Skip to main content

ACCESS • OPPORTUNITY • DIVERSITY • BELONGING • COMMUNITY

Accepting applications for next intake!

Winter Classes Start Soon


Image
icon representing the NECHE accredited online programs at American International College

New England Commission of Higher Education

Image
icon representing the top national college ranking for American International College

Top National College
by U.S. News & World Report

Image
icon representing "A+ in Diversity from Niche" for American International College

A+ in Diversity from Niche

Get Started Now

Get more information to make the decision that's right for you. Learn more about:

  • Admission Requirements
  • Enrollment Support
  • Degree Support
  • Program Features
Step 1 of 2

About the Program

Shape the future of the profession through advocacy, education, and leadership

The online Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (Post-Professional OTD) at American International College (AIC) is designed for engaged occupational therapists (OTs) like you with a master's degree who want to continue to work while earning a doctorate. (There is a 3-course bridge program available if you have a bachelor's degree.) This program is designed to increase your influence as a leader in the field, increase your expertise, and educate and inspire the next generation of occupational therapists.

AIC’s Post-Professional OTD is a trusted program recognized for quality, innovation, and scholarship. The degree interweaves four curriculum threads — clinical practice, education, research, and advocacy — for a comprehensive learning experience. Courses include field-based projects that challenge you to reframe your thinking and teach creatively.

  • Graduate in less than two years while studying full-time
  • Exchange ideas with your cohort and study 100% online
  • Connect and build professional relationships with faculty and peers
  • Become a leader and mentor to future OT practitioners
  • Learn from an engaged faculty of prolific scholars, practitioners, and leaders
  • Employ translational research in real-time to your practice

AIC has a long-standing history of making education more accessible for people of all backgrounds, with a legacy centered around diversity, access, and inclusion. With this degree, you can contribute to the growth and advancement of the profession by increasing your ability to implement evidence-based practice and research in clinical, community, and academic settings. You will maximize your opportunities to take on leadership roles in occupational therapy practice, education, and research for individuals, organizations, and communities needing OT services.

Online OTD Curriculum

Students explore learning theories and how theories of human learning and motivation can be applied to the instructional process. Model learning theories associated with behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism are reviewed and applied to creative learning and teaching experiences in the occupational therapy context. (3 credits)

This course covers the analysis of occupational therapy theory and its application to and influence on occupational therapy practice, education, and research. (3 credits)

This course is designed to advance occupational therapists’ knowledge regarding the important role law, ethics, and policy play in determining occupational therapy practice. Students develop/enhance skills to analyze political, legislative, legal, and ethical aspects of practice and broader public health issues. Examples of issues discussed include reimbursement, workers’ compensation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, IDEA, privacy and confidentiality, guardianship, and malpractice issues. (3 credits)

The capstone course focuses on knowledge synthesis and application and not on instruction. In this course, students synthesize what they have learned throughout the program, reflect on that knowledge, and apply it to a scholarly project. Students will complete their capstone project under the supervision of their capstone committee.

Residency: Students will have the opportunity to share the outcomes of their capstone projects, lessons learned, and directions for future clinical research and scholarship to advance the profession. A key component of this residency is the opportunity for students to discuss and reflect on their experiences in the program, the new insights and perspectives they have gained, and provide input for program evaluation and improvement. (3 credits)

READY TO TALK TO YOUR ADVISOR?

We’re here and ready to help you with enrollment and answer your questions about the program, including tuition, admission requirements, curriculum details, and more.

Open Up Your Possibilities as an OT


AIC’s online Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate is designed to increase your influence as a leader in the field, build a career in academia, and educate and inspire the next generation of occupational therapists.​

  • Image
    icon of a laptop, representing the online program at American International College

    Flexibly Designed for the Established OT
    100% online classes you can complete while in practice

  • Image
    icon of a calendar, representing the online program at American International College

    Graduate in as Few as 5 Semesters
    Earn your degree fast while studying full-time

  • Image
    icon of hand with person inside, representing diversity in the online programs of American International College

    Comprehensive Learning Experience
    Curriculum focus on clinical practice, education, research and advocacy

Frequently Asked Questions

American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

You can complete this program on a full-time basis in just under two years (five semesters).

The online Post-Professional OTD program costs $1,175 per credit hour + fees* for a total investment of $35,250. Financial aid may be available to our online students.

*Please speak with your enrollment advisor about additional program fees.

You will learn from an engaged faculty of prolific scholars, practitioners, and leaders who are committed to your success.

FAST FACTS

 2 intakes per year

 Full-time

 Classes are 100% online

Online Post-Professional OTD

American International College’s Post-Professional OTD was approved by the New England Commission of Higher Education and developed in response to the projected workforce demand for occupational therapists, the current and projected shortage of doctoral-prepared faculty in occupational therapy programs, and the desire for the profession to advance the educational preparation of occupational therapists.

Trends in the OT Profession

0 %
of practicing OTs have a professional doctorate (OTD)
0 %
of OT programs reported more than one faculty vacancy
0 %
of OT faculty plan to retire by 2024

Source: 2019 Workforce & Salary Survey Executive Summary, AOTA

Dedicated Student Support

An AIC Enrollment Advisor can answer your questions and guide you through the application process. Click the button below to fill out a form and start the conversation.

Your advisor can help with:

  •   Admission Requirements
  •   Curriculum details
  •   Field placement
  •   Enrollment support
  •   Tuition costs
  •   Financial aid
Image
Paula Underhill
Paula Underhill
Image
Elizabeth Comino, Enrollment Advisor at American International College
Elizabeth Comino
Back to top