Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)

Are you DRIVEN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program at USAHS is designed to help OT practitioners advance their careers into areas such as leadership, research, advocacy and higher education. Featuring an innovative, flexible curriculum, this 100% online program is tailored toward busy OTs who need to fit their studies into existing work and life commitments.

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WHAT SETS US APART

WE OFFER SPECIALIZATIONS

The Post-Professional OTD program offers two optional specializations: Executive Leadership and Teaching & Learning. You may choose to earn one of these specializations or to concentrate your electives in another topic area, such as pediatrics or orthopedics.

WE'RE ONLINE + INTERACTIVE

Our online coursework has both synchronous and asynchronous elements. We also offer optional virtual immersions, a chance to enjoy connections with faculty and fellow students—and complete the course faster.

WE OFFER ACCELERATION OPTIONS

Move faster through the PPOTD program so you can apply your knowledge sooner! You can take courses that award credit according to competency assessments, receive academic credit for your professional experience and ask to transfer credits from another graduate program.

WE’RE INNOVATIVE

We’ve long been at the forefront of innovative and applied learning methods, such as case-based teaching and realistic, immersive virtual simulations. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, you will develop and complete a capstone project for your PPOTD that expands the body of knowledge within occupational therapy.

NO GRE

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No GRE required for admission

3 STARTS PER YEAR

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September, January, and May² start dates

2 YEARS OR LESS

Three smiling graduates in caps and gowns, celebrating their achievement.

Earn your PPOTD degree in 2 years or less³

MULTIPLE PATHWAYS

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Enter the PPOTD program with a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or as a USAHS MOT alumni.

Testimonials

STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE

"The PPOTD program at USAHS was both the compass and roadmap that guided me through the next phase of my professional and personal growth. The program not only provided invaluable support but also helped me overcome barriers in my lifelong learning journey. Since earning my degree, my career has accelerated exponentially, opening opportunities I never anticipated."

Lee Ann Hoffman, OTD, MSc, OTR, ATP/SMS, CAPS ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

"Completing my PPOTD taught me how to think at the doctoral level. How to optimally research and advocate for the advancement of our profession as OTs still find our footing in this developing area of practice. It taught me the invaluable skills of leadership and collaboration to effectively insert myself into my community as a solo entrepreneur."

Heather M. Truog, OTD, OTR/L, PYT, CLC, PMH-C CONTRIBUTING FACULTY, POST-PROFESSIONAL DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM

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WE SET THE NEXT STANDARD IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, graduate nursing, health administration, education, as well as continuing education programs.

Founded in 1979, USAHS has locations in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Miami, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Dallas, Texas.

USAHS is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (501) 748-9001, www.wscuc.org.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001, www.wscuc.org, and maintains programmatic accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) on a campus-by-campus basis.

¹Based on total MOT and OTD degrees conferred as reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data is captured through interrelated surveys conducted annually by the Department of Education's National Center for Educational Statistics [NCES]), and from USAHS' internal graduation data.

²Three start dates are available for most programs.

³Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors. Please note the bachelor's-level entry program typically takes four years and the previously offered 35-credit hour master's-level entry program typically has taken two years and four months to complete based off the most recent two-year graduate data (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). The new 27-credit hour master’s-level entry program is designed to be completed in two years, but may be completed in as little as one year depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors. Additionally, the 60-credit hour bachelor’s-level entry program may be completed in as little as 2 years depending on individual progress, credits transferred and other factors.