Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program at USAHS is designed to help OT practitioners advance their careers in areas such as leadership, research, advocacy and higher education. Featuring an innovative, flexible curriculum, this 100% online program is tailored toward busy OTs who need to fit their studies into existing work and life commitments
*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors. Please note the bachelor's-level entry program typically takes four years and the previously offered 35-credit hour master's-level entry program typically has taken two years and four months to complete based off the most recent two-year graduate data (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). The new 27-credit hour master’s-level entry program is designed to be completed in two years, but may be completed in as little as one year depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors. Additionally, the 60-credit hour bachelor’s-level entry program may be completed in as little as 2 years depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors.
USAHS MOT Alumni are eligible to receive a $2000 PPOTD grant The grant is calculated and applied on a per-credit basis. The total grant amount assumes the completion of the full number of credits in the program (24 credits for USAHS alumni) Any additional transfer or prior learning credits will reduce the amount of the grant awarded.
100% online, a flexible design lets you complete your PPOTD in as little as 1 year*, or take longer, completing at least 1 course per term.* *Based on master’s-level entry and completing 9 credits per trimester.
ACCELERATION OPTIONS
Acceleration options such as prior learning assessment and assessment-based learning are available.* *While USAHS does not offer Title IV financial aid for any term in which an accelerated learning course is taken without a full term “Anchor” course, other financing alternatives may be available.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING
Choose from two specializations—Executive Leadership or Teaching & Learning—or select electives in areas like pediatrics or orthopedics. You can also pursue an optional ImPACT® Trained Occupational Therapist certification and choose your own capstone project. Learn More
MULTIPLE ENTRY PATHWAYS
Enter the PPOTD program with a bachelor's degree, master’s degree or as a USAHS MOT alumni. Learn More
INNOVATIVE AND RELEVANT CURRICULUM
The PPOTD program is at the forefront of innovative and applied learning methods, focusing on today’s topics in OT, with interprofessional coursework components woven throughout. Learn More
DEDICATED TO HEALTH SCIENCES
Pioneering health sciences education for 40+ years and delivering OT education for more than 25 years, USAHS is dedicated to advancing OT students’ expertise and leadership at the cutting-edge of the profession. Learn More
On completion of the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program, graduates will be able to:
Integrate evidence-informed decision-making into occupational therapy roles and responsibilities.
Integrate ethical and professional standards in occupational therapy.
Demonstrate effective communication to promote participation in occupation within the profession and relevant populations.
Promote interprofessional relationships through collaboration and communication with members of various professions and relevant populations.
Create a plan for professional growth that contributes to the advancement of the profession, as well as the communities that occupational therapists serve.
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PPOTD Curriculum
The PPOTD program includes 6 core courses for master’s-level entry students and 12 core courses for bachelor’s-level entry students. You will complete the remainder of your coursework with elective courses and seminars. Our flexible PPOTD program allows you to start with the introductory courses, take core or elective courses in any sequence and end with the capstone. Your courseload may be as little as one course per term or as many as you feel comfortable, provided you continuously enroll.
Candidates with a master’s degree in occupational therapy from another accredited institution (whether entry-level or post-professional) must earn a minimum of 27 credits. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy must earn a minimum of 60 credits.
We offer two optional specializations:
Executive Leadership
Teaching and Learning
You may choose to complete one of these specializations or concentrate your electives in other topic areas (e.g., pediatrics or orthopedics). Or you may take a variety of electives from our wide selection of courses.
We also offer one optional certification:
The lmPACT® Trained Occupational Therapist (ITOT) certification is available for students who complete the Evidence-Based Concussion Management course as an elective.
Required Coursework
The courses required to complete the PPOTD degree are listed below for students who enter the program with either a master’s or bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy.
Students With Master’s (27 total credits)
Master’s-level entry students can complete the PPOTD as quickly as one year, if enrolled full-time. However, the average student with a master’s degree typically completes the program in 2 years. USAHS MOT alumni can apply 3 credits toward the PPOTD, possibly reducing time to completion.*
MS-Level Entry Student Courses
Total Core Credit Hours for MS-Level Entry Students
Credit Hours
18
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice or IPE 7001B - Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B)
3
IPE 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals** or IPE 7050B - Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (B)
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare or IPE 7121B – Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare (B)
3
OCT 7495 The Science of Occupation
3
OCT 7496 Capstone I: Project Proposal and Preparation
3
OCT 7499 Capstone II: Project Development and Dissemination
3
Bold courses are a prerequisite for OCT 7495, The Science of Occupation Italicized courses are taken at the end of the program.
*Please note the previously offered 35-credit hour master’s-level entry program typically has taken two years and four months to complete based off the most recent two-year graduate data (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). The new 27-credit hour master’s-level entry program is designed to be completed in two years, but may be completed in as little as one year depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors.
**USAHS MOT alumni may replace IPE 7050 with transfer credits, if criteria are met.
Students with Bachelor’s (60 total credits)
Bachelor’s-level entry students can complete the program as quickly as two years, if enrolled full-time. However, the bachelor's-level entry program typically takes four years to complete based off the most recent two-year graduate data (2021–2022 and 2022–2023).
BS-Level Entry Student Courses
Total Core Credits Hours for BS-Level Entry Students
Credit Hours
43
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice or IPE 7001B - Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B)
3
IPE 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals or IPE 7050B - Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (B)
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare or IPE 7121B – Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare (B)
3
COM 7130 Healthcare Communication & Collaboration
3
HSA 7200 Foundations of Healthcare Administration or HSA 7200 B - Foundations of Healthcare Administration (B)
3
HSC 7200 Information Literacy for Evidence-Based Practice
1
OCT 7200 Reflective Practice
3
OCT 7470 Clinical Integration I
7
OCT 7471 Clinical Integration II
8
OCT 7495 The Science of Occupation
3
OCT 7496 Capstone I: Project Proposal and Preparation
3
OCT 7499 Capstone II: Project Development and Dissemination
3
Bold courses are a prerequisite for OCT 7495, The Science of Occupation Italicized courses are taken at the end of the program.
Elective Coursework
Below is a list of electives you may take to complete the remaining credits needed for your PPOTD. They are clustered according to topic. You may choose to focus in a particular area of practice or select any combination of courses that interest you.
Students with an MOT must choose 9 elective credits.
Students with a BS-OT degree must choose 17 elective credits.
Teaching & Learning Electives (Certificate of Completion)
The Teaching and Learning certificate of completion requires four courses. Either complete all four of the following courses OR complete three of the four courses and a scholarly teaching capstone project. The capstone project must receive approval by programmatic leadership to qualify.
EDF 7050 Teaching Methods in Higher Education or EDF 7050B Teaching Methods in Higher Education (B)
3
EDF 7161 Program and Curricular Design for Health Science Education or EDF 7161 Program and Curricular Design for Health Science Education (B)
3
EDF Foundational Theories in Education or EDF Foundational Theories in Education (B)
3
Executive Leadership Electives (Certificate of Completion)
The Executive Leadership certificate of completion requires four courses. In addition to the core course, IPE 7121, complete three of the five following courses.
HSC - 7200 - Information Literacy for Evidence-Based Practice
1
HSC - 7320 - Fundamental Skills for Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy
2
HSC - 7325 - School-Based Practice
3
HSC - 7401 – Pharmacology
3
HSC - 7470 - Legal and Regulatory Issues
3
IPE - 7025 - Psychosocial Strategies for Healthcare
3
IPE - 7025B - Psychosocial Strategies for Healthcare (B)
3
IPE - 7100 - Ethics in Health Care
3
IPE - 7133 - Strategic Planning in Healthcare Administration
3
IPE - 7200 - Cultural Competence in Healthcare
3
IPE - 7200B - Cultural Competence in Healthcare (B)
3
IPE - 7255 - Evidence-based Concussion Management
3
IPE - 7316 - Women's Health and Wellbeing
3
IPE - 7400 - Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
IPE - 7421 - Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health
3
IPE - 7421B - Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health (B)
3
MHS - 7315 - Contemporary Trends in Wellness
3
OCT - 7200 - Reflective Practice
3
OCT - 7455 - Special Topics in Professional Practice
Varies 1-4
The Capstone Project
The capstone project is the final step in your PPOTD program. You will be assigned a faculty advisor who will guide you through systematic development, completion and documentation of a culminating scholarly project.
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PPOTD to EdD Accelerated Option
USAHS graduates with a PPOTD have an opportunity to transfer applicable courses taken in the PPOTD program into the EdD program to complete both degrees in less time and cost. For those interested in teaching in an OT academic program, we offer this opportunity to complete the PPOTD then complete the Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in an accelerated manner. Most PPOTD graduates may transfer approximately 15 credits into the EdD program.
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PPOTD Admission Requirements
The program has rolling admissions and students can apply at any time. To be considered for admission, all candidates must submit an online application, which includes the following*:
A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution in occupational therapy
Official transcripts from each degree conferring institution submitted to the University directly from the issuing institution
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two recommendations from professional colleagues
Applicants must be a licensed occupational therapist (or be eligible for licensing) and employed as an occupational therapist (or have a minimum of one year’s experience as an occupational therapist). USAHS Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) graduates who enter the program within six months of their MOT graduation may enter without a license but must be licensed and employed as an occupational therapist by the beginning of the second term of the program.
*USAHS MOT graduates who graduated within six months of starting the PPOTD program only need to submit an online application.
Transfer of Credit
USAHS will consider accepting graduate credits from other accredited institutions (up to 25% of academic credits may be transferred) provided they are consistent with offered coursework and meet USAHS standards. Please contact your enrollment advisor for further details. USAHS MOT graduates will be automatically considered to receive 3 credits toward their PPOTD, if eligible.
International Students Applying for Admission
Candidates holding a non-U.S. degree may be eligible to take University courses and/or be considered for admission to USAHS. To enter the program the following will apply:
The candidate must submit transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provide evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy in the United States
Be a graduate of a program in a country that is a member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Prospective students who already hold a non-F-1 student visa allowing for study in the U.S., are eligible for admission to the PPOTD program, provided a copy of a valid, unexpired passport reflecting visa status is provided prior to admission and that the individual meets other admission requirements. Students must keep their non-F-1 student visa in good standing throughout the duration of their studies with USAHS, as the University cannot sponsor them for study now or at any point in the future for the PPOTD program. Students holding a visa that is renewed during their course of study must provide a copy of their updated passport reflecting visa status to the Admissions office. Further, there may be additional requirements for students seeking federal financial aid. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid prior to enrolling and provide any required documents.
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PPOTD Tuition & Fees
The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is flexible and is designed to meet your individual needs. Students with a master’s degree can complete the PPOTD in as quickly as one year, if enrolled full-time.* The tuition and fees are as follows for the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors. Please note the bachelor’s-level entry program typically takes four years and the previously offered 35-credit hour master’s-level entry program typically has taken two years and four months to complete based off the most recent two-year graduate data (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). The new 27-credit hour master’s-level entry program is designed to be completed in two years, but may be completed in as little as one year depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors. Additionally, the 60-credit hour bachelor’s-level entry program may be completed in as little as 2 years depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors.
Students with Bachelor’s Degree
School Expenses
60 Credit Hour Program
Tuition
$33,324.00
Technology & Grad Fees
$4,900.00
Books & Associated School Expenses
$1,500.00
Total Program Direct Expenses
$39,724.00
Students whose address on record is in California at the time tuition is first charged and/or who attend the California campus will be responsible for paying a one-time Student Tuition Recovery Fund non-refundable fee, pursuant to California Code of Regulations §76120.
All tuition and fees in our Post-Professional OTD program are estimates and subject to change.
Students with Master’s Degree
Master’s-level entry students can complete the PPOTD as quickly as one year, if enrolled full-time. However, the average student with a master’s degree typically completes the program in 2 years.*
USAHS graduates qualify for the Combined MOT/PPOTD track, which shortens time-to-degree and over-all tuition*
School Expenses
27 Credit Hour Program
Tuition
$19,728.00
Technology & Grad Fees
$2,500.00
Books & Associated School Expenses
$750.00
Total Program Direct Expense
$22,978.00
Students whose address on record is in California at the time tuition is first charged and/or who attend the California campus will be responsible for paying a one-time Student Tuition Recovery Fund non-refundable fee, pursuant to California Code of Regulations §76120.
All tuition and fees toward a Post-Professional OTD are estimates and subject to change.
Financial Aid
Student loans may be available to assist with funding your post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy. USAHS has financial aid counselors who are available to explain your options.
Financial aid counselors can be reached by email, phone or on campus. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in each time zone. If you are unable to meet during regular office hours, after-hours appointments are available by request.
*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors. Please note the bachelor’s-level entry program typically takes four years and the previously offered 35-credit hour master’s-level entry program typically has taken two years and four months to complete based off the most recent two-year graduate data (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). The new 27-credit hour master’s-level entry program is designed to be completed in two years, but may be completed in as little as one year depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors. Additionally, the 60-credit hour bachelor’s-level entry program may be completed in as little as 2 years depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors.
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PPOTD Accreditation and State Approvals/Post-Graduation Licensure
Institutional Accreditation
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001, www.wscuc.org.
USAHS currently is accepting applications for enrollment in the bachelor’s-level entry PPOTD program for residents of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
USAHS is not accepting applications from states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to conduct on-the-ground activities.
For states denoted with clinical field experience and other on-the-ground activity restrictions, USAHS does not have the necessary state authorization approvals to offer on-the-ground activities of this kind in those states at this time.
It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate and comply with all requirements relating to authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides.
Post-Graduation Licensure
USAHS’ PPOTD program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.
Master’s-Level Entry Post-Professional OTD
USAHS currently is accepting applications for enrollment in the 27-credit hour Master’s-level entry PPOTD program for residents of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
USAHS is not accepting applications from states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to conduct on-the-ground activities.
For states denoted with clinical field experience and other on-the-ground activity restrictions, USAHS does not have the necessary state authorization approvals to offer on-the-ground activities of this kind in those states at this time.
It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides.
Post-Graduation Licensure
USAHS’ PPOTD program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.
Completing my PPOTD taught me how to think at the doctoral level. How to optimally research and advocate for the advancement of our profession as OTs still find our footing in this developing area of practice. It taught me the invaluable skills of leadership and collaboration to effectively insert myself into my community as a solo entrepreneur.
Heather M. Truog, OTD, OTR/L, PYT, CLC, PMH-C
Contributing Faculty, Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
The PPOTD program at USAHS was both the compass and roadmap that guided me through the next phase of my professional and personal growth. The program not only provided invaluable support but also helped me overcome barriers in my lifelong learning journey. Since earning my degree, my career has accelerated exponentially, opening opportunities I never anticipated.
Lee Ann Hoffman, OTD, MSc, OTR, ATP/SMS, CAPS
Assistant Program Director – Occupational Therapy Assistant Professor
Campus: Dallas, TX
In 2017, I realized my qualifications weren’t enough for a career in academia, so I pursued the PPOTD at the USAHS—a decision that transformed my career. USAHS sparked my passion for lifelong learning, and I’m proud to be an alumnus.
Maud Makoni OTD,OTR/L,CHT, MA ‘25
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
North Central College
Getting Started with Your Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Whether you’re ready to apply or seek additional information, it’s easy to get started on your path toward advancing your OT career.
Get More Information about our Post-Professional OTD Program
Have questions? We’re ready to provide answers about pursuing a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
A post-professional degree is an advanced credential for licensed professionals to enhance their expertise. In occupational therapy, the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) allows practitioners to deepen their knowledge in areas like clinical practice, research, and leadership. Post-professional OTD programs like the one at USAHS are designed for working professionals since they offer flexible formats and specialization options to advance careers and impact the field of occupational therapy.
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What is a PPOTD?
A PPOTD is a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. It is an advanced doctoral program designed for licensed occupational therapists who want to expand their knowledge and skills. The post-professional doctorate program at USAHS allows OTs with bachelor’s or master’s degrees to study topics like clinical practice, research, leadership, and education to enhance their careers.
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How long is a post-professional OTD program?
The length of our Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program varies based on your prior education:
For students with a master’s degree: 3-6 trimesters (1-2 years)*
For students with a bachelor’s degree: 6-12 trimesters (2-4 years)*
At USAHS, the post-professional doctorate occupational therapy program offers flexible options to potentially accelerate completion through transfer credits, prior learning assessments, and self-paced courses.
*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors. Please note the bachelor’s-level entry program typically takes four years based off the most recent two-year graduate data (2021-2022 and 2022-2023). The 27-credit hour master’s-level entry program is a new offering designed to be completed in two years. Actual time to completion data will be provided once there are graduates from the updated program.
