The NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development welcomes a vibrant community of students to its Occupational Therapy programs, each bringing unique professional, academic, and personal experiences. This rich diversity fosters an exceptional learning environment and strengthens the broader occupational therapy field.
Our entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) curriculum is meticulously designed with specialized coursework in occupational therapy. It integrates six months of immersive, full-time clinical fieldwork, followed by a 14-week doctoral capstone project, ensuring a comprehensive and practical educational journey. A cornerstone of our program is the strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and applied research, with the doctoral capstone serving as a crucial element of the curriculum, designed to propel students to the forefront of occupational therapy innovation.
Fieldwork: Real-World Occupational Therapy Experience
A defining feature of our Doctorate In Occupational Therapy is the robust fieldwork component. The program incorporates a series of part-time Level I Fieldwork experiences alongside two extensive full-time Level II Fieldwork placements. These experiences are strategically structured to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom and the practical demands of clinical settings. Through guided observation and active participation, students gain invaluable insights into the multifaceted occupational therapy process. NYU Steinhardt boasts strong partnerships with over 200 esteemed institutions, including hospitals, outpatient centers, rehabilitation facilities, community organizations, schools, and private practices, located across New York City and nationwide. This vast network provides unparalleled opportunities for students to cultivate their skills and professional identity as occupational therapists within diverse, real-world contexts.
Doctoral Capstone: Leadership and Innovation in Occupational Therapy
The doctorate in occupational therapy program at NYU Steinhardt is deeply committed to fostering evidence-based practice and advancing applied research within the field. The doctoral capstone project stands as a testament to this commitment, forming an essential and integrated component of our curriculum. This capstone is specifically designed to provide students with an in-depth exploration of a chosen area of specialization within occupational therapy. It serves as aLaunchpad for developing advanced expertise and skills in critical domains such as leadership, scholarly inquiry, advocacy, and clinical excellence. The doctoral capstone experience comprises both a significant project and practical experience. Throughout this phase, students collaborate closely with both a faculty mentor from NYU and a site mentor from their fieldwork placement. This collaborative mentorship guides students in applying the accumulated knowledge and skills from their coursework and fieldwork to conceive, implement, and disseminate innovative solutions to identified needs in occupational therapy practice or within the broader profession. This culminates in a powerful demonstration of their readiness to lead and innovate within the dynamic field of occupational therapy.
