Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Rooted in the Catholic, Franciscan tradition of Marian University, 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 Marian University's enduring commitment to preparing transformative leaders for service to the world.

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program at Marian University 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.

Marian University'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 Marian University 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

1. GPA A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required.
2. 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 (Should be completed within 5 years of application; In-person platform is preferred.)
• Human Physiology with lab (Should be completed within 5 years of application; In-person platform is preferred.)
• 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.

3. 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

4. Official Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (undergraduate and graduate) must be submitted.
5. Baccalaureate Degree: An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required prior to matriculation. (Marian University 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.)
6. English Language Proficiency (International Applicants) Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores from one of the following examinations:

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

7. 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.

📧 GRadmissions@marian.edu 📞 (317) 955-6400

Student Success and Graduation Requirements

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Marian University 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 Marian University 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

Marian University'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, Marian University'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 Marian University 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 Center for Teaching & Learning or Information Technology.  

Identity Verification

Marian University 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. Marian University 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.

Scholarships & Graduate Assistantships

Marian University's Graduate Occupational Therapy programs are committed to supporting students in making their education accessible and achievable. Both departmental scholarships and graduate assistantship opportunities are available to enrolled students.

Departmental Scholarships: All students admitted to the Graduate OT program are considered for available departmental scholarships. No separate scholarship application is required.

Graduate Assistantships: Graduate assistantship positions offer eligible students the opportunity to contribute to the academic community while gaining professional experience. During the OTCAS application process, applicants will be asked whether they wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship. Students who express interest will receive assistantship application materials in late fall for review and consideration.

Upon acceptance to the Marian University 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 Early Determination Review process.

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 NBCOT Early Determination 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.

The Marian University Occupational Therapy Programs seek to produce highly skilled and compassionate practitioners. Students are expected to develop a robust medical knowledge base and the requisite clinical skills, with the ability to appropriately apply their knowledge and skills, effectively interpret information, and contribute to patient-centered decisions across a broad spectrum of medical situations and settings.

The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards of our academic program, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to occupational therapy school as well as current students who are candidates for retention, promotion, or graduation. These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations.

Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Personalized Learning Center early in the application process to begin a confidential conversation about what accommodations they may need to meet these standards.  

Any accommodations granted apply only to a student’s tenure at Marian University and may not be approved or adopted by other institutions, including those responsible for the administration of national licensing examinations. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from a Marian University Occupational Therapy Program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific residency program or the essential functions of specific employment.

Observational Skills

Candidates must acquire information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in the foundational sciences. In addition, candidates must be able to evaluate patients accurately and assess their relevant health, behavioral, and medical information. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through a comprehensive assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patients’ physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patients’ conditions and responses.

Communication Skills

Candidates must exhibit interpersonal skills to enable effective caregiving of patients, including the ability to communicate effectively with members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, patients, and those supporting patients, in person and in writing. Candidates must be able to clearly and accurately record information and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication. 

Examination, Diagnostic, and Procedural Skills

Candidates must possess the capacity to perform all medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures considered essential for the area of practice, including physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. They must be able to respond to emergent or urgent situations and provide general and emergency care. They must adhere to universal precaution measures and meet safety standards applicable to inpatient and outpatient settings and other clinical activities. 

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Cognitive Skills

Candidates must effectively interpret, assimilate, and understand the complex information required to function within the occupational therapy program curriculum, including, but not limited to, the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships of structures; effectively participate in individuals, small-group and lecture learning modalities in the classroom, clinical, and community settings; learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as a part of a team; synthesize information both in persona and via remote technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a hypothesis and investigate potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions.  

Behavioral Attributes and Social Skills

Candidates must exercise good judgment; complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients; and develop appropriate, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The skills required to do so include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of the uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients.

Ethical and Professional Expectations

Candidates are expected to exhibit professionalism, personal accountability, compassion, integrity, concern for others, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to accept and apply feedback and to respect boundaries and care for all individuals in a respectful and effective manner, regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status.

Candidates should understand and function within the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of occupational therapy and maintain and display ethical and moral behaviors commensurate with the role of a practitioner in all interactions with patients, faculty, staff, students, and the public. Candidates must adhere to the Marian University code of student rights and responsibilities, and the Marian University Occupational Therapy Department code of professional ethics and professional conduct policy.

Closing

Marian University, through policy and practice, is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. In the Catholic, Franciscan tradition, we celebrate the dignity of each individual to ensure all students, including those with disabilities, have equal access and opportunities during their time at Marian University. 

Candidates with questions regarding the technical standards are encouraged to contact the Personalized Learning Center. Admission to Marian University’s Occupational Therapy Program(s)is conditional on the candidate’s ability to satisfy these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, and results from a process that examines and values all the skills, attitudes, and attributes of each candidate on a case-by-case basis. 

Procedure

Prior to starting the program, and annually thereafter during enrollment, students attest to having read and understood the minimum technical standards of the Marian University Occupational Therapy Programs.

The Marian University entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation 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 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 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. 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.