OTD Program Outcomes

OTD Student Graduation Rates

The inaugural class of the entry-level OTD Program at USI will begin August 2025 and graduate May 2028.

NBCOT Program Results

Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance 

Graduates of the USI OTD Program must successfully complete the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam prior to obtaining state licensure and entering OT practice.

After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Please note: a felony conviction (this includes documentation of driving under the influence—DUI) will affect your eligibility to take the national certification examination and also state credentialing (e.g., license, certificate, registration). If you are currently charged with or have been convicted of a felony, please notify the Occupational Therapy Program immediately. In addition, if you have had credentials (e.g., license, registration, and certificate) in another field (e.g., PTA) denied, revoked, suspended, or subject to probationary conditions; your eligibility to take the national certification examination may be in jeopardy. Please contact the Occupational Therapy Program if you have questions.

OTD Educational Objectives 

Upon completion of the program, the USI OTD Entry-Level graduate will be able to:

1. Synthesize Advanced Theoretical Knowledge and Practice: Demonstrate advanced proficiency in integrating complex theoretical approaches, frameworks, and practice models into innovative evaluations, interventions, and outcome evaluations, adapting to evolving service delivery systems and emerging paradigms in occupational therapy.
2. Advance Understanding of Occupation’s Role in Health and Wellness: Critically analyze and expand the theoretical and empirical understanding of how occupation and related concepts influence health and wellness at both individual and population levels, while contributing to research.
3. Engage in Scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice: Design, implement, and critically evaluate scholarly projects that advance theoretical and practical knowledge in occupational therapy, applying advanced methodologies and contributing to the body of evidence-based practice.
4. Influence and Innovate Practice Across Diverse Contexts: Lead and contribute to innovative practices that address the complex interplay of person, occupations, and contexts, facilitating optimal occupational performance across diverse populations, life stages, and cultural contexts.
5. Foster Advanced Professional Development and Scholarly Inquiry: Engage in scholarly activities that drive the advancement of occupational therapy practice and education, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, advanced problem-solving, and the integration of diverse ways of knowing and reasoning.
6. Lead and Mentor in Professional Integrity and Ethical Standards: Exhibit and model the highest standards of professional integrity and ethics, leading initiatives that promote and advance ethical practice within the field, and mentoring peers and practitioners in maintaining these standards.
7. Advance Collaborative Practices Across Disciplines: Evaluate and enhance collaborative practices by leading interdisciplinary teams, promoting effective communication, and integrating contributions from various professionals to improve client outcomes and service delivery.
8. Develop and Advocate for Innovative Practice Models: Analyze and apply advanced principles of person-occupation-context interaction to develop and advocate for innovative practice models, enhancing the effectiveness and ethical considerations in occupational therapy practice.