Occupational Therapy Doctorate
College of Health Sciences
Become the best occupational therapist you know you can be with the occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) program at the University of Indianapolis. This entry-level program provides a solid foundation in occupational therapy while also offering opportunities to personalize your education through electives, such as earning a provisional certification as a brain injury specialist, and fieldwork in real-world settings. With strong partnerships with local organizations such as Community Health Network, Franciscan PACE Senior Health & Wellness, and Damar Services, Inc., as an OTD student at UIndy, you can explore a variety of occupational therapy settings to find the career path that is right for you, and develop your own professional network. As a graduate, you will step into the job market equipped with a comprehensive education, supportive network of faculty and industry professionals, and a dedication to using your education in service to your community, making you the ideal candidate in the field of occupational therapy.
I use the education I received from UIndy’s program on a daily basis. From the knowledge base they provided me, to the hands-on experience I gained in the classroom and on fieldwork, they set me up for success when interacting both with peers and patients. They taught me both professionalism and skills needed to excel from day one in the workforce.
Community Impact
Before walking across that stage and being handed your diploma, you will complete a Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE). The DCE is a 14-week project where students will address a real-world problem in a real-world setting. Each doctoral student will be paired with a community partner site, a site mentor, and a UIndy faculty mentor to assist them in their project in the field. This hands-on experience and partnership with industry professionals gives students a preview of what their careers will look like after graduation, and can even help them discover their specific path in the world of occupational therapy.
Past Doctoral Capstone and Experiential projects have included:
- Improving quality of life in residential care facilities
- Increasing fine-motor coordination and grip strength in local boxing gyms
- Developing daily life skills programs for homeless veterans
My favorite part of UIndy’s OTD program has been the relationships I’ve fostered with my professors and the opportunity to travel nationwide for fieldwork placements!
Set Up For Success
With an unrivaled job placement rate of 100%, the occupational therapy doctorate program at the University of Indianapolis prepares its graduates to be leaders in their fields and communities through research and networking opportunities. The UIndy occupational therapy doctorate program faculty have decades of professional experience with local and national organizations, and many continue to hold high-ranking positions with organizations like the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Not only will graduates receive a comprehensive, hands-on education, but also a professional network through faculty and community partners on which to build their careers.
Alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers at:
- Community Health Network
- Children’s Therapy Connection
- Franciscan Health
- IU Health
- Easter Seals Crossroads