Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program
The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is a 16-20 month, primarily online, post-professional program designed to enable students to continue meeting personal and professional obligations while pursuing their occupational therapy doctorate. The program offers elective tracks in the following areas:
- Advanced Practice (accelerated program)
- Administration & Practice Management
- Aging
- Assistive Technology
- Behavioral & Mental Health
- Education
- Hand Therapy
- Pediatrics
Focusing on evidence-based practice and professional development, the OTD program is for practicing occupational therapists who strive to become leaders in the delivery of health and human services.
Important Dates
Academic Model
Limited-Residency Program: Mostly online, with 3-4 onsite visits scheduled throughout the curriculum depending on program. The program will be completed in 4-5 semesters contingent upon desired track.
Program Tracks
There are eight elective tracks within the RMUoHP Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.
Details and curriculums for each track can be viewed by clicking track titles in the tabs below.
- Advanced Practice Track
- Administration & Practice Management Elective Track
- Aging Elective Track
- Education Elective Track
- Hand Therapy Elective Track
- Pediatrics Elective Track
- Assistive Technology Elective Track
- Behavioral & Mental Health Elective Track
Start Date
September 4, 2018
First Onsite Date
Advanced Practice Track (accelerated program)
For the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy candidate who seeks a well-rounded basis for furthering their career opportunities, the Advanced Practice track of study will focus on research, clinical reasoning and best practices, program evaluation, and business-related aspects of practice. Students will master the concepts of applying empirical evidence at the point of care and in the everyday aspects of occupational therapy practice. Whether the prospective student aspires to teach, advocate, lead, or practice in an entrepreneurial role, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Advanced Practice track will provide the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for success in this rewarding career field.
Start Date
September 4, 2018
First Onsite Date
Administration & Practice Management Elective Track
The OTD Administrative and Practice Management program is designed for those advanced occupational therapy practitioners who seek to influence the profession from a leadership and practice management perspective. The program explores leadership theories, organizational development, and financial management strategies, emphasizing an evidence-based philosophy with a reflection on key professional trends.
APM 718 Essentials of Practice Management & Administration This course explores the foundations associated with designing, promoting, and leading a healthcare organization. The course instructs on financial planning, marketing, strategic planning, space designing, and other business principles. Students engage in critical reasoning through forum discussions and the development of an executive business summary.
APM 726 Best-Practice for Organizational Development This course focuses on the necessary skills required in the daily operations of leading a healthcare organization. Students will review human resource theory, strategic planning, development theory, conflict resolution, corporate goal setting, staff development, and integrating evidenced-based practice. Additionally, the course explores innovative leadership and entrepreneurship, and alternative healthcare delivery models. Advanced knowledge occurs in developing a strategic plan along with an evidenced-based business planning.
APM 736 Productivity and Profitability for Participation This course integrates concepts and skills of administration and practice management with core tenets associated with occupational therapy practice to help equip students with the confidence and tools to promote productivity, profitability, client outcomes, and clinician satisfaction in clinic or business operations. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify significant factors that affect business sustainability through the creation of an evidence-based final project.
Start Date
September 4, 2018
First Onsite Date
Aging Elective Track
The OTD Aging program offers an elective course of study for the post-professional occupational therapist that addresses the complex needs of senior populations. Doctoral candidates will consider evidence-based practices and principles with an added focus on the physical and psychosocial dimensions of aging, neuropathology, and degenerative disease. Graduates will be poised to enter one of the many advanced occupational therapy disciplines that serve the growing needs of the aging population.
AG 716 Neurodegenerative Disease: Addressing Participation in Occupation This course examines current and emerging best practices for addressing participation in occupation for an older adult experiencing a neurodegenerative disease process. Neurological diseases covered within this course include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and polyneuropathies. Students will engage in critical reasoning through forum discussions, analyzing intervention strategies, and development of a client-based case study.
AG 726 Examining Occupational Therapy’s Role in Productive Aging This course explores evidence associated with current and emerging areas of occupational therapy addressing the occupational performance needs of older adults. This course will analyze the current evidence-based interventions related to falls prevention, home safety, and environmental modifications to support aging-in-place. Students will develop a critically-appraised paper and a client-based case study.
AG 738 Application of Evidence for the Provision of Care for Persons with Dementia This course examines issues and evidence related to caring for persons with dementia including non-pharmacologic intervention approaches, theoretical frameworks, environmental modification, caregiver education and their application in different clinical settings. Students will utilize evidence-based practice guidelines (i.e., AOTA) to develop a client-based case study.
Start Date
September 4, 2018
First Onsite Date
Education Elective Track
The OTD Education program leads the student to a focus on education and learning in an academic setting. Doctoral candidates will explore the dimensions of adult learning, instructional design principles, and pedagogical methodology. Graduates in this elective track will be prepared to enter a variety of academic fields and contribute to the occupational therapy profession’s growing need for doctoral educators.
EDU 718 Introduction to Occupational Therapy Educational Settings This course explores adult learning theory, especially through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning as outlined by AOTA and Boyer’s Scholarship of Teaching. Students will foster within themselves their own teaching philosophy, the awareness of learning styles, and an understanding of the importance of life-long learning.
EDU 726 The Foundations of Instructional Design This course explores backward design in lesson planning, course development, developing assessment tools, writing learning, and course objectives reflective of Bloom’s/Fink’s Taxonomy. The course will culminate with the creation of a learner-centered syllabus and lesson plan.
EDU 736 Instructional Methods for Occupational Therapy Education This course focuses on latest trends in education, including flipped classrooms, technology in teaching and learning, learning management systems, and program design. Student explore various teaching methods and managing student concerns to allow for facilitating continued learning.
Start Date
September 4, 2018
First Onsite Date
Hand Therapy Elective Track
The OTD Hand Therapy program prepares graduates for an advanced level of evidence-based practice specific to the upper extremities. Occupational hand therapy focuses on the treatment of orthopedic conditions to optimize arm and hand use. Doctoral candidates will prepare to provide an advanced level of client-centered, occupation-based therapy designed to restore function and well-being.
CHT 718 Seminar for Upper Extremity Specialists This course examines current and emerging best practices for working individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders involving the upper quadrant and explores the role of occupational/hand therapy, including utilizing technology, on transitioning from a reductionist model to promoting meaningful activity and participation. Particular focus will be on hand therapy related interventions, such as orthosis management for tendon injury, nerve injury, fractures, degenerative diseases and movement disorders. Students will engage within forum discussions, intervention strategies analysis, electronic presentations, and development of a client-based case study.
CHT 726 Evidence-based Concepts of Radiographic Imaging This course provides fundamental principles of radiographic imaging procedures while addressing occupational-based strategies for clinical decision-making. Students will develop skills to recognize common normal and abnormal radiographic findings of the upper quadrant and to approach imaging studies from a scientific and occupation-based prospective. Students will integrate the diagnostic utility of imaging procedures related to activities and participation.
CHT 736 Advanced Concepts in Hand Therapy Evidence-based Practice This course examines client-centered care practices through best evidence for interventions used in upper quadrant rehabilitation clinics. Students will appraise literature pertaining to upper quadrant interventions and outcome assessment tools to assist in determining the best practices in hand therapy, with emphasis on in-depth examination of interventions strategies and diagnosis and prognosis of specific neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders of the upper quadrant. This course promotes student critical reasoning through class forums, blogs, and social networks, as well as electronic presentations, scholarly papers, and the application of theoretical concepts in support of Vision 2025.
Start Date
September 4, 2018
First Onsite Dates
Pediatrics Elective Track
The OTD Pediatric program prepares students for a future in neonatal, early intervention, or school-based practice. Doctoral candidates will consider the unique occupational needs of infants, children, and youths, as well as the principles of physical, sensory, and cognitive impairment. This post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy focus will prepare graduates for success in a variety of settings, including clinics, schools, and private practices.
PED 718 Examining Occupational Therapy’s Role with Children & Youth This course explores current and emerging areas of occupational therapy practice addressing the occupational performance needs of children and youth. This course analyzes the current Pediatric Frames of References and best evidence available to guide occupational therapists in the evaluation and intervention process to provide contemporary and innovative occupational therapy services to children and youth in diverse environments. Students will develop a professional presentation and write a case study treatment plan.
PED 728 Pediatric Occupational Service Delivery: School-Based Services, Medical Practices, and the Community This course explores the environmental context of occupational therapy services for children and youth, including laws governing occupational therapy services in school-based and medical/private practice settings. Students utilize evidence-based practice to analyze effectiveness of occupational therapy services. Students will use critical reasoning to compare and contrast service delivery systems including early intervention, school-based services, medical practices, and community service delivery. A program service evaluation or client-based case study will allow students to synthesize new learning.
PED 738 Sensory Processing, Social, and Behavioral Disorders: Addressing Participation in Occupation This course explores the role of occupational therapy on promoting participation in occupation for children with sensory processing, social, and behavioral needs. Students will analyze current diagnostic criteria and critically question and appraise the state of current and emerging evidence on assessments, outcome measures and intervention to promote best practices for children and youth. Diagnoses covered include sensory processing disorder, autism, ADHD, and anxiety. Students will engage in critical reasoning within forum discussions, analyzing intervention strategies, and developing a client-based case study.
Start Date
September 4, 2018
First Onsite Date
Assistive Technology Elective Track
The OTD Assistive Technology program guides students through the application of assistive technology for children and adults with disabilities across various environmental contexts. The program will prepare graduates in identifying areas of need and implementing and coordinating care through effective technology systems.
AST 716 Assistive Technology Taxonomy & Evaluation This course explores the role of occupational therapists in assistive technology. Students will review assistive technology taxonomy and theoretical framework that will guide the assistive technology assessment process for children and adults with disabilities across various environmental contexts. Strategies for assessment include identifying area of need, evaluating consumer skills and personal preferences, assessing environmental factors, and selecting technology systems.
AST 726 Assistive Technology Intervention & Environment Modifications This course explores the role of occupational therapists in assistive technology interventions and environmental modifications, particularly on analyzing assistive technology products and features. Specific assistive technology areas to be discussed include technology for learning disabilities, computer access, cognitive aids, augmentative and alternative communication devices, sensory aides, electronic aides to daily living, and environmental modifications.
AST 736 Assistive Technology Implementation & Outcome Studies This course requires students to develop an implementation strategy for successful assistive technology use to match client needs. Focus will be on development and implementation of an assistive technology plan and coordination of care across environmental contexts, including identifying measurable outcomes for progress, training clients and care team, following up, and documenting.
Start Date
September 4, 2018
First Onsite Date
Behavioral & Mental Health Elective Track
The OTD Behavioral Mental Health program prepares graduates to assist clients in developing skills to enable participation and integration into schools, workplaces, and community settings. The program equips graduates to positively impact and become behavioral and mental health service leaders in their communities.
BMH 716 Mental Health & Occupational Engagement Across the Developmental Lifespan This course explores the role of occupational therapy with children, adolescents, adults, and aging adults with psychiatric and behavioral conditions. Students will develop an understanding of how the emergence of mental illness affects occupational performance, and how occupational engagement can influence health and wellness.
BMH 726 Behavioral & Mental Health Interventions in Community-Based Practice This course explores how occupational therapy practitioners can assist clients to develop skills to integrate into school, workplace, and community settings. Students will examine theoretical frameworks and evidence-based behavioral and mental health interventions to promote the development of community living skills. Students will also examine the emerging roles of clinicians in behavioral and mental health settings.
BMH 736 Promotion, Prevention, and Advocacy in Behavioral & Mental Health Practice This course investigates the programs and policies that affect behavioral and mental health service delivery. Students will examine the role of occupational therapy in advocating social and economic policies that influence the lives of persons with behavioral and mental health conditions, such as lack of insurance or unemployment. Students will understand how advocacy efforts with local, state, and federal stakeholders can influence policy change to positively impact behavioral and mental health services.
Why Choose RMU?
“A degree from RMUoHP means that experts have educated me in my field that are not just local to my geographical area. I have been educated by experts from across the country. In addition to faculty, I am surrounded by students, many of whom are experts in their specialty areas. I can’t imagine a richer environment in which to learn.”
“The caliber of the OTD faculty at RMUoHP is remarkable. They provided a supportive, coordinated, collaborative learning experience that exceeded all of my expectations. I would never have imagined that I could develop such a strong network of colleagues and friends in a mostly online program.”
“The OTD degree program of RMUoHP provides a world-class student-centered learning experience which encourages and inspires me to reach my professional goals as a global occupational therapy practitioner.”
“Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions was a perfect fit for my furthering education needs. It is a small setting, so was easy to navigate around in Provo, provided distant online learning with the requirement to meet on campus each quarter to acquaint with cohort and professors, and has a library with outstanding assistance.”
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UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATION
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (8060 165th Avenue NE Ste 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the US Department of Education.
NOTE: The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) accredits OTA and entry-level degree programs in occupational therapy. There is currently no specialized accrediting body for post-professional occupational therapy programs.
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Scholarships
OTD News
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“Attending RMU was a professional life-altering experience. The OTD curriculum was challenging and instilled in me the ability and confidence to become a stronger educator and mentor in academia. As a practitioner, it provided me with discernment in ethics and the ability to advocate evidence-based practice. Since graduating as an OTD, I am actively writing a manual and have mentored MOT students in performing qualitative research. One if our research projects has been selected for presentation at the AOTA conference.”
“RMUoHP provided me with a stellar OTD education that enhanced my ability to be an evidence-based practitioner and OT educator. This experience enabled me to grow professionally and personally while shaping my confidence. In addition to the amazing faculty, I developed close relationships with peers in my cohort. The rich, student-centered learning experience made my time at RMUoHP enjoyable and exciting. Although the majority of my class time was spent through online learning experience, I never felt alone. The on-campus visits were set-up scheduled in a way that made it easy for me to continue working my full-time job as an OTA program. I would encourage anyone to follow their dream of becoming an OTD. RMUoHP can certainly help you achieve your goals with a reasonable, high quality, and cost-effective education.”
“Rocky Mountain University provided me with an amazing and enriching education. I am fully prepared to handle future challenges we can expect to face in the healthcare industry. I felt stagnant and behind in practice trends when I first began my journey. I am leaving, feeling renewed and confident. I am excited to share my knowledge of evidence-based practice and to inspire other occupational therapists to advance their careers as well. What an amazing journey.”
“After being out of school for over 30 years, returning was filled with apprehension and excitement for what was to come as an adventure filled with knowledge, wisdom, and renewed passion for my occupational therapy profession as a whole. A specialist in hippotherapy, local, state, and national conferences were not stimulating for continuing education due to my lack of involvement within the associations and interest in research. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) has changed my perspective of understanding the importance of participation and value of advocacy and research. The camaraderie of our cohort has developed into lifelong professional friendships through the opportunity to come together on, forums, campus visits, and group messaging. The support of every individual, as we engage in our professional and personal lives, during this time of growth in doctoral scholarship will be memories on commencement day which will last a lifetime. Thank you RMUoHP for the development of your OTD program, vested professors, and the amazing opportunity to grow again as a professional into a well rounded diverse emerging confident doctoral scholar.”
“I took a seven-year gap in my career to raise my family, and when I returned, I sensed changes in the field of occupational therapy. I tried to “catch up” by attending continuing education courses and adjusting myself to my service delivery context. Finally, I realized I needed to intentionally re-invest in my career so that I could provide the best quality care for my clients. I am currently half way through my OTD program, and already I see a difference in the way I practice occupational therapy. I feel more confident, capable, and connected to the incredible field of occupational therapy. RMUoHP provides quality, fascinating, and challenging education for the occupational therapist who wants to feel and be competent in a rapidly changing world!”
Be a part of influencing our profession
Do you aspire to influence the occupational therapy profession? If so, earning your doctorate in Occupational Therapy is the first step to becoming an influential and successful healthcare professional.
We invite you to explore our program, talk with a program advisor, and attend a virtual information session to decide whether Rocky Mountain University of Health Profession’s online OTD program is the best fit for you. We will help you to make an educated decision when choosing a program that meets your professional needs and goals for becoming a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.
Learn more about our OTD program
We invite you to learn more about what distinguishes us from other Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs. The successful completion of the RMUoHP OTD program has enabled many of our recent graduates to make significant contributions in the OT field and has propelled their careers to a higher level of success.
Our graduates have established impactful community-based programs, proposed and advocated for legislation at the national level, and secured influential seats on boards of local and state government-run programs. They have founded private practices, established programs linking clinics to entry-level academic programs to foster collaboration, and served in positions of leadership for AOTA, state associations, and licensure boards. Others are teaching and leading in entry-level or post-professional occupational therapy settings and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
We are committed to the development
of a professional who can:
Demonstrate Practice/Clinical Scholarship
Use expertise to anticipate trends, predict needs, create effective clinical products and services, and measure and promote the profession of occupational therapy
Utilize Evidence-Based Practice
Apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to make independent judgments about the validity and trustworthiness of research.
Promote Participation in Occupation as the Outcome
Demonstrate the ability to seek, appraise, and use reliable and valid evaluation and outcome measures documenting participation in occupation and roles.
Demonstrate Leadership
Influence local, regional, national, and international policy, practice, and education through advocacy, consultation, teaching, and practice of occupational therapy
Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Faculty
Michelle Webb, OTD, OTR/L, RAC-CT, CAPS
Elective Track Director for Education
Susan Zapf, PhD, OTR, BCP, ATP
Elective Track Director for Pediatrics
Ellen Hudgins, OTD, OTR/L
Elective Track Director for Administration & Practice Management
TBD
Elective Track Director for Assistive Technology
Sarah Mbiza, PhD, CRC, OTR/L
Elective Track Director for Behavioral Mental Health
Beth Christoffel, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Bryan M Gee, PhD, Med, OTR/L, BCP
Sandra E Groger, OTD, OTR/L
Loriann Helgeson, OTD, OTR/L, CLA
Robert Krueger, PhD-ABD, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Sonia Paquette, OTD, OTR/L, CPE, ABVE-D
Sarah A. Schoen, PhD, OTR
Christine M. Wietlisbach, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, MPA
Barbara Kornblau, JD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP, DASPE, CCM, CDMS, CPE
Don Kallembach, OTD, OTR/L
