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Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Make a Bold Move: Fast-Track Your OTD with Wilson’s Hybrid, Accelerated Program.
Elevate your career as an occupational therapist and make an impact on the lives of your clients! Our hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is designed for professionals like you—those who aspire to lead, innovate, and excel in the rapidly growing field of occupational therapy.
Two years is all you need to level up in your health care career. Through Wilson’s OTD program, students will engage in a hybrid program structure including asynchronous and synchronous coursework, practical application of course materials through onsite lab immersions, and fieldwork and capstone experience. Students can engage with faculty and their classmates in-person at multiple lab immersions in Philadelphia, to reinforce concepts taught in the online coursework.
REQUEST INFOLive class sessions (synchronous) Independent learning activities (asynchronous)
Two clinical fieldwork rotations and a capstone experience
Eight in-person lab immersions in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
In two years, Wilson College’s accelerated, hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program prepares students to become confident, evidence-based practitioners. Led by expert faculty with diverse clinical backgrounds, students gain a strong foundation in core OT values while building professional identity through immersive fieldwork. Our strong partnerships with hospitals, healthcare systems, and community-based organizations ensure high-quality, hands-on learning guided by dedicated fieldwork educators. Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and enter the field with the skills to manage their time, access resources, and deliver impactful care. Rooted in Wilson’s core values, students leave empowered to be critical thinkers, honorable leaders, and creative visionaries—ready to meet the needs of a changing healthcare system.
Ready to learn more? Fill out the form above.
Admission Requirements
All applications must be completed online through OTCAS.
Students that are accepted into the OTD program must meet the following admissions criteria prior to beginning coursework:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Complete required prerequisites with a GPA minimum of a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and a verified grade of a B- or greater for all prerequisite courses.
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with lab components; 8 credits; must have been completed within 7 years of application)
- Developmental Psychology (must cover the entire lifespan; 3-6 credits)
- Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
- Sociology or Anthropology (with a cultural component preferred; 3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Medical Terminology (1 credit)
- Submission of three (3) letters of recommendation by individuals that can objectively assess applicant qualifications such as professors, acad advisors, professional colleagues, and workplace supervisors. Recommendations from family members or friends are not acceptable.
- Documentation of relevant involvement in volunteer work, paid work, or leadership experiences. Additionally, a minimum of 20 observation hours is required. Individuals who have worked as an occupational therapy assistant or rehab aide may be exempt from observation hour requirements.
- Submission of a personal statement addressing why they selected occupational therapy as a career and how the degree relates to their immediate and long-term professional goals.
- Ability to meet the technical standards necessary to perform effectively in the program.
- Complete a virtual interview. Applicants meeting the requirements will be invited to complete an interview by the Admissions Committee.
Why Wilson College?
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Wilson College offers a close-knit, supportive, and innovative academic environment that prepares students for success. With a legacy dating back to 1869, Wilson is a place where tradition is honored and new ideas thrive. Whether you’re looking for a robust academic challenge, opportunities for leadership, or a vibrant community, Wilson College is a place where you can grow, learn, and find your purpose.
Flexible and Innovative Learning
In addition to traditional on-campus learning, Wilson offers flexible options for students, including hybrid and online programs, like the doctor in occupational therapy program. Specifically, the next generation of health care experts, can earn their OTD without leaving their communities.
Small Campus, Big Opportunities
At Wilson, you’re more than just a number. The intimate campus environment fosters strong connections and a collaborative, inclusive community where students feel supported in their academic and personal journeys. Through the OTD program, students will connect with passionate faculty across areas of occupational therapy.
Unique Program Options
Wilson is also home to unique programs, like equine and environmental studies. Students can take advantage of these program options for further development of these concepts from an occupational therapy lens during their capstone project.
Take the Next Step
Reach Out to Us
Ready to transform your career and become a leader in occupational therapy? Our hybrid, accelerated Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is designed to provide the education, flexibility, and support you need to succeed.
Industry Outlook
Occupational therapy is a growing field
Employment is expected to increase by 11% by 2033 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Depending on the industry, the annual wage for occupational therapists could range from $65,000 to over $120,000, with home health care being the highest earning
industry as of May 2023.
After graduating from the entry-level doctor of occupational therapy program, practitioners have the credentials to pursue leadership roles apply for board licensure, teach, and even
open their own clinics!
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 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 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 National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). 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. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.