Occupational Therapy

Clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (DOT)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the program?

The program is offered in a flexible distance education format. Students will be able to complete all of their coursework on-line and with 2-3 long weekend on-campus sessions per year. Students are required to attend the on-campus sessions to launch and wrap-up the coursework. Orientation, advisement, and introductions to faculty are also provided during on-campus sessions.

Where is the program offered?

The on-campus weekends occur at our beautiful Temple University Center City Campus in the heart of Philadelphia. The location is easy to access from the airport and public transportation. There are discounted parking rates available for those students who drive along with discounted hotel rates at local center city hotels. Information on housing arrangements, parking, and local events is provided by the department.

What are the requirements for admission to the program?

Applicants must be certified as Occupational Therapists via the procedures specified by the NBCOT and have a Master Degree in occupational therapy or another field. Applicants are expected to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in graduate work and/or a GRE score of 50% or higher. GRE scores are not required for the application process if you have successfully completed graduate work with a GPA of 3.0 or above.

How do I apply?

You can obtain application instructions through the link to on-line Graduate Application for Doctorate in Occupational Therapy by going to Temple University Graduate School web page http://webserv.adminsvc.temple.edu/gradapp/Online.asp and insert Doctorate in Occupational Therapy on line 13 which asks for the degree you are seeking. You can also request an application by contacting the Department of Occupational Therapy at (215) 707-4875. We encourage you to have you application submitted by August 1st for the Fall semester or December 1st for the Spring semester although applications will be accepted throughout the year.

What are the requirements to complete the degree?

This is a 30 semester hour program consisting 7 required courses and 3 specialty elective clinical courses. It is recommended that students complete the program with a cohort taking 2 courses per semester. In this format, students can complete the program over 5 semesters and within two years. Students develop a professional development plan at the beginning of the program to guide them through the curriculum and in the development of a professional portfolio based on their goals combined with expertise acquired throughout the program. Students are required to complete 160 hours or 4 weeks of a clinical specialty field study and a capstone project directed by the professional development plan. This is all integrated into the required coursework.

What are the costs for tuition?

For the 2008-2009 school year, graduate tuition is $596. for in-state students and $872. for out of state students per credit.

Who can I contact for more information?

You can contact the Department of Occupational Therapy at (215) 707-4875 or the Program Coordinator, Dr. Beth Pfeiffer at (215) 707-4504.