Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

Technology: Required software/online tools

My Apps: Students are recommended to use https://myapps.rush.edu/My Apps, which is a virtual desktop where Office software, Rush Email and secure storage is provided.

Visit the RushU Portal for more information about the My Apps virtual environment. Students are also able to log into RULearning from MyApps.

Computer requirements: Students should have computers with audio/visual capabilities that can record presentation assignments and support learning management tools, including Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, Panopto and ExamSoft.

Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint: If you do not already have Microsoft Office software you can access the Suite through My Apps or download a copy of the Microsoft Office suite at a reduced cost for Windows or Mac users.

Internet browsers: Students should have access to more than one browser, such as Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari. All browsers should be the most up-to-date version available.

Internet requirements: Students must have access to a high-speed internet connection when working off campus.

Adobe Acrobat Reader: Students should have access to the most up-to-date Adobe Acrobat Reader.

A Doctor of Occupational Therapy is a professional, entry-level, clinical doctorate that prepares students to become skilled, evidence-based occupational therapists. It includes academic coursework, hands-on clinical training, leadership development and a doctoral capstone project to address real-world challenges in health care.

An OTD includes an added focus on leadership, advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, research and scholarship, and systems-level change. It also includes a doctoral capstone, offering deeper expertise and expanded career opportunities.

The Rush OTD Program is eight semesters in length and takes just under three years to complete.

You can find full details on admissions requirements and information on how to apply on the program’s Admissions page.

Yes. This is a hallmark of the Rush OTD Program. Students gain hands-on clinical experience every semester, beginning in their first term. The program has contracts with more than 500 clinical sites. Clinical placements span traditional and emerging practice areas across the Chicago area, the nation and even international sites, offering diverse and immersive training opportunities.

Due to the rigorous, full-time nature of the program, working during enrollment is not recommended. But some students choose part-time, flexible work outside of class hours.

Yes. Rush University offers financial aid, including federal loans, scholarships and institutional support. The program provides more than $365,000 per year in internal scholarships. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships specific to health care and occupational therapy. You can also find out more from our Office of Student Financial Aid.

Graduates are prepared for careers in hospitals, schools, rehab centers, mental health, home health, academia, leadership roles and emerging areas like telehealth and community wellness. The degree also opens doors for teaching, research and advanced clinical practice. Ninety-two percent of the recent graduating class was employed within three months of graduation.

The program is fully accredited by ACOTE. The curriculum meets all ACOTE accreditation standards and prepares students to sit for the NBCOT® certification exam. Coursework, fieldwork and exam preparation resources ensure students are fully equipped for licensure.

Rush OTD is a nationally ranked program housed within a leading academic medical center. It stands out for its emphasis on interprofessional education, community engagement on Chicago’s West Side, student wellness and a deep commitment to leadership, equity and innovation in health care. Students receive hands-on clinical training every semester and are introduced to cutting-edge technology to prepare them for modern practice. Graduates of the program receive seven OT certifications and specialty training that will help them stand above other graduates. With a 100% new graduate NBCOT pass rate, the program follows a unique practitioner-teacher-investigator model — ensuring students learn from expert faculty who are actively engaged in clinical care, teaching and research.

The program is primarily in-person to support hands-on learning and clinical training. Select courses or components may be offered in hybrid or online formats to enhance flexibility and accessibility.