Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy Overview

Chatham University offers occupational therapy graduate programs for aspiring occupational therapists, licensed occupational therapy assistants, and practicing OT professionals. Students can choose from an on-campus entry-level OTD program, a fully online post-professional OTD program, or a hybrid OTA-to-OTD program.

Each pathway is designed around a different stage of professional preparation, with opportunities to build advanced knowledge through coursework, occupational therapy fieldwork, clinical experiences, leadership development, and doctoral scholarship. Located in Pittsburgh, Chatham provides one of the most flexible selections of occupational therapy programs in Pennsylvania.

Program School

College of Health Sciences

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Why Study Occupational Therapy at Chatham University?

Chatham University combines flexible program formats with applied occupational therapy education for students at multiple career stages. Depending on the pathway they choose, students can benefit from on-campus, online, or hybrid learning; fieldwork and clinical experiences; faculty guidance; and opportunities to develop expertise through a doctoral capstone. Chatham’s Pittsburgh location also connects students with healthcare, educational, and community organizations across the region. These resources support professional learning in traditional and emerging occupational therapy settings.

Chatham Occupational Therapy students working with faculty

Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ELOTD)

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and want to prepare for practice as occupational therapists. This fully on-campus, 99-credit OTD program can be completed in 28 months, just one term beyond the time required for Chatham’s Master of Occupational Therapy program. Students study a broad range of health conditions, populations, and occupational therapy settings while building professional competencies through coursework, fieldwork, leadership preparation, and an individualized occupational therapy doctoral capstone.

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Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)

Chatham’s post-professional OTD program is designed for licensed occupational therapists who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy. The program supports professionals who want to deepen their expertise or move into areas such as leadership, education, advocacy, program development, or advanced practice. This fully online OTD program can be completed in 16 months without required campus travel. Students can shape coursework and doctoral work around their professional interests and long-term goals.

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Occupational Therapy Assistant to Doctorate (OTA to OTD)

Chatham’s OTA-to-OTD program is designed for licensed occupational therapy assistants who hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become occupational therapists. The 28-month hybrid OTD program combines online coursework with eight weekend campus experiences in Pittsburgh. Students may complete occupational therapy fieldwork and their occupational therapy capstone project near their current workplace, supporting continued professional and community connections. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination for occupational therapists.

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