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Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

Introduction

Our Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program combines academics and clinical experiences to develop highly skilled practitioners. 

Occupational therapists work with persons, groups and populations to enhance their ability to perform daily activities and participate in meaningful occupations, such as self-care, work, and leisure.

Students in the RUSH University OTD program will have hands on clinical experiences every semester of the program including the following:

  • Directed observations within RUSH University Medical Center and community partners
  • Group dynamics
  • Fieldwork Experiences
  • Individualized capstone experiences

These experiences expose you to diverse patient populations across a variety of settings, both on and off campus. 

RUSH OTD utilizes cutting-edge technology that bring the educational experience to a whole new level. This includes our Anatomage tables, Moxie Learning Robots, Virtual Reality, 3D printing and more.

Our commitment to providing the best resources for our students is unwavering, and these innovative learning supports are a testament to that dedication.

Our program is currently ranked among the top occupational therapy programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

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Fast Facts: Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
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Location:
On-Campus
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Program Type:
Full-Time
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Program Length:
Two Years & Eight Months

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Average Class Size:
36
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Tuition
$15,479
Per Term

Occupational Therapy Program Accreditation Summary

The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at RUSH University has been approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at RUSH University is fully 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
Phone: 301-652-AOTA

acoteonline.org

Graduation year Students Matriculated (g2) Students that Withdrew due to reasons not related to academic and clinical performance (g3) Number of Graduates (g1) Graduation Rate*
2020 36 0 36 100%
2021 36 1 34 97%
2022 37 1 36 100%
2023 38 0 38 100%
2024 36 0 Not yet available Not yet available
2025 36 Not yet available Not yet available Not yet available
2026 34 Not yet available Not yet available Not yet available

* In Accordance with 2023 ACOTE Standard A.6.5 Graduation Rate is defined by the number of students who graduate on time (g1) divided by the number of students admitted in the original cohort (g2) minus the number of students who withdrew due to military, health, family issues, death and other reasons not related to academic and clinical performance (g3 .calculation per calendar year is = (g1/(g2-g3).

 

3-Year Totals and Average Program Graduation Rates

3-Year Total Number of Students Matriculated (g2) 3-Year Total Students that Withdrew due to reasons not related to academic and clinical performance (g3) 3-Year Total Number of Graduates (g1) 3-Year Average Graduation Rate*
111 2 108 99%

* Graduation years 2021, 2022, 2023

** In Accordance with 2023 ACOTE Standard A.6.5 Graduation Rate is defined by the number of students who graduate on time (g1) divided by the number of students admitted in the original cohort (g2) minus the number of students who withdrew due to military, health, family issues, death and other reasons not related to academic and clinical performance (g3 .calculation per calendar year is = (g1/(g2-g3).

Program Length and Location

This is a full-time program with classes occurring Monday through Thursday.  

Some additional Friday, evening or weekend hours may be required for the completion of academic and clinical assignments. You will be given ample notice. 

Several of our courses have both asynchronous and synchronous sessions. Technology requirements for these courses and the entire program can be found below.  

Collaborative strategies are commonly used in the curriculum, which means you need to work with your peers outside of scheduled class periods.

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Program Tuition

At RUSH University, we know your education is a big investment. We want to make sure you have all the information to be able to make the best financial decisions for you and your family. 

Tuition for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is $15,479 per term. 

We do not charge additional fees. There are other costs to consider when applying for financial assistance, including the following:

  • Books 
  • Supplies 
  • Rent 
  • Utilities   

Tuition is subject to change. 

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Learn more about Student Financial Aid

Get Involved: Student Occupational Therapy Association

The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is a national organization for graduate students pursuing a career in occupational therapy. The mission of SOTA is to promote the value of occupational therapy services to the public and other healthcare professionals and enhance the quality of the students’ educational experience through local and national advocacy, community service and professional development.

Learn more

 

Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Career Opportunities

Graduates have a 100% employment rate within six months of graduating.  

They have accepted competitive positions in the Chicago area and across the country in the following settings: 

  • Community-based agencies 
  • Educational settings 
  • Hospitals 
  • Private practices 
  • Rehabilitation centers 
  • University clinics 

Employment of occupational therapists is expected to grow 14% through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is much faster than the average of other occupations.

Licensure information

Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Faculty
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