Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) to Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
LEND YOUR LIGHT BY HELPING PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN EVERYDAY LIFE
As an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living. And, with a solid foundation in health science, you’ll have the interdisciplinary knowledge to seamlessly transition into the OTD program and your bright future as a practitioner.
At Valpo, our occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program prepares future practitioners to use client-centered care and evidence-based practices to:
• Advocate for occupational therapy services for diverse populations, groups, and individuals as a member of a healthcare team.
• Assess occupational performance.
• Provide therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, client, and stakeholders to formulate a successful transition from service and document results.
• Complete all duties in an ethical, legal, safe, and professional manner.
As a result, much like a lighthouse, our OTD students are given the supportive structure of curriculum, practice, and faculty mentorship to ensure their light not only shines brightly but also serves to light the way for others on their journey of recovery and discovery.
AN ACCELERATED PATHWAY TO A SURE FUTURE
With all the OTD prerequisites embedded in the BSHS to OTD pathway and meeting a minimum 3.3 GPA requirement, you will receive admission assurance, guaranteeing you a seat in the OTD program once you deposit. Ultimately, the BSHS to OTD pathway allows you to save a full year of schooling and deposit it into your bright future.
VALUE OF A VALPO GRADUATE DEGREE
Even as one of the highest-ranked institutions in the Midwest for value and academic reputation, graduate tuition is affordable. For more information, visit valpo.edu/otd .
PREREQUISITE COURSES
CHEM 11 Introduction to Chemistry or CHEM 121 General Chemistry I
PSY 110 General Psychology
BIO 151 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
PSY 215 Life Span Development
KIN 250 Medical Terminology
BIO 151 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
PSY 235 Abnormal Psychology
STAT 140 General Statistics or PSY 201 Statistical Methods
ENGL 205 Writing for Health Sciences
The prerequisite requirements listed above are in reference to courses offered at Valparaiso University. An applicant may request a course equivalency audit at any time by emailing OT@valpo.edu . Applicants must earn a grade of “C” or higher to fulfill the prerequisite GPA admission criteria.
The occupational therapy doctorate coursework includes:
• All didactic courses
• Fieldwork experiences (level I and level II)
• Doctoral capstone experience
Students must complete 24 weeks of level II fieldwork as well as a doctoral capstone experience within six months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program.
A VALPO EDUCATION
At Valpo, you receive a comprehensive, rigorous education within the liberal arts tradition, learning to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems creatively. Our committed faculty invests in the success of students both in and out of the classroom, providing you the individualized attention and guidance fundamental to reaching your full potential.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
For information on scholarships and awards, visit valpo.edu/financialaid .
Learn More
Valparaiso University admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. (For a full statement, see valpo.edu.)
We’ve compiled all the pertinent information about the BSHS to OTD program – including courses, cost, admission requirements, and rankings – on our website. Ready to learn more? Get started at valpo.edu/otd.