Occupational Therapy Department
Program Overview
The MGH Institute Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is a three year, full-time, on-site graduate program. The purpose of the OTD program is to prepare occupational therapists for entry into professional practice. The Institute OTD curriculum has a strong emphasis on occupation, professional reasoning, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence based practice – essential skills for an occupational therapist in today’s complex practice environments. Principles of adult and active learning guide the teaching and learning methods for the program. These principles embrace experiential and reflective learning in the natural context of professional practice.
Features of the OTD program include:
- Active and case-based learning in state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and on-site clinical centers
- Advanced training in leadership, policy, delivery systems, and working in interprofessional teams.
- An in-depth, mentored doctoral project allowing students to develop advanced skills in a designated area, such as specialty practice, research, leadership, or education.
As the first occupational therapy program in New England to educate students at the doctoral level for entry into practice, we are committed to the growth and development of scholarly clinicians who will lead in today’s ever-changing care delivery system and advance the practice and profession of occupational therapy. Institute faculty are a mix of master clinicians, educators, researchers, and scholars who are major contributors to the professional and academic communities.
Clinical Experiences
The MGH Institute curriculum provides early and consistent exposure to clients using the large and diverse practice community of metropolitan Boston and on-site centers. Full- and part-time fieldwork experiences are integrated at every stage of the curriculum, allowing learners to continually connect theory with practice. Students complete a total of five level I (part time) fieldworks, two level II (12 week, full time) fieldworks, and an advanced doctoral (16 week, full time) experience. These placements occur in a variety of settings − including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other community settings preparing students for a contemporary practice in a variety of settings.
Accreditation and Certification
The OTD Program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Developing Program Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), which is located at the Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: (301) 652-AOTA. Our on-site ACOTE visit is scheduled for the fall of 2016. We expect a final report on our accreditation status following that visit.
The OTD is a professional (clinical) doctorate. Graduates of the program will receive a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree and are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). To practice as an occupational therapist a state license is also required. Requirements vary from state to state, however state licensure is usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification exam.