrates research, leadership, and advanced clinical practice in occupational therapy to advance your expertise. You’ll have an opportunity to:
- Collaborate with clinical or community-based organizations
- Apply evidence-based practice and advanced OT theory
- Design and implement solutions addressing real-world challenges
The career outlook for those pursuing advanced roles in occupational therapy is highly encouraging. This dynamic field continues to grow year-over-year with increasing demand for specialized skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow by 14% from 2024 to 2034 — significantly faster than the national average of 3% for all occupations.
Careers with a post-professional DrOT:
- Occupational therapy educator
- Occupational therapy consultant
- Clinical occupational therapist
- Clinical supervisor or manager
- Researcher or research coordinator
- Entrepreneur or private practice owner
- Program developer or coordinator
Valparaiso University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission:
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post-Professional doctor of occupational therapy
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Meet Our Faculty
Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.
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