The NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development welcomes a diverse community of students to its Doctor Of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. This rich mix of professional, academic, and personal backgrounds fosters a vibrant learning environment and contributes to the broader occupational therapy field. Choosing to pursue a doctor of occupational therapy degree is a significant step for those seeking to become leaders and innovators in this impactful healthcare profession.
Comprehensive OTD Curriculum
NYU Steinhardt’s entry-level OTD curriculum is meticulously designed with a singular focus on occupational therapy. All coursework is dedicated to the principles and practices of OT, ensuring a deep and specialized education. The program structure includes an immersive six-month full-time clinical fieldwork experience, providing real-world application of learned skills. This is followed by a 14-week doctoral capstone project, allowing for in-depth exploration and contribution to the field. A cornerstone of the curriculum is its strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and applied research, preparing graduates to be not only skilled practitioners but also critical thinkers and researchers. The doctoral capstone is intentionally integrated into the program to solidify these research and application skills, essential for a doctor of occupational therapy.
Hands-on Fieldwork Experience
A defining feature of the doctor of occupational therapy program at NYU Steinhardt is its robust fieldwork component. The degree incorporates a series of part-time Level I Fieldwork experiences alongside two extensive full-time Level II Fieldwork placements. These experiences are crucial for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students gain invaluable opportunities to observe and actively participate in the occupational therapy process within clinical settings. NYU Steinhardt boasts partnerships with over 200 diverse institutions, including hospitals, outpatient centers, rehabilitation facilities, community organizations, schools, and private practices. These partnerships span across New York City and extend nationwide, offering students a wide array of settings to cultivate their skills and professional identity as an occupational therapist. This broad exposure is vital in shaping well-rounded and adaptable doctors of occupational therapy.
Doctoral Capstone: Innovation and Leadership
The doctoral capstone project is a hallmark of the doctor of occupational therapy degree, reflecting the program’s commitment to evidence-based practice and applied research. This project is not merely an add-on but an essential element embedded within the curriculum’s design. The primary aim of the doctoral capstone is to provide students with an intensive exploration of a specific area of occupational therapy that aligns with their interests. It is structured to cultivate advanced knowledge and skills in crucial areas such as leadership, scholarly inquiry, advocacy for the profession and clients, and advanced clinical competence. The capstone itself is comprised of both a project and a practical experience component. Throughout the doctoral capstone, students collaborate closely with both a faculty mentor from NYU Steinhardt and a site mentor from their chosen area of focus. This mentorship guides them in applying the comprehensive knowledge and skills acquired through coursework and fieldwork. The culmination of this experience is the design, implementation, and dissemination of an innovative project that addresses a clearly identified need within occupational therapy practice or the wider profession. This rigorous capstone experience ensures that graduates are prepared to be leaders and change agents as doctors of occupational therapy.
