Mgh institute of health professions occupational therapy

Program Overview

The MGH Institute Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is a three year, full-time, on-site graduate program.  The purpose of the OTD program is to prepare occupational therapists for entry into professional practice.  The OTD program offers a distinctive curriculum that has a strong emphasis on critical thinking, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence based practice – critical skills for an occupational therapist in today’s complex practice settings.  Students learn in the natural context of professional practice and engage diverse perspectives throughout the curriculum. 

Features of the OTD program include:

• Active and case-based learning in state-of-the-art,
  high-tech classrooms, labs and on-site clinical centers
• Advanced training in leadership, policy, delivery systems, and working in interprofessional teams. 
• An in-depth, mentored capstone project allowing students to develop advanced skills in a designated area, such as specialty practice, research, leadership, and education. 

As the first occupational therapy program in Boston to educate students at the doctoral level for entry into practice, we are committed to the growth and development of scholarly clinicians who contribute to the practice and profession of occupational therapy.  Institute faculty are a mix of master clinicians, educators, researchers, and scholars who are major contributors to the professional and academic communities.

Clinical Experiences

The MGH Institute provides early and consistent exposure to clients using the large and diverse practice community of metropolitan Boston and on-site centers.  Full- and part-time fieldwork experiences are integrated at every stage of the curriculum, allowing learners to continually connect theory with practice. Students complete a total of five level I (part time) fieldworks, two level II (12 week, full time) fieldworks, and an advanced doctoral (16 week, full time) experience.  These placements occur in a variety of settings − including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other community settings preparing students for a contemporary practice in a variety of settings. 

Accreditation and Certification

The OTD Program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Developing Program Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), which is located at the Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: (301) 652-AOTA.  Our on-site ACOTE visit is scheduled for the fall of 2016. We expect a final report on our accreditation status following that visit.

The OTD is a professional (clinical) doctorate.  Graduates of the program will receive a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree and are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).  To practice as an occupational therapist a state license is also required. Requirements vary from state to state, however state licensure is usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification exam.

• School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy

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