Occupational Therapy, Entry-Level (ELOTD)

Occupational Therapy, Entry-Level (ELOTD) Overview

Chatham University’s entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ELOTD) program prepares students who hold a bachelor’s degree to become occupational therapy practitioners, scholars, and leaders. This full-time, 99-credit OTD degree can be completed in seven terms, or 28 months, just one term beyond the time required for Chatham’s Master of Occupational Therapy program.

Throughout the program, students connect occupational therapy theory with clinical and community-based practice through coursework, experiential learning, fieldwork, and an individualized doctoral capstone. The curriculum also develops skills in leadership, advocacy, research, program development, and advanced practice, preparing graduates to support the health and well-being of individuals, populations, and communities.

Program School

College of Health Sciences

Application Deadline

Rolling

Completed applications must be e-submitted to OTCAS and are now being accepted on a rolling basis. Additional information can be found in the Admission Requirements section below.

Credits Required

99 (7 terms)

This full-time cohort program begins each fall and is completed in only 28 months, just one term past what is required for a master’s degree.

Learning Opportunities

Leadership Focus

The entry-level OTD program includes leadership opportunities throughout the curriculum, helping students build skills in professional service, advocacy, collaboration, and decision-making.

Important Information

ACOTE Accreditation

Chatham’s entry-level OTD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Review the full accreditation details and student outcomes.

The program guides students through introspection and self-reflection to develop individualized, authentic leadership skills, and prepares them with the tools and knowledge to be leaders within the OT profession and society at large. Students are provided opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to explore and apply cutting-edge theories and intervention approaches. They gain an understanding of professional responsibilities and advocacy through engagement in various personal and professional leadership and scholarship opportunities.

—JODI SCHREIBER, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy

Entry-Level OTD Information Sessions

Attend an online information session to learn more about Chatham’s entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Prospective students can meet faculty, ask questions about the curriculum and student experience, and receive guidance on the admissions process and application requirements.

View OT Events

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Courses & Curriculum

The entry-level OTD curriculum builds from foundational occupational therapy concepts to advanced professional practice. Coursework addresses evaluation, intervention, evidence-informed decision-making, population needs, scholarship, and preparation for fieldwork and the doctoral capstone. Review the curriculum progression and course descriptions to see how learning develops across the program.

Explore ELOTD Curriculum

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Our Mission

The mission of Chatham’s occupational therapy program is to prepare and empower innovative, compassionate practitioners, scholars, and leaders who promote sustainable health and well-being among individuals, populations, and communities through the power of occupation.

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Leadership Development in Occupational Therapy

Chatham’s entry-level OTD program provides students with opportunities to engage in a variety of leadership activities throughout the curriculum. They are assigned a leadership advisor, and take part in a leadership advising group. In addition, there are multiple opportunities to engage in advocacy and leadership roles throughout the program, including program committee positions to foster the development of professional service and leadership skills.

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Community Engagement and Student Opportunities

Students can expand their experience through student-led and professional organizations, international connections, community initiatives, and interdisciplinary activities. Additional opportunities include the sensory garden at Eden Hall Farm, multigenerational living programs, fellowships, and scholarships.

Explore Highlights & Community Outreach

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Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Interprofessional education involves students from two or more health professions learning together during their training. The goal of IPE is to enhance communication and decision-making, allowing various domains of knowledge to complement each other.

Learn About IPE

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Faculty Guidance Throughout the OTD Program

Chatham’s occupational therapy faculty brings clinical, teaching, leadership, and scholarly experience from a range of practice settings. As instructors and advisors, they help students connect coursework with their evolving professional interests.

Meet the Faculty

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NBCOT Exam Eligibility and Licensure

Chatham ELOTD graduates can sit for the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) exam, which certifies them as an OTR®. State licensure is required by most states and is usually based on the results of the NBCOT® exam. Chatham’s OT Program results from the NBCOT® exam can be found online by clicking here and searching for 'Pennsylvania', and 'OT Doctoral-Level Programs'.

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An OTD Program Connected to Pittsburgh

Chatham’s Pittsburgh location gives students access to hospitals, clinics, community agencies, colleges, and universities across the region. These connections support observation and fieldwork experiences in varied practice environments. Guest lectures, panel discussions, and professional events also give students opportunities to learn from occupational therapy clinicians working throughout the Pittsburgh area.

Occupational Therapy students working together in a lab

HAPPY2 Project

In summer 2025, Chatham University’s graduate psychology and occupational therapy programs received a collaborative four-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to continue the HAPPY2 Project. The initiative supports interdisciplinary preparation across psychology and occupational therapy. Additional details should explain the student activities, populations served, eligibility requirements, and available funding.

Explore HAPPY2 Project

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LAST Project

The Leadership, Advocacy, and Supervision Training (LAST) Project is a collaborative, two-year initiative for eligible OTD and PsyD students. Participants receive interdisciplinary preparation in leadership, advocacy, and professional supervision, with fellowship support available through the grant.

Explore the LAST Project

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Tuition & Funding

The cost of a graduate degree consists of university tuition, fees, and any other personal expenses you may require to earn your degree. Our Financial Aid and Admissions offices will also work with you to understand loan and financing options for which you may qualify. For a detailed breakdown of ELOTD tuition and fees, please click here to download the PDF.

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Admissions Process & Requirements

Learn more about Chatham's ELOTD program admission process and requirements by clicking the button below.

View Admission Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Want more details? Download our PDF for answers to the most frequently asked questions about Chatham's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Download PDF

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Accreditation & Student Outcomes

Chatham University’s Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Degree Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).ACOTE is located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. Its telephone number, c/o AOTA, is 301-652-6611. Review the complete accreditation statement, graduation data, and certification examination outcomes for additional program information.

View Full Accreditation & Student Outcomes

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Support an OT Student

The Class of 2018 created the Joyce Salls Occupational Therapy Student Award, which honors Dr. Salls’s dedication to her students and the field of Occupational Therapy. The purpose of this award is to provide recognition and financial assistance to a deserving occupational therapy student at Chatham University’s School of Health Sciences.

Give Now