Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Springfield College

Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Doctor of Occupational Therapy
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Danielle Clough
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
(413) 748-3729 
dclough@springfield.edu
Make an appointment

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact

Scott McNeil
Program Director, Chair, and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Department of Occupational Therapy
(413) 748-3785
smcneil3@springfield.edu

Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester)
  • Courses are offered full or part time
  • Full time complete in 3 years
  • Part time options available
Paying for Your Education
BS to OTD Option

Are you looking for our undergraduate pre-occupational therapy program? Springfield College also offers a BS in Health Science: Pre-OT to OTD you can complete in six and a half years.

Upcoming Events

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, October 21 at noon
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Graduate Open House
Thursday, November 7 at noon or 5 p.m.
Register

Resources for Military & Veteran Students Information Session
Thursday, November 14 at 5 p.m.
Register

Springfield College Occupational Therapy students work in the Activities of Daily Living Lab in the Health Sciences Center on November 8, 2023.

The Springfield College Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) allows you to engage in a mix of classroom and laboratory work, while also experiencing group projects, and fieldwork experiences. As a student, you will become practiced in entry-level occupational therapy theory, evaluation and treatment techniques, clinical reasoning, research, teaching skills, management, and teamwork.

As a doctoral student, you will be required to take a capstone project and gain experience in the community under the guidance of the capstone coordinator, a site supervisor, and a faculty mentor. The capstone is a 14-week experience arranged in close collaboration with the student based on professional goals and interests.

Graduates of the OTD program will be eligible to take the board exam, become licensed, and work as an occupational therapist. 

Employment opportunities for occupational therapists are expected to increase 14% through 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a degree in occupational therapy, you can have an in-demand and fulfilling career. Our graduates work at schools, universities, government agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community-based settings, and in many other settings across the country.  

“At Springfield College, we have had real learning opportunities via simulation labs, leading community groups, writing community program proposals, and practical’s to apply what we are learning to real-life situations.” Nicole Sweeney '23, OTD Graduate Class of 2025
Nicole Sweeney - Springfield College
“To the students considering the Occupational Therapy program at Springfield College, you will not find a more structured program with the hands-on experiences at any other school. It provides a great learning experience and an environment that supports success and relationship building within the profession." Joseph Biagiotti '23, Graduate Class of 2025
Joseph Biagiotti - Springfield College

How to Apply:

Prerequisite Courses

The prerequisite courses include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology, I and II courses with labs (must be taken within the past 5 years) (6-8 credits total)
  • Natural science course with lab (3 to 4 credits)
  • Abnormal Psychology course (3 credits)
  • Lifespan Development/Developmental Psychology course (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Sociology or Anthropology course (3 credits)
  • English and writing intensive courses (6 credits total)

Admission Requirements

1. Complete either of the following:

  • Apply through OTCAS: Completed applications and requirements must be submitted through OTCAS.

OR

  • Apply using our online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.

2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College.

3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study.

4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.

5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address:

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education

    c/o American Occupational Therapy Association
    7501 Wisconsin Avenue
    Suite 510E
    Bethesda, MD  20814

  • Website
Accreditation

Springfield College's entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is accredited and OTD has been granted pre-accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Image
ACOTE Logo

 

  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

    12 South Summit Avenue
    Suite 100
    Gaithersburg, MD 20877

  • (301) 869-8492 (fax)

  • Website
Certification and Licensure

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. 

The Health Sciences Center at Springfield College

The Springfield College Health Sciences Center empowers transformative approaches to education, career enhancement, service, research, and leadership in healthcare. The Center builds on the success of the School of Health Sciences, and ensure its standing as the leading choice for the finest students, faculty, and staff.

Springfield College Health Science Center on Monday, October 16, 2023.

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.