For students holding a bachelor’s degree and aspiring to elevate their careers in healthcare, the University of Florida offers a comprehensive Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. This entry-level professional program is meticulously designed to cultivate leaders and advanced practitioners in the dynamic field of occupational therapy.
The OTD program at the University of Florida goes beyond foundational knowledge, focusing on developing your clinical expertise, leadership capabilities, and advocacy skills. You will gain an advanced understanding of evidence-informed practices, preparing you to excel in today’s complex health and human services environments. Through hands-on projects and leadership initiatives, you will directly contribute to enhancing practice quality and driving advancements in evidence-based occupational therapy.
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Learn more about the OTD program from Dr. Christine Myers, who provides a program overview. For detailed information, explore our full curriculum.
For details on Tuition and Fees, and the Estimated Cost of Attendance, visit the respective links. Admissions Information is also readily available for prospective applicants.
Accredited Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program
The University of Florida’s entry-level OTD program holds the esteemed accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). This accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous quality standards, preparing graduates for successful and ethical practice. ACOTE is a nationally recognized accreditation agency, affirming the program’s commitment to excellence in occupational therapy education. You can verify the program’s accreditation status and learn more about ACOTE at https://acoteonline.org/. ACOTE’s contact information is also provided for your convenience: 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814; tel. (301) 652-AOTA.
Outstanding OTD Program Graduation Rates
The University of Florida OTD program boasts exceptional graduation rates, reflecting the program’s commitment to student success and comprehensive support system. The following table illustrates the program’s impressive graduation metrics over recent years:
| Graduation Year | Students Entering | Students Graduating On Time | Students Who Withdrew Due to Reasons Other Than Performance | Students Graduating Off Cycle | Graduation Rate for Students Graduating On Time | Graduation Rate Including Students Graduating Off Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 47 | 46 | 0 | 1 | 97.9% | 100% |
| 2023 | 56 | 54 | 0 | 2 | 96.4% | 100% |
| 2024 | 56 | 53 | 2 | 0 | 100% | 100% |
| Total | 159 | 153 | 2 | 3 | 96.2% | 100% |
These figures demonstrate a consistent pattern of high on-time graduation rates, with an average of 96.2% over the past three years. Including students who graduated off-cycle, the program achieves a remarkable 100% graduation rate, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in guiding students to completion.
Graduates from this program are well-prepared to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Successful completion of this exam is a crucial step to becoming a registered Occupational Therapist (OTR). Licensure is required in all states to practice occupational therapy, and state licenses typically rely on NBCOT exam results. It is important to note that a felony conviction may impact eligibility for the NBCOT exam and state licensure.
For further details regarding occupational therapist credentialing, please visit the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®) website: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance. The University of Florida OTD program’s first graduating class took the NBCOT Certification Examination in 2022, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.
View official OTD performance data on the NBCOT Exam
Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy Graduation Requirements
A group of graduates from the OTD Class of 2022 wearing graduation gowns at the commencement ceremonyOTD Class of 2022 graduates celebrating their achievement
To earn a Doctorate Degree In Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida, students must fulfill specific requirements designed to ensure comprehensive preparation for professional practice. Prior to commencing the OTD program, completion of prerequisite courses is mandatory. Additionally, all students are required to complete the college-mandated Introduction to Public Health course. A total of 107 graduate credits are necessary for graduation from the OTD program, reflecting the rigorous academic standards of the doctoral-level curriculum.
The practical component of the OTD program is substantial, requiring students to complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork. This immersive fieldwork experience is followed by a 14-week individualized capstone experience, which must be undertaken within 12 months after finishing the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone project, a cornerstone of the OTD degree, must commence after all coursework, Level II fieldwork, and preparatory activities as outlined in the 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3 are successfully completed.
To receive University degree certification for graduation from the OTD program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Achieve a minimum grade of C or S (Satisfactory) in all courses, demonstrating competency in the curriculum.
- Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, reflecting strong academic performance throughout the program.
- Successfully complete all required courses within the OTD curriculum.
- Ensure that there are no incomplete (I) courses on their academic record.
- Successfully complete three Level 1 fieldwork placements, two Level 2 placements, and the capstone experience and project, showcasing practical skills and professional readiness.
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Further Information About the OTD Program
Do you have more questions about pursuing a doctorate degree in occupational therapy at the University of Florida? We encourage you to explore our comprehensive FAQ page for answers to common inquiries. For personalized assistance and further details, please contact us directly.
Program Highlights and Student Success
Stay informed about the achievements and activities within the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Florida.
Taylor Atkins, Amanda DiTrapani, and Tabitha Johns have been recognized for their exceptional contributions and dedication to the university community, highlighting the service-oriented ethos fostered within the OTD program.
Student Occupational Therapy Association SAA 2025 logo promoting student involvement and leadership opportunities
Student Occupational Therapy Association promoting student engagement
Paige Gibson’s capstone project significantly enhanced the understanding of occupational therapy’s vital role in pelvic care and increased OT consultations for patients at UF Health Jacksonville, demonstrating the impactful real-world application of OTD training.
Paige Gibson presenting her capstone project findings with Dr. Hess, showcasing student research and academic excellence
OTD Student Paige Gibson presents capstone project with faculty member
Projects spearheaded by PHHP faculty are among the selected neuroscience initiatives receiving seed funding, showcasing the University of Florida’s commitment to research and innovation in related fields that benefit occupational therapy.
Dr. Piazza’s honor recognizes her outstanding achievements and leadership within the occupational therapy profession and interprofessional care, underscoring the faculty’s expertise and national recognition.
Third-year OTD students facilitating a learning session, demonstrating peer education and collaborative learning within the program
OTD students leading a learning session, highlighting program collaboration
