Occupational Therapy
Empower individuals to live life to the fullest.
The Texas Christian University (TCU) Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program is designed to be a regional, national and international educational leader of excellence and innovation for students planning careers as occupational therapists.
Students learn to promote health and well-being through the use of everyday life activities (occupations) to help individuals maximize participation and independence in their daily lives to the best of their abilities. Our staff leverages innovative technology, and our advanced-practice electives are designed to provide students with a path toward specialization to better position themselves competitively in the market.
Visit Department WebsiteSpecial Admission Requirements
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
- In-person interview
- Minimum of 30 hours of observation and/or volunteer work in at least two (2) different types of occupational therapy settings with an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant.
- Prerequisite courses with minimum 3.0 GPA
- International applicants must meet all TCU International Student Admission Criteria
Our Faculty
Learn from faculty who are outstanding educators, researchers, and practitioners committed to your success.
What Sets Us Apart
At TCU, you’ll get a combination of academic coursework, labs, supervised fieldwork experience, culminating with a Doctoral Capstone Experience with Project. As a Practice-Scholar, TCU-OTD graduates will rigorously apply and evaluate research evidence within the context of their professionally specialized didactic and experiential education, demonstrating a commitment to improving practice and contributing to the advancement of occupational therapy.
TCU’s OTD program emphasizes a pathway to specialization through a combination of foundational, entry-level practice courses and advanced practice electives offered within the program. All students will participate in an advanced practice elective to provide deeper knowledge and application within the primary areas of occupational therapy practice. Students will consider different electives – from pediatrics to orthopedics and more.
Aligning with TCU’s mission to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community, TCU’s OTD program empowers students to form a holistic perspective with cultural humility through the didactic and experiential curriculum. TCU-OTD students have opportunities to participate in international fieldwork and capstone opportunities, as well as consider a global perspective while studying in the Fort Worth community.
Career Prospects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported expected job growth for occupational therapists of 11% over the next decade. The U.S. News and World Report ranks occupational therapy #8 in Best Health Care Jobs, #13 in Best Stem Jobs, and #23 in 100 Best Jobs. It reports the median salary for occupational therapists as $96,370.