Occupational Therapy Doctorate
KGI's OTD program is a full-time, doctoral-level program that requires students to ...
Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Claremont, California
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
KGI's OTD program is a full-time, doctoral-level program that requires students to complete a minimum of 126.50 units over approximately two years and eight months of study. The curriculum is comprised of required courses, elective courses, and a capstone project. A distinctive feature is the extensive fieldwork component, including four Level I fieldwork rotations (160 hours), two Level II fieldwork rotations (24 weeks, full-time), and a substantial Doctoral Capstone Experience (560 hours). The program aims to train innovative occupational therapists who leverage the potential of occupation to promote health, well-being, participation, and inclusion, working with people of all ages and ability levels in client-centered and culturally responsive ways.
Curriculum: The OTD curriculum is comprehensive, integrating foundational sciences with advanced occupational therapy concepts and innovative practices. Core courses include "Lifestyle, Health Equity, and Occupational Justice," "Anatomy, Physiology, and Movement for Occupational Participation," "Psychosocial Occupational Therapy," "Therapeutic Use of Occupation," and "Research and Evidence in Occupational Therapy Practice." The program also features unique courses like "Innovative Program Development and Entrepreneurship," "Advocacy, Policy, and Ethics," "Pharmacotherapeutics for Occupational Participation," "Practitioner as Educator," and "Assistive Technology and Innovation for Everyday Life." The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in the scholarship of practice, building professional thinking on evidence and theory to meet diverse client needs, and exploring pioneering approaches to care.
Research Focus: KGI's OTD program maintains a strong emphasis on the "scholarship of practice," meaning that professional thinking is built upon evidence and theory to meet clients' needs. While it may not involve traditional academic research theses for all students, the program actively fosters a culture of innovation and evidence-based practice. Coursework, particularly in "Research and Evidence in Occupational Therapy Practice," prepares students to critically evaluate existing research and contribute to the body of knowledge. The culminating Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) provides a significant opportunity for students to demonstrate in-depth synthesis and application of knowledge within a preferred area of focus, often alongside a faculty mentor, which involves a practical application of research skills to address real-world occupational therapy challenges. KGI generally focuses on applied life sciences and translating innovation into practice.
Industry Engagement: KGI boasts deep connections to clinical and industry settings, which provide pathways for students to become leaders within healthcare and the applied life sciences. The OTD program's extensive fieldwork components, including Level I, Level II, and the Doctoral Capstone Experience, offer direct, hands-on application of learned skills in authentic practice environments such as hospitals, schools, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and community-based programs. Faculty often possess clinical expertise and industry experience, enriching the learning experience. KGI's overall mission emphasizes an entrepreneurial approach and collaboration with industry, preparing students to be "ready now" for the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.
Global Perspective: While the program description does not explicitly detail dedicated "global occupational therapy" courses, KGI's OTD curriculum implicitly integrates a global perspective through its emphasis on "Lifestyle, Health Equity, and Occupational Justice." This course addresses key sociocultural, socioeconomic, political, geographic, demographic, and diversity factors impacting service delivery and occupational health and well-being for persons, groups, and populations. The program's focus on client-centered and culturally responsive care inherently requires an understanding of diverse global contexts and health disparities. Furthermore, the broader KGI mission to "educate students with a Global perspective" and its emphasis on solving real-world problems in biotechnology and healthcare suggests an underlying commitment to preparing professionals who can contribute effectively in an increasingly interconnected global health landscape.
Location
Claremont, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 29000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 75 or higher.
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) is dedicated to supporting talented international students pursuing advanced education in the fields of applied life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sciences. To make its programs more accessible, KGI offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically for international applicants, helping to reduce the financial burden and recognize academic excellence.
Merit-Based Scholarships: KGI awards merit-based scholarships automatically during the admission process to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and innovation in their field. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and are highly competitive.
Global Impact Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship targets international students with a vision to make a meaningful difference in global health, science, and technology. Candidates are evaluated on academic performance, research potential, and dedication to solving worldwide challenges through science and healthcare.
Dean’s and Presidential Scholarships: Exceptional international candidates may be considered for Dean’s or Presidential Scholarships, which provide substantial tuition assistance. These awards recognize exemplary scholarship, professional experience, and contributions to their academic community.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain programs at KGI, such as the Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences, Master of Business and Science, and Doctor of Pharmacy, offer dedicated scholarships. These awards help attract students with strong backgrounds and align their talents with KGI’s mission.
The Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)'s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, with its recent full accreditation from ACOTE, prepares graduates for a wide array of impactful roles within the burgeoning field of occupational therapy.
Clinical Occupational Therapist (Specialized Practice): An OTD provides advanced training for specialized clinical roles. Graduates can work directly with clients in various settings (hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, mental health facilities, home health, skilled nursing facilities) to help them recover, develop, or maintain skills for daily living. Specializations can include pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, neurological rehabilitation, low vision, and assistive technology.
Rehabilitation Director/Manager: With the leadership and administrative skills gained from an OTD, graduates can move into management positions, overseeing teams of occupational therapists, managing department budgets, developing patient care programs, and ensuring the efficient operation of rehabilitation services within a hospital or clinic.
Community-Based Program Developer/Manager: KGI's focus on community health and occupational justice prepares graduates to identify community needs, secure funding, and design and implement occupational therapy programs in non-traditional settings such as community centers, homeless shelters, or wellness programs, promoting health and participation at a population level.
Health Systems Navigator/Care Manager: OTD graduates are well-equipped to guide individuals and families through complex healthcare systems. They can act as care managers, coordinating services, advocating for clients, and ensuring seamless transitions across different levels of care.
Ergonomics Consultant / Workplace Wellness Specialist: Applying knowledge of human factors and occupation, graduates can work with businesses to design ergonomic workspaces, prevent musculoskeletal injuries, and develop employee wellness programs that enhance productivity and well-being.
Assistive Technology Specialist: Leveraging KGI's emphasis on innovation and technology, graduates can specialize in assessing client needs for assistive devices, recommending appropriate technologies, and training clients and caregivers on their use to enhance participation and independence.
Academia / Clinical Educator: An OTD positions graduates well for roles in higher education, teaching and mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists. They can become professors, clinical instructors, or engage in curriculum development within OTD or other healthcare programs.
Research Occupational Therapist: While primarily an applied degree, the OTD provides a strong foundation for understanding and contributing to evidence-based practice. Graduates can work in research settings, conducting studies that advance the understanding of occupational therapy interventions and their effectiveness.
Policy Analyst / Advocate (Healthcare): Graduates can influence healthcare policy by analyzing regulations, advocating for the profession, and contributing to initiatives that improve healthcare access, address health inequities, and shape the future of occupational therapy practice at a systemic level.
Private Practice Owner / Entrepreneur: The comprehensive training in management, innovation, and client-centered care empowers OTD graduates to establish and manage their own private occupational therapy practices, offering specialized services or pioneering new models of care.
