Occupational Therapy (OTD)
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Admissions Contact
Erin Pfeifer Are you an International Student? |
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Program Contact
Scott McNeil |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Start Dates and Duration
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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. |
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Upcoming Events
Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School Occupational Therapy Hybrid Information Session (OTD and MSOT) Occupational Therapy Hybrid Information Session (OTD and MSOT) |
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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.
What job can I get with a degree in Occupational Therapy?
A degree in Occupational Therapy from Springfield College opens up a world of rewarding career opportunities. As an occupational therapist, you can work in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. You'll have the chance to help individuals regain their independence and improve their quality of life through customized therapeutic techniques.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational therapists work with people who have permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, and may need help with daily tasks. They recommend options and show clients how to use appropriate adaptive equipment, such as leg braces, wheelchairs, and eating aids. These devices help clients live their lives more independently.
Orthotists and prosthetists measure, design, fit, and adapt musculoskeletal devices for patients who have disabling conditions. These devices include artificial limbs and orthopedic braces. These workers may specialize in either orthotics or prosthetics, or they may do both. Orthotists work with patients who need medical devices, such as braces and splints, that provide support to a body part. Prosthetists work with patients who need artificial limbs or other body parts.
Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently. They work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.
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:
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
