Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program
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. At Valpo, our occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program prepares future practitioners to provide occupational therapy services to clients using inter-professional collaboration, evidence-based practice, integrity, and compassion.
Weaving threads of scholarship, service, community engagement, and leadership throughout the entire curriculum, this 109-credit hour program is intentionally designed to inspire and equip future practitioners 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 interdisciplinary teams, clients, 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.
Regardless of what path your undergraduate journey has taken (biomedical engineering, digital media, secondary education, etc.), one of the unique features of Valpo’s OTD program is individuals of all undergraduate degree backgrounds can apply as long as the necessary prerequisites have been met. That means you don’t need to worry about backtracking before changing direction, you can begin your OTD journey right away!
VALUE OF A VALPO GRADUATE DEGREE
Even as one of the highest-ranked institutions in the Midwest for value and academic reputation, graduate tuition for the 2024–2025 academic year is affordable at $715 per credit.
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VALPO.EDU/OT
ADMISSION CHECKLIST
In addition to completing the graduate studies requirements, students applying to the entry-level occupational therapy doctorate program must meet the following criteria.
■ Minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
■ Admission to Valparaiso University as a degree-seeking student
■ Undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher
■ Letter of intent explaining why the candidate is seeking this degree and goals for using this degree (2-page max)
■ Two letters of recommendation
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.
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.
Choosing Valpo for undergrad and now for the OTD program was probably one of the best decisions I have made. I fell in love with Valpo, both the city and the university, and I was able to stay close to family. All of the OTD professors are amazing and have made transitioning into graduate school so much easier. I’m so glad I have been able to be part of this new program and I’m excited to see where it’ll take me!
Maria Camacho ‘21, ‘26 OTD
Visit valpo.edu/ot to learn more about the entry-level occupational therapy doctoral program.
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.)
COURSES 28 CR. CHEM 111 or 121 Chemistry 3 Cr. PSY 110 General psychology 3 Cr. BIO 151 Human anatomy and physiology I 4 Cr. PSY 215 Lifespan development 3 Cr. KIN 250 Medical terminology 3 Cr. BIO 152 Human anatomy and physiology II 4 Cr. PSY 235 Abnormal psychology 3 Cr. STAT 140 General statistics 3 Cr. or PSY 201 Statistical methods 3 Cr. ENGL 205 Writing for health sciences 3 Cr.
Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN 46383 phone: 219.464.5516 web: valpo.edu email: grad@valpo.edu PREREQUSITE
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