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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student/teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.

Do you want to acquire an online doctorate in occupational therapy, but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best online doctorate in occupational therapy programs.

What institution did we forget? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

1. Texas Women’s University, Denton, TX

TWU’s 33-credit hour doctor of occupational therapy degree program is designed for part-time enrollment to allow practicing occupational therapists to remain active in the profession. Learners normally finish the degree in five to six semesters. The degree program consists of core coursework and individually mentored professional development in an area of concentration.

With UWT’s degree program, practicing occupational therapists prepare for advanced roles as master professionals, occupational therapy educators, and advocates for clients and populations. Along with the requirements listed above, candidates select elective classes connected to their chosen concentration.

2. Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN

Indiana’s premier urban state research institution, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, was established in 1969. The school has over 350 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs from Indiana University and Purdue University. IUPUI grants admission to almost 30,000 learners and is noted for its diversity and community engagement. Both the institution and some of its programs are nationally rated by U.S. News and World Report.

IUPUI has an online doctor of occupational therapy. The post-professional doctor of occupational therapy degree program prepares occupational therapy professionals to advance their careers. The one-year, 30-credit degree program guides candidates in developing individual development objectives and creating an individual capstone project. This degree program prepares candidates for careers such as OT faculty, advanced occupational therapy clinician, and translational researcher. Candidates must be a licensed occupational therapist and hold a master’s degree, although the degree does not have to be in OT.

3. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

The University of Utah is the state’s leading institution and grants admission to over 31,000 learners; the university if one of the top 100 institutions worldwide and has nearly 200 academic programs. Via UOnline, learners can earn undergraduate or graduate degrees from the University of Utah on their schedule.

The University of Utah has a fully doctorate in occupational therapy. The post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy accommodates learners with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree, offering specific paths for both. The degree program offers OT professionals a stronger and more current theoretical base, advanced leadership skills, and knowledge and skills in evidence-based research connected to a chosen area of interest. Learners design an individualized capstone project and finish a plan of study outlining how it will help meet his or her career objectives.

Candidates must have licensure from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and at least two years working in the field. Learners with a master’s degree finish a 36-credit degree program, while learners with a bachelor’s degree must finish an additional 24 credits.

4. Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY

Eastern Kentucky University has more than 40 adaptable online degree options. These programs are reasonably priced and provide six start dates each year for learner convenience. Learners enrolled in online programs learn from the same world-class professors and follow the same coursework as on-campus learners. EKU has a 100 percent online masters to OTD degree program.

The master’s to OTD program is designed for licensed, certified occupational therapists with a master’s degree. This respected OT degree program prepares occupational therapists to lead change in OT services for diverse populations. EKU’s graduate degree program in occupational therapy is rated among the nation’s best by U.S. News and World Report. Classes are delivered in accelerated eight-week terms, and the degree can be finished in two years. Class plans can be designed for each learner’s interests, and no campus visits are required.

5. University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

Learners in KU’s post-professional doctor of occupational therapy degree program focus on professional leadership while continuing to work in the field. The pioneering coursework incorporates core classwork and concentration chances to prepare graduates for leadership in their chosen areas of concentration.

At least once during the degree program, candidates attend an annual on-campus meeting. Candidates must have registration or licensure in OT and a master’s degree in any field. The four key components of the coursework are professional leadership, evidence-based practice, specialty practice, and teaching.

6. Towson University, Towson, MD

Towson University was established as a training school for teachers in 1866. Towson boasts the resources and supports and excellent faculty of a sizeable institution, coupled with the close-knit community of a much smaller school. One of the nation’s top public regional institutions, Towson serves over 22,000 learners and has more than 100 academic programs, including an online post-professional OTD degree program.

Towson’s 33-credit post-professional occupational therapy doctorate can be finished in six consecutive semesters. The degree program is designed for working occupational therapists and covers advanced intervention and assessment, along with in-depth knowledge of the systems, funding, and mechanisms of healthcare from an OT viewpoint. Candidates finish an individual capstone project connected to their area of expertise. They take two classes per semester, with the capacity to take classes online with on-site immersion experiences. Candidates must have a master’s degree with an overall graduate GPA of 3.25. Licensure and licensure in OT are also required.

7. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI

A state research institution, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was established in 1848. UW currently grants admission to more than 44,000 learners and is sixth in the nation in research expenditures.

The doctor of occupational therapy degree program that takes three years to finish. Candidates develop a comprehension of advanced leadership and practice skills, broaden their knowledge base, and learn to apply research to occupational therapy.

UW’s OT degree program is continuously rated in the top 10 percent worldwide. Program candidates also finish capstone research and learn to utilize their new skills and knowledge to optimize their practice of occupational therapy.

8. Governors State University, University Park, IL

Governors State is a state-run institution located about 30 miles outside Chicago. It was established in 1969 and emphasizes flexibility and innovation. 5,500 GSU learners select from 88 academic programs in diverse fields. GSU has the most reasonably priced tuition rate in the state of Illinois. The institution also supports learners with evening classes and many online options, including a doctor of occupational therapy degree program.

GSU’s 45-credit doctor of occupational therapy degree program links education, research, and practice to help occupational therapists advance their current practice. The degree program emphasizes service to vulnerable and underserved populations. Candidates must have a master’s degree in OT or a bachelor’s degree in OT and a master’s degree in any field. The coursework consists of web-based and blended classes. Web-blended classes combine online and on-campus classes. Learners design an individual study plan to incorporate their research interests into their classwork.

9. University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL

A legendary research institution, the University of Alabama-Birmingham grants admission to nearly 22,000 learners. Along with excellence, the institution is known for its affordability. One of the institution’s high-quality, low price programs is an online clinical doctorate in occupational therapy, which prepares leaders for professional organizations. Candidates select from a general path, low vision rehabilitation path, or a healthcare quality and safety path. The degree program requires 40 credits for graduation.

Candidates need at least one year of clinical experience and a master’s or bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. All learners take the same core classes, then finish classes in their selected concentration or select from general OT electives.

10. Bay Path University, Longmeadow, MA

Bay Path University is a privately run institution, which takes a pioneering approach to learning and empowers learners to become leaders in their communities and careers. Learners benefit from a supportive, diverse community and a contemporary, adaptable education. Bay Path has all-women undergraduate programs, co-educational master’s programs, and an online doctorate in occupational therapy.

Bay Path’s post-professional occupational therapy doctorate is a 36-credit degree program comprised of paths in administration, advanced general practice, autism spectrum disorders, education, and mental health. Bay Path’s degree program is 100 percent online, with no residency requirement. Learners can finish the degree program in four to eight terms. All learners finish capstone projects customized according to their career interests.

11. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University is rated a Top 100 research institution by the National Science Foundation and currently grants admission to over 31,000 learners. The school values innovation, diversity, and access. VCU has more than 200 programs, including a reasonably priced occupational therapy doctorate.

VCU’s post-professional doctor of occupational therapy degree program offers leadership development and advanced real-life skills that prepare graduates to drive innovation and benefit occupational therapy and their communities. Coursework is part-time, and all learners finish a capstone leadership project connected to their interests. Candidates finish the research/scientific foundations core and theory/practice foundations core. These classes form pillars for the leadership core. Learners learn to critically assess and integrate a critical framework while taking on leadership roles in the OT profession.

12. Brenau University, Gainesville, GA

Brenau has a nationally rated post-professional occupational therapy doctoral degree program. BU’s 36-credit post-professional occupational therapy doctoral degree program prepares evidence-based leaders in the OT field. Learners take two classes per semester year-round, completing the degree in two years. Graduates learn the skills they need to manage clinical research and serve the community in several professional capacities.

Classes are offered online, with learners attending one two- to three-day weekend on campus each semester. Advanced practice classes are available in pediatrics, neuroscience/neuro rehab, community practice, and more.

13. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Temple is a leader in healthcare and grants admission to more than 38,000 learners across 17 schools and colleges, eight campuses, and hundreds of degree programs. TU has an online clinical doctorate in occupational therapy.

Temple’s online clinical doctorate in occupational therapy is a top-rated post-professional degree program for occupational therapists who want to advance to leadership positions within the field. Learners develop advanced knowledge in entrepreneurial innovation, clinical practice, higher education, and other multidisciplinary areas. The 31-credit degree program can be finished in two years.

The coursework includes 22 credits of required classwork and nine elective credits in a chosen area of clinical interest. Learners also finish 160 hours or four weeks of clinical field study and a four-class capstone series.

14. Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA

Chatham University is a privately run institution with a 150-year history of excellence. The institution serves 2,200 learners and consists of more than 60 degree programs, including a professional doctorate of occupational therapy.

CU’s professional doctorate of occupational therapy consists of 10 classes designed to improve the careers of practicing occupational therapists. Learners apply evidence-based literature, get advanced theoretical knowledge and clinical competence, and expand their comprehension of public policy, business management, and professional advocacy. Learners also complete a capstone project, implementing an intervention within their clinical setting. They assess the efficacy of their degree program and present their findings on Chatham’s campus to degree program faculty and learners, along with area professionals.

15. Concordia University of Wisconsin, Mequon, WI

Concordia University of Wisconsin is one of nine institutions forming the nationwide Concordia University System. CUW boasts a 90 percent job placement rate and has over 70 degree programs, including a primarily online post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy.

Concordia’s post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy is for professionals interested in special education in upper extremity rehabilitation, pediatrics, or education. Each candidate selects one of these three specialty paths. Candidates need three years of experience as an occupational therapist, a minimum 3.0 GPA in an occupational therapy degree, and a current license to practice OT. All classes are taught online, with two on-campus visits required.