Newswise — In an effort to cater to working occupational therapists, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia recently launched its online, post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy (DrOT) program to deliver flexible learning opportunities to individuals interested in continuing their education. “Online doctoral education is a reflection of evolving contemporary paradigms in the workplace and in education,” said Paula Kramer, PhD, OTR/L, director of the doctor of occupational therapy program. “Online students can expect to receive the same high-quality curriculum and support from faculty – all the benefits of an on-campus education at USciences.” The University’s 33-credit online DrOT program features required core courses and electives options that allows students to focus on their areas of interest, and only requires two campus visits related to the final capstone project. This program is designed for novice occupational therapists with graduate degrees to experienced clinicians looking to advance within their careers. To enter the new DrOT online program, interested students must:1) Be occupational therapists with a master’s degree and two years of practice experience2) Be initially certified by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy3) Submit an application4) Complete a 500-word essay stating their personal goals for pursuing a DrOT
Aside from clinical practice in a healthcare setting, a DrOT degree also enables occupational therapists to expand into business, education, management, and policy careers. Growth in America’s elderly population is expected to keep the job market for occupational therapists especially favorable. In fact, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects occupational therapist employment growth of 29 percent between 2012 and 2022, adding 32,800 more professionals to the 105,540 existing jobs in this field. USciences is one of five schools in the country with a direct-entry doctorate in occupational therapy program, in addition to offering a post-baccalaureate DrOT, and a master’s of occupational therapy degree.
At University of the Sciences, students embark on a challenging learning experience in a proving ground for successful professionals in the science and healthcare-related fields. A private institution dedicated to education, research, and service, and distinguished as the nation’s first college of pharmacy, the University has produced leaders in the science and healthcare marketplaces since its founding in 1821. Students in USciences’ four colleges learn to excel in scientific analysis and to apply their skills to improving healthcare in the lives of people worldwide through such disciplines as pharmacy, biology, chemistry, psychology, physics, physical therapy, healthcare business, and health policy. For more information, visit usciences.edu.
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