Doctor of Occupational Therapy program
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is a 15-month primarily online post-professional program designed to enable students to continue meeting personal and professional obligations while pursuing their degree. In addition to the Advanced Practice track, the program offers specialty tracks in Pediatrics, Hand Therapy, Education, Aging, Practice Management and Mental Health.
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.
Academic Model
Why Choose RMU?
“RMUoHP was a great experience. I gained a vast amount of knowledge, professionalism, and leadership that has truly helped me grow as a practitioner and as a person. Could not be happier with the gains I have made.”
“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.”
“If you’re uncertain about a program like the OTD program or you’re debating about going back to school- I would encourage you to call to get the information. You may find that you are like me; it will be the best phone call that you’ve ever made. I hope you do it. I am so glad that I made this choice, I am really proud to be a student here at the university.”
“The OTD program of RMUoHP is well-designed for working occupational therapists seeking advancement in their respective practice setting.”
“My post-professional education at RMUoHP has increased my clinical knowledge and leadership skills to influence others for greater outcomes.”
“Although this program is demanding, I have learned so much about evidence-based practice and scholarly application in practice. This has made the rigor of 15 months worth every bit of my hard work.”
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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.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Scholarships
OTD News
Dr. Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth Spreads Awareness of Cytomegalovirus
While awareness of the Zika virus continues to grow worldwide, Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth, OTD, OTR/L, graduate of the Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at RMUoHP, is [...]
RMUoHP well represented at 2016 AOTA Annual Conference and Expo
Happy #OTMonth! We’re very excited about the 2016 AOTA Conference in Chicago! Want to know how our OTD program can help you achieve your professional goals? [...]
RMUoHP OTD alumna’s work comes full circle for new Admissions Rep
Guest Post: Jennifer Fenrick, Admissions Representative While I am new to RMUoHP, I’m not new to the health professions field. Throughout my career, spanning the past [...]
Program Tracks
There are six 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
Start Date
September 5, 2017
On-site Dates
October 16-19, 2017 February 22-24, 2018 June 10-13, 2018
Advanced Practice Track
For the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) candidate who seeks a well-rounded basis for furthering her or his 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 5, 2017
On-site Dates
October 16-19, 2017 February 22-24, 2018 June 10-13, 2018
Administration & Practice Management Elective Track
The OTD Administrative and Practice Management elective track 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.
Start Date
September 5, 2017
On-site Dates
October 16-19, 2017 February 22-24, 2018 June 10-13, 2018
End Date
December 21, 2018
Aging Elective Track
The OTD Aging track 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.
Start Date
September 5, 2017
On-site Dates
October 16-19, 2017 February 22-24, 2018 June 10-13, 2018
Education Elective Track
This post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) 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.
Start Date
May 7, 2018
Hand Therapy Elective Track
The OTD elective Hand Therapy track 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.
Start Date
September 5, 2017
On-site Dates
October 16-19, 2017 February 22-24, 2018 June 10-13, 2018
Pediatrics Elective Track
The youth-focused Pediatric elective track prepares OTD 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.
“Getting a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree in the hand therapy track at RMUoHP has been the best move for my career both personally and professionally.”
“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.”
“If you’re uncertain about a program like the OTD program or you’re debating about going back to school- I would encourage you to call to get the information. You may find that you are like me; it will be the best phone call that you’ve ever made. I hope you do it. I am so glad that I made this choice, I am really proud to be a student here at the university.”
“The OTD program of RMUoHP is well-designed for working occupational therapists seeking advancement in their respective practice setting.”
“My post-professional education at RMUoHP has increased my clinical knowledge and leadership skills to influence others for greater outcomes.”
“Although this program is demanding, I have learned so much about evidence-based practice and scholarly application in practice. This has made the rigor of 15 months worth every bit of my hard work.”
Be a part of influencing our profession
Do you aspire to influence our profession in these or other ways? If so, applying to become a part of our industry-leading program is the first step to becoming the scholar you need to be to reach the pinnacle of professional success.
We invite you to explore our program, talk with our enrollment advisor, and attend an informative virtual information session. We want you to make an educated decision when choosing a program that meets your professional needs and goals for becoming a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. We wish you continued success as you make this life-changing decision.
Learn more about our OTD program
We invite you to learn more about this and the other RMUoHP accreditations that distinguish us from other post-graduate programs. The successful completion of the RMUoHP Doctor of Occupational Therapy 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 now-thriving 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
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Faculty
Beth Christoffel, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Bryan M Gee, PhD, Med, OTR/L, BCP
Sandra E Groger, OTD, OTR/L
Robert Krueger, PhD-ABD, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Tim Mullen, PhD, OTR/L, CHT
Sonia Paquette, OTD, OTR/L, CPE, ABVE-D
Sarah A. Schoen, PhD, OTR
Christine M. Wietlisbach, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, MPA