The NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers a premier entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, designed for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. This enriching diversity fosters a multitude of perspectives, enhancing both our academic environment and the broader occupational therapy community.
Our comprehensive Ot Doctorate curriculum is exclusively focused on occupational therapy coursework, providing an immersive and specialized learning experience. A cornerstone of the program is practical, real-world application, highlighted by six months of full-time clinical fieldwork. This is followed by a 14-week doctoral capstone project, allowing for in-depth experiential learning and professional development. The curriculum strongly emphasizes evidence-based practice and applied research, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to lead and innovate in the field.
Hands-On Fieldwork Experience
A significant component of our OT doctorate is the extensive fieldwork program. This includes part-time Level I Fieldwork experiences designed to introduce students to clinical settings early in their education. Furthermore, two full-time Level II Fieldwork experiences provide immersive opportunities to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills. NYU Steinhardt has cultivated relationships with over 200 diverse sites across New York City and nationwide. These include hospitals, outpatient centers, rehabilitation facilities, schools, community organizations, and private practices, offering unparalleled opportunities to learn and grow in varied real-world occupational therapy contexts.
Doctoral Capstone: Advanced Specialization
The doctoral capstone is integral to our OT doctorate, reflecting our commitment to evidence-based practice and applied research. This capstone is designed to provide students with advanced expertise in a specific area of occupational therapy. It cultivates leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and advanced clinical competence. The doctoral capstone consists of both a project and a practical experience component. Working closely with faculty and site mentors, students apply their accumulated knowledge and fieldwork experiences to create, implement, and disseminate innovative solutions addressing identified needs in practice or the professional landscape.
In conclusion, the OT doctorate at NYU Steinhardt provides a robust and enriching educational journey. With its emphasis on diversity, comprehensive curriculum, extensive fieldwork, and advanced doctoral capstone, the program prepares graduates to excel as leaders and innovators in the dynamic field of occupational therapy.
