About the Program
What the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program Offers
OTD Program
- A comprehensive occupational therapy curriculum that prepares graduates for employment in a wide range of health care and community settings.
- Forty-one weeks of embedded clinical experiences
- Three 40 hour fieldworks (1 pediatric, 1 adult physical dysfunction, 1 psychosocial)
- Two full time 12 week fieldworks in two different type settings
- One 14 week doctoral capstone experience in a specialty area
- Engagement in a variety of community service learning opportunities
- A focus on each student's personal growth and development to become an effective occupational therapy professional
- A committed faculty team with diverse backgrounds and extensive educational experience
Benefits of an OTD
This UMMC doctorate program prepares occupational therapists to provide interventions to individuals across the life span whose lives have been impacted by physical, cognitive, psychological or developmental problems or other individuals who could also benefit from health promotion services. The graduates of the 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.
In addition to the core skills required of an entry-level occupational therapist, the doctoral curriculum includes an increased emphasis on leadership and advocacy skills; broadened research efforts and dissemination; advancement into diverse, non-clinical areas of practice to promote wellness and population health; and skills in management and public policy. This will ensure the occupational therapy workforce in Mississippi is able to tackle the complex and changing healthcare needs of Mississippi residents.
For more information
If you are interested in learning more about occupational therapy, you are invited to join us on campus for one of the School of Health Related PRofession's open house events for a Q&A session.