Occupational Therapy, a part of UMMC's School of Health Related Professions (SHRP), offers a doctoral degree program in occupational therapy (OTD). As the state's only doctoral level degree program for occupational therapists, its rigorous education program for full-time students keeps pace with the rapidly growing trend calling for entry-level doctoral preparation for occupational therapists.
Graduates of the three-year doctoral program are uniquely trained to design activities for individuals or groups to maximize occupational performance in self-care, work, leisure and other daily occupations. The enhanced ability to help clients engage in productive and healthy occupations is of particular value in Mississippi, where health disparities are rampant and access to resources and services is challenging.
Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient facilities, mental health programs, private practice, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, industry and school settings.
About our program
The OTD program admits 40 students each year. Applications are accepted from July 1 - October 1 for the upcoming summer semester start. Applications require a baccalaureate degree, specific prerequisite courses and observation hours. Admission is competitive with top candidates invited to an interview.
The program begins in the summer. The curriculum requires nine semesters of full-time study, including three full-time experiential learning courses (i.e., two 12-week courses and one 14-week course). Classes generally take place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Accreditation and certification
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited 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. 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). In addition, all states 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. UMMC student performance on the NBCOT exam will be posted here.
Cost of attendance
Estimated cost of attendance for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program can be found here.
Important dates
- July 1 - Applications available online
- October 1 - Application deadline
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