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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 12% of occupational therapy programs nationally by 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:

6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
Phone: 301-652-AOTA
Fax: 240-762-5140

acoteonline.org

The three year graduate rate is 96% with 107 of 111 matriculated students graduating from the program. Detailed information about graduation rates is below.

Graduation Year

Number of Students Matriculated Number of Graduates Graduation Rate
2020 36 36/36 graduated 100%
2021 36 34/36 graduated 94%
2022 37 36/37 graduated 97%
2023 38 37/38 graduated 97%
2024 36 not yet available not yet available
2025 36 not yet available not yet available

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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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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