Our full-time, in-person OTD program empowers you to become a competent and caring occupational therapist, leader, advocate and scholar. Graduate with an entry-level doctorate and a broad range of occupational therapy expertise and hands-on experience.
OTD classes begin in the Fall of each year. Admission for start in Fall 2026 began in July 2025 with an early action deadline of October 1, 2025; regular deadline is February 1, 2026. Applications will remain open until all seats are filled.
View the Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Degree Admission Requirements webpage for more admission details.
For students entering Xavier University as freshman, there is the potential for a Direct Admit Pathway. Slots will be held for incoming Xavier University freshman students and rising sophomores who meet and continue to meet OTD Admission criteria upon application to the OTD Program.
A diverse applicant pool is encouraged to apply. Student Groups & Organizations offer encouragement, motivation, and camaraderie for all. Conveniently, off-campus housing can be found in multiple locations near campus.
During the session, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Explore our cutting-edge facility with an exclusive tour of the OTD Clinic, Activities of Daily Living, and Technology labs
- Get answers to all your questions in a live Q&A with an OTD faculty member
- Learn about the admissions process and program prerequisites
- Explore our curriculum and hands-on learning experiences
Register today to secure your spot and take the first step toward a rewarding career in Occupational Therapy!
- Monday August 18; 1:30-2:30 pm
- Friday Sept 19; 1:00-2:00 pm
- Monday October 13; 9:00-10:00 (Columbus Day)
- Monday November 17; 11:30-12:30
*Information Sessions meet on the 3rd floor of the Health United Building
Fall
- 501 Functional Neuroscience............ 3cr.
- 502 Occupational Sciences............ 3cr.
- 505 Occupational Therapy Professional Standards/Ethical Practice............ 3cr.
- 508 Occupational Therapy Theory............ 3cr.
- 510 Therapeutic Skills............ 2cr.
- 512 Therapeutic Skills Lab............ 2cr.
Spring
- 520 Occupational Therapy Measurement and Assessment............ 3cr.
- 522 Occupational Therapy Quantitative Research Methods............ 3cr.
- 524 Occupational Justice............ 3cr.
- 526 Occupational Therapy Process Behavioral Health............ 3cr.
- 528 Behavioral Health Lab............ 1cr.
- 531 Occupation-Based Movement Analysis............ 1cr.
- 532 Focused Topic Occupational Therapy Evidence-based Practice............ 1cr.
- 534 Capstone Overview............ 1cr.
Fall
- 600 Occupational Therapy Process Pediatrics............ 3cr.
- 602 Pediatrics Lab............ 1cr.
- 606 Occupational Therapy Qualitative Research Methods............ 3cr.
- 608 Environmental Analysis............ 3cr.
- 610 Focused Topic School-based Practice............ 1cr.
- 630 Occupational Therapy Management and Supervision............ 3cr.
- 530 Focused Topic Grant Writing............ 1cr.
- 614 Level I Fieldwork Pediatrics............ 1cr.
Spring
- 604 Capstone Development I............ 3cr.
- 620 Occupational Therapy Process Adults............ 3cr.
- 622 Adults Lab............ 1cr.
- 712 Level I Fieldwork Adult/Older Adults............ 1cr.
- 626 Assistive Technology for Lifespan............ 3cr.
- 628 Assistive Technology Lab............ 1cr.
- 633 Scholarship III: Scholarly Study............ 3cr.
- 634 Focused Topic Lab: Prosthetics, PAMs, Splinting............ 1cr.
Fall
- 700 Occupational Therapy Process Older Adults............ 3cr.
- 701 Occupational Therapy Process Older Adults Lab............ 1cr.
- 705 Capstone Project Development II............ 3cr.
- 706 Advanced Practice: Population Health & Community-Based Practice............ 3cr.
- 708 Occupational Therapy Leadership & Advocacy............ 3cr.
- 612 Focused Topic Academia............ 1cr.
- 624 Culture and Occupation............ 1cr.
- 714 Level I TIDE Fieldwork............ 1cr.
Spring
- 720 Level II Fieldwork A............ 6cr.
- 722 Level II Fieldwork B............ 6cr.
Fall
- 800 Capstone Practicum............ 6cr.
- 802 Capstone Dissemination............ 3cr.
The sample course sequence above illustrates class offerings for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Program Features
Participate in an international and immersive fieldwork experience aligned with Xavier’s mission to prepare students for a world that is diverse, complex, and interdependent
Community-engaged learning is built into nearly 40% of our courses, giving you experience in real-world settings. You'll gain confidence so you can make a difference from day one. Further, your doctoral capstone lets you advocate for the profession while addressing a real community need—leaving a lasting impact before you graduate.
As one of the nation's top schools for occupational therapy, we ensure students have access to intentionally designed, state-of-the-art learning and lab spaces in our newly-constructed Health United Building.
During their course of study, students gain credentials that will further their future practice. They will obtain certificates in: MoCa, CarFit, QRP Suicide Prevention, and CITI Training for research.
Jesuit schools offer occupational therapy students a distinct advantage by cultivating a holistic approach to care. This perspective prepares future therapists to become compassionate and effective practitioners.
Dr. Dunn focuses on research methods, advocacy, and leadership. She emphasizes experiential learning as she supports capstone experiences and accompanies students during their immersive experience.
FAQ
Xavier's OTD program offers a comprehensive pathway to a rewarding career as an occupational therapist. Learn more.
Yes. Our Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program is accredited 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 is 301-652-6611 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
Find more details on our OTD Accreditation and Graduation webpage.
Upon graduation, you are prepared to sit for the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and become an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).
Additionally, students may obtain certificates in: MoCA, CarFit, QRP Suicide Prevention and CITI Training for research.
Find more information on our Professional Licensure Disclosure page.
The OTD program at Xavier University is an in-person program. Classes will be held at Xavier's campus in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Our full-time OTD program spans seven semesters over 3.5 years. A major benefit of this schedule is that you get summers off - you can use summers to work or vacation. Part-time options are not available.
AOTA
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program (OTD) is Accredited and the Master of Occupational Therapy Program (MOT) is Accredited-Inactive by the Accreditation Council Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Ste 510E, Bethesda MD, 20814. www.acoteonline.org. 301‐652‐AOTA
NBCOT
For National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam pass rates, please visit:
The National Board for certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program at Xavier University
Students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program become leaders in the effort to improve health-care outcomes by using occupation or meaningful activity to address physical, emotional or educational needs. Students graduate with an entry-level Occupational Therapy doctoral degree, ready to make a difference in the lives of others. Xavier University is now accepting students into the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program for fall 2026 enrollment.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."