Advance your occupational therapy career and expand your impact through the University of Southern Indiana's Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. Designed for licensed occupational therapists who have already earned a master's degree in occupational therapy, this flexible online pathway provides an opportunity to advance to the doctoral level while continuing professional practice.
As the only state-supported institution in southern Indiana offering a doctorate in occupational therapy, USI is committed to preparing healthcare professionals who can lead innovation and address the evolving needs of patients, communities and healthcare systems.
The 31-credit hour Post-Professional OTD pathway can be completed online in four semesters, including one summer term, and is designed specifically for practicing occupational therapists holding an active, unencumbered OT license.
Integrated practice experiences and a culminating capstone project allow students to explore a specialized area of interest while applying advanced knowledge to real-world challenges. Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume leadership roles, contribute to the advancement of the profession and make meaningful contributions that improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Applicants must apply to Graduate Studies. See the Admission section of the bulletin for information about the Graduate Studies admission criteria and the online application process.
The following criteria must be met to be considered for admission. Program applicants will be selected based upon academic and professional achievements.
Completed master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in any academic field with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00-point scale). International applicants must have met all requirements for practice in their own country and graduated from an accredited or World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved occupational therapy program.
Current resume.
Have an active/unencumbered OT license prior to the capstone experience. International applicants who do not have NBCOT certification must provide proof of qualification/licensure in their home country.
A personal statement of 500 words or less using the following guideline:
Explain your understanding of evidence-based practice vs. research and describe an area of interest and/or potential problem for capstone focus. Describe why you are interested in this area of study, why it is relevant for occupational therapy practice and identify USI faculty members who may be well-equipped to mentor your research.
Weighting consists of 20% resume, 40% personal statement and 40% master's degree GPA.
There are special application procedures for those who are not citizens of the United States or who have completed previous schooling outside of the United States. International student applicants interested in the OTD program should visit Graduate Studies for information on applying to the university.
International applicants must submit an official (photocopy not acceptable) TOEFL or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report verifying a minimum total score of one of the following:
TOEFL: 4.5 (on or after January 21, 2026), 79 (on or before January 20, 2026)
IELTS: 6.5
Exception: International students whose native language is English or who have graduated from an American university in which the language of instruction is English are not required to demonstrate language proficiency. Information about the TOEFL administration dates and registration procedure may be obtained from TOEFL Services, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151, USA; telephone 609-771-7100. The web address is www.toefl.org.
Additional document may be required by the Center for International Programs
Estimated Expenses
Statement of Finance Form
Copy of Visa or Passport
Course requirements will load when this section is opened.
The Post-Professional OTD application will be available October 1-February 15 of year planning to be admitted to the Fall class.
Applicants must apply to Graduate Studies. See the Admission section of the bulletin for information about the Graduate Studies admission criteria and the online application process.
Are you an out-of-state student interested in pursuing the Post-Professional Doctor in Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree at USI or determining if the USI OTD Program meets individual state requirements for employment?
Occupational therapists with a doctorate degree are well positioned for a strong job market, particularly as healthcare organizations seek advanced practitioners for leadership, education, research and specialized clinical roles.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 10,200 job openings projected each year (2026).
For practicing OTs, earning a post-professional doctorate can enhance career opportunities by preparing them for advancement into administrative, academic and program development positions, while also strengthening their expertise in evidence-based practice and healthcare innovation.
The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.
