Occupational Therapy OTD PHD Programme By Temple University |TopUniversities
Application Deadline

15 May, 2026Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

Public HealthMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Public Health

Degree

Other

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Help individuals maximize their health and quality of life with the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the Barnett College of Public Health at Temple. Learn to evaluate your clients’ needs and develop solutions that allow them to overcome dysfunction and gain independence, while strengthening your skills in clinical leadership, research-informed clinical practice and specialty teaching in higher education.


The Occupational Therapy OTD was built on the belief that participation in occupational therapy facilitates the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities and populations, by incorporating the underlying principles of public health and rehabilitation science. This entry-level doctoral program reflects contemporary practice values in primary and acute medical care, mental health, community practice, rehabilitation engineering, social participation, and wellness.


Through study and fieldwork, you will learn to


  • demonstrate critical thinking skills in clinical practice;
  • deliver occupational therapy services that promote diversity and inclusion; and
  • act as an innovative leader by contributing to the research agenda in your field.


Our curriculum emphasizes professional knowledge, assessment and interventions addressing occupational performance and participation, with emphasis on promoting health and wellness for all. Our faculty prizes scholarly and clinical growth, aspiring to create experiential learning opportunities that promote the development of critical, reflective occupational therapists who are engaged in innovative practice, leadership and research.


Temple’s Occupational Therapy OTD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Through the program, you will prepare to take the national board certification (NBCOT) examination, which leads to employment as an occupational therapist, working with children, adults and seniors in educational, community and medical service areas.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Public Health

Degree

Other

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Help individuals maximize their health and quality of life with the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the Barnett College of Public Health at Temple. Learn to evaluate your clients’ needs and develop solutions that allow them to overcome dysfunction and gain independence, while strengthening your skills in clinical leadership, research-informed clinical practice and specialty teaching in higher education.


The Occupational Therapy OTD was built on the belief that participation in occupational therapy facilitates the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities and populations, by incorporating the underlying principles of public health and rehabilitation science. This entry-level doctoral program reflects contemporary practice values in primary and acute medical care, mental health, community practice, rehabilitation engineering, social participation, and wellness.


Through study and fieldwork, you will learn to


  • demonstrate critical thinking skills in clinical practice;
  • deliver occupational therapy services that promote diversity and inclusion; and
  • act as an innovative leader by contributing to the research agenda in your field.


Our curriculum emphasizes professional knowledge, assessment and interventions addressing occupational performance and participation, with emphasis on promoting health and wellness for all. Our faculty prizes scholarly and clinical growth, aspiring to create experiential learning opportunities that promote the development of critical, reflective occupational therapists who are engaged in innovative practice, leadership and research.


Temple’s Occupational Therapy OTD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Through the program, you will prepare to take the national board certification (NBCOT) examination, which leads to employment as an occupational therapist, working with children, adults and seniors in educational, community and medical service areas.

Admission Requirements

110+
100+
68+
6.5+
  • Temple University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program requires that applicants have a verified grade of a "B-" or higher in each of their prerequisite courses in order to be considered for admission. At the time of application submission, prerequisites may be in progress or pending, but must be completed prior to our deadline, April 1. Applications with prerequisites that do not have a “B-” or higher will not be considered.
  • Lab courses must have been completed within five years. All other courses must be completed within 10 years. 
  • In the event that Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology/Cultural Anthropology were completed more than 10 years ago, one may take a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam or retake the course to complete this prerequisite. This is the only time a CLEP course may be accepted.
  • Courses may be taken at any accredited institution, including your local community college.
  • All prerequisite courses, with the exception of lab courses, can be taken online.
  • The only AP course we accept is AP Psychology. This must be listed on your OTCAS and official transcript to be considered. 
  • We do not accept CLEP or AP courses (with the exception as noted above) for prerequisites.
  • We do not accept credit for experiential and/or work experience.
  • If you have any questions regarding prerequisites, please contact [email protected]. If you aren’t sure whether a course meets the requirement, please send the official link to the course description and a cours

15 May 2026
Jun

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance

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