Why earn your doctorate in occupational therapy at Marian?
Welcome to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK's Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program! Here, you'll gain the skills and confidence to transform lives through innovative practice, research, and advocacy. Our rigorous curriculum blends cutting-edge theory with hands-on experience, preparing you to excel in diverse healthcare settings. You'll be part of a supportive community of passionate faculty and peers, all dedicated to advancing occupational therapy and making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities.
Are you a prospective faculty member or community partner? about our OT program, and someone will follow up with you!
About Marian's OTD Program
The OTD program is currently in development. Applications for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program are expected to open in Summer 2026, with the first cohort starting in August 2027. These dates are subject to successful progression through the accreditation process (see the statement below for more details).
Rooted in the Catholic, Franciscan tradition of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK, the Occupational Therapy programs are guided by a conviction that every person possesses inherent dignity and the capacity for meaningful participation in life. We believe occupation—the everyday activities through which people find purpose, connection, and identity—is both the means and the measure of human flourishing.
Our mission is to transform lives through skilled, heartfelt occupational therapy. Grounded in Franciscan values of dignity, service, justice, and responsible stewardship, our programs prepare practitioners who approach each person holistically, advocate with compassion, and serve communities with ethical excellence. Across our Occupational Therapy Assistant, Master of Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs, students are formed not only as competent clinicians but as reflective professionals and transformative leaders.
Our vision is to exemplify leadership in occupational therapy education through innovation, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration — preparing graduates who honor the whole person and advance meaningful occupation across all populations and across a lifetime. In doing so, we carry forward Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK's enduring commitment to preparing transformative leaders for service to the world.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK is a seven (7) semester graduate program. Students can begin graduate occupational therapy classes and, in the first year, decide between the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) tracks. Both degrees enable graduates to be eligible for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) as an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR®) and state licensure to practice.
The OTD curriculum is organized along a deliberate developmental arc that reflects the program’s core beliefs about professional and doctoral learning. This arc provides the organizing logic for course content, sequencing, and evaluation across the full program. The sequencing is intentional and cannot be rearranged without disrupting the curriculum’s developmental logic.
Early phases establish the conceptual and identity foundations required for meaningful engagement with clinical content; intermediate phases integrate concepts across themes and translate knowledge into clinical skill; later phases apply integrated competencies in increasingly complex and autonomous clinical contexts; the final academic phase synthesizes all prior learning into a doctoral scholarly project; and the vocational launch launches the doctoral-level practitioner prepared for entry-level practice, leadership, and professional contribution. The OTD arc extends the MOT arc by one critical phase: doctoral scholarship. The capstone sequence is not an appendage to the curriculum but its culmination—the phase in which all prior learning is synthesized and applied in service of a meaningful scholarly contribution. It presupposes the full generalist and advanced practice preparation of the preceding phases, and it cannot be meaningfully undertaken without them.
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK's Graduate Occupational Therapy programs admit students through a competitive review process. All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements for consideration. Please contact the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK Graduate Admissions Office to arrange a campus visit and/or ask questions about the admissions process. 📧 GRAdmissions@marian.edu | 📞 (317) 955-6400
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through OTCAS (Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service). All required materials must be submitted and verified through the OTCAS portal before your application will be reviewed. Important note: Transfer credits from other graduate programs, including other occupational therapy programs, are not accepted.
Minimum Requirements
GPA A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required.
Prerequisite Coursework All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better (a B or better is required in Human Anatomy and Human Physiology). A minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required.
Required prerequisites:
Human Anatomy with lab (completed within 5 years of application)
Human Physiology with lab (completed within 5 years of application)
Statistics
General Psychology
Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology
Lifespan Psychology
Sociology or Anthropology
Medical Terminology
Important notes on prerequisites:
All prerequisites must be completed at an institution accredited by a CHEA- and USDE-recognized accrediting body prior to matriculation.
Prerequisites cannot be fulfilled through pass/fail or non-credit courses.
AP coursework may count toward prerequisites if approved and listed on your official undergraduate transcript; AP credits will not be calculated in the prerequisite GPA. Human Anatomy and Human Physiology prerequisites cannot be fulfilled through AP coursework.
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required, submitted through OTCAS. Letters should speak to your academic performance, interpersonal skills, emotional maturity, and professional character. Required letter sources:
One letter from an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR®)
Two letters from professional or academic references
Official Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (undergraduate and graduate) must be submitted.
Baccalaureate Degree: An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required prior to matriculation. (Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK students enrolled in an approved undergraduate pathway program may matriculate before degree conferral, provided the baccalaureate degree is awarded no later than the end of their second semester in the graduate program.)
English Language Proficiency(International Applicants) Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores from one of the following examinations:
Exam
Minimum Score
TOEFL iBT
80 (no subtest below 18)
IELTS
6.5 (no band score below 6.0)
ELS
Level 112
PTE
58
Scores must be taken within two years of application submission and sent directly from the testing agency.
This requirement is waived for applicants who have:
Completed a degree from an accredited U.S. college or university
Completed a degree from an accredited institution in Australia, Canada (English-speaking provinces), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom
Completed 60+ credit hours at an accredited U.S. institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Admissions Interview: Qualified applicants will be invited to interview with the Graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Interviews are by invitation only.
Admission criteria are subject to change. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Admissions Office for the most current requirements.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK is committed to the success of every student enrolled. Consistent with our Franciscan mission of honoring the dignity and potential of each person, the program provides clear expectations, proactive support, and timely guidance throughout every phase of the educational experience.
Criteria for Successful Completion
Students are provided with detailed criteria for successful completion of each segment of the OTD program—including didactic coursework, Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences, Capstone, and program exit requirements—prior to the start of classes. These criteria are published in the OT Student Manual and the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK Graduate Catalog, both of which students receive and formally acknowledge before beginning coursework. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing, progress through the program, and be eligible for graduation.
Level II Fieldwork & Capstone Completion
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and an individual 14-week capstone experience within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework, Level II fieldwork, and preparatory activities defined in 2023 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
Student Retention and Support
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK's MOT program employs a layered approach to student retention, ensuring that every student has access to the support they need to complete the program successfully:
SPARK Early Alert System—Faculty may flag students experiencing academic, personal, or other difficulties through SPARK, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK's institutional early alert platform, enabling timely, personalized outreach and intervention.
Academic Advising—Students meet with an academic advisor each semester to review progress, address barriers, and plan for continued success.
Professional Advising—Students engage in professional advising twice per semester to support their development as occupational therapy practitioners and emerging members of the profession.
Midterm Fieldwork Reviews—Students receive structured midterm reviews during Level II fieldwork experiences to identify areas for growth and ensure successful completion of each placement.
These supports reflect the program's deep commitment—rooted in Franciscan values—to walking alongside each student and honoring the unique gifts and circumstances they bring to their education.
Estimated Program Cost
The estimated total cost to complete the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is $108,618 (7 semesters) for the 2027-28 academic year. This includes books and supplies.
Technology Requirements
Students entering the Graduate Occupational Therapy program at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK are required to bring a laptop for use in class. PC or Mac systems are acceptable. Laptops will be used for various in-class and out-of-class activities, including computer-based testing through Respondus LockDown Browser in Canvas. For information about this system, to see if your computer meets necessary requirements, please see the MU or .
Identity Verification
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK uses a layered, multi-method approach to verify that the student who registers for a course or program is the same student who participates in and receives academic credit. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK does not assess any additional charges to students for the identity verification processes described in this standard. This policy is communicated to prospective and enrolled students through the OT Student Manual and course syllabi. Should any future identity verification tool requiring additional student cost be considered, the program will provide explicit advance notification to students at the time of registration or enrollment.
Upon acceptance to the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK graduate occupational therapy program, students must submit a non-refundable deposit by the date identified in their admission letter. At that time, students will receive additional information on the steps necessary to complete the required health records, background check, and drug screen prior to matriculation.
Students enrolled in the Graduate Occupational Therapy programs are required to participate in various experiences, including fieldwork and competencies, in order to successfully complete the program. Prior to participating in these experiences, all students are required to obtain and pay for a background check and any other mandatory screening processes. Upon completion, students are required to submit necessary documentation via the appropriate vendor, as identified by the department. The timeline for completion of the background checks and other screening processes will be articulated by the program.
Positive results from a criminal background check that are sufficiently severe in nature may result in the inability of a student to progress in the program and may result in dismissal. Examples of sufficiently severe offenses include, but are not limited to; violent felony convictions, convictions for crimes of deception, convictions for sex crimes, and placement on a sex offender registry. Any subsequent criminal arrests that occur after enrollment must be reported to the unit Dean or designee.
Additionally, occupational therapy students who would like to explore if a past event might impact their eligibility for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy® Examination are encouraged to go through the process.
What will you study in Marian's OT program?
Comprehensive Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of occupational therapy. Key areas of study include:
Human anatomy and physiology
Neuroscience and its applications in OT
Occupational therapy theories and frameworks
Assessment and intervention techniques
Research methods and evidence-based practice
Ethics and professional development
Leadership and Professional Identity Formation
Students engage in a mix of classroom lectures, laboratory sessions, and fieldwork experiences to develop a well-rounded skill set.
The Power of Choice
We know many students may want to be occupational therapists but are unsure which graduate pathway is best for their journey. At Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK students can join the graduate occupational therapy programs and then make this decision within the first year after further exploration of the profession.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MU OTD program will be prepared for rewarding careers in a variety of settings, including:
Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
Schools and early intervention programs
Mental health facilities
Skilled nursing facilities
Home health agencies
Community health organizations
Private practice
Community Engagement
Participate in community outreach programs, applying skills while making a positive impact in local communities.
Fieldwork & Capstone Partnerships
We have established strong partnerships with various healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations. These relationships provide students with diverse fieldwork and capstone opportunities, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in different practice settings.
The program boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are leaders in their respective areas of occupational therapy. With a blend of academic expertise and real-world practice experience, faculty provide students with invaluable insights and mentorship throughout their educational journey.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Train in our cutting-edge simulation labs equipped with the latest technology and adaptive equipment used in the field. This hands-on experience ensures students are well-prepared for real-world scenarios.
Interprofessional Education
Collaborate with students from other healthcare programs, fostering the teamwork skills essential in modern healthcare environments. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK is home to the Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Leighton School of Nursing, and programs in Occupational and Physical Therapy.
Begin an enriching career journey with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Join us and embark on the path to becoming a skilled, compassionate, and innovative occupational therapist. Prepare to lead transformation and make a positive impact in communities and beyond.
Accreditation Statements
Our substantive change application has been submitted to the accreditor and is pending HLC review. For additional information about Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK's institutional accreditation, contact the Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Administration.
The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation by the of the , located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the . After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).
In addition, all states require licensure 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.
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and an individual 14-week capstone experience within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework, Level II fieldwork and preparatory activities defined in 2023 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program are required to participate in fieldwork experiences in order to successfully complete the program. Prior to participating in fieldwork experiences, all students are required to obtain and pay for a background check and any other mandatory screening processes. Upon completion, students are required to submit necessary documentation via the appropriate vendor, as identified by the department. The timeline for completion of the background checks and other screening processes will be articulated by the program.
Positive results from a criminal background check that are sufficiently severe in nature may result in the inability of a student to progress in the program and may result in dismissal. Examples of sufficiently severe offenses include, but are not limited to; violent felony convictions, convictions for crimes of deception, convictions for sex crimes, and placement on a sex offender registry. Any subsequent criminal arrests that occur after enrollment must be reported to the unit Dean, or designee.
When a student has a positive finding on a criminal background check, they are strongly encouraged to go through the process. The appropriate personnel on campus and at a fieldwork site will evaluate the information and surrounding circumstances to determine if the student can participate in a fieldwork experience. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. The occupational therapy program will take reasonable steps to find alternate placements, but a failure to place students as a result of a positive criminal background check may result in a student being unable to satisfy the graduation requirements of the program.
Even if allowed to progress in the program, students should be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State certification body. Students are advised to consult the appropriate certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details.
Successful completion of a program of study does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.