Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.)

Doctor of Occupational Therapy: Total 114-117 credit hours

*Denotes course available only to students in the specialization track.

Student must select one of the 5 available tracks:

The Specialization is optional and available only to enrolled Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree-seeking students. It is awarded after successful completion of the identified program of study with a minimum of a B attained in all coursework leading to the Specialization (30 - 33 credits), and an A earned in a minimum of 24 credits.

• Nonspecialization (24 credit hours-this is the standard program without specialized courses needed for the following 4 optional specializations)
• Mental Health specialization (30 credit hours)
• Neuroscience & Rehabilitation specialization (30 credit hours)
• Pediatrics specialization (32-33 credit hours)
• Rural/Underserved specialization (32 credit hours)

Accelerated O.T.D. Standard Program

Admissions Information  

This 3+3 program is available, by application, to eligible University of South Dakota students in the following programs with the O.T.D. standard program and:

1. Neuroscience, B.S.-Cognitive Neuroscience specialization only
2. Kinesiology and Sport Management, B.S.-Exercise Science specialization only

The accelerated track will allow the undergraduate program to count 20 hours of the 1st year of OTD towards the electives in the B.S. degree. The student will complete 100 hours by the end of the 3rd year towards the undergraduate degree.

[key word search: 3+3 or 3 plus 3 program]

Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy: Total 31 credit hours

This track is offered to individuals who have completed a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S. or M.S.O.T.) or Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.) degree and hold a current license to practice in their state of residence.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will evaluate and choose appropriate theory to inform practice. 
2. Students will articulate and apply occupational therapy theory through evidence-based evaluations and interventions to achieve expected outcomes as related to occupation. 
3. Students will articulate and apply therapeutic use of occupations with persons, groups, and populations for the purpose of facilitating performance and participation in activities, occupations, and roles and situations in home, school, workplace, community, and other settings, as informed by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. 
4. Students will plan and apply evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to address the physical, cognitive, functional cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, and other aspects of performance in a variety of contexts and environments to support engagement in everyday life activities that affect health, well-being, and quality of life, as informed by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. 
5. Students will be prepared to be a lifelong learner to keep current with evidence-based professional practice. 
6. Students will uphold the ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the occupational therapy profession. 
7. Students will understand the distinct roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapist and the occupational therapy assistant in the supervisory process for service delivery. 
8. Students will effectively collaborate with and supervise occupational therapy assistants in service delivery. 
9. Students will effectively communicate and work interprofessionally with all who provide services and programs for persons, groups, and populations. 
10. Students will advocate as a professional for access to occupational therapy services offered and for the recipients of those services. 
11. Students will be an effective consumer of the latest research and knowledge bases that support occupational therapy practice and contribute to the growth and dissemination of research and knowledge. 
12. Students will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of delivery models, policies, and systems related to practice in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced and settings where it is emerging. 
13. Students will demonstrate active involvement in professional development, leadership, and advocacy. 
14. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize in-depth knowledge in a practice area through the development and completion of a doctoral capstone in one or more of the following areas: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development. 

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification

The University of South Dakota as of July 1, 2020, cannot confirm whether any particular course or program meets educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, contact the academic department offering your major or CDE at 605.658.6152 or by email at cde@usd.edu. USD is working to comply with these requirements and will provide up-to-date information as it becomes available.

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage below.

Information about State Authorization & Professional Licensure