The Development of an Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate in the USA: A Case Illustration

Abstract

The passing of Resolution J in 1998 in the USA mandated that entry into the profession be at the post baccalaureate level as of January 1, 2007. Several occupational therapy programs have started to offer entry level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. The arrival of this clinical doctorate was not without questions. Much of the confusion and discussion has been impacted by a limited understanding of this new degree. Using the case of the OTD at Creighton University, we provide an overview of the entry level OTD program in USA. We particularly describe the brief history, program goals and the curriculum of the entry level OTD program at Creighton and examine its graduate outcomes. Challenges and future development of the OTD programs at Creighton University as well as in the USA are discussed. It is hoped that such an illustration will offer guidance and inspiration to others in the national and international communities to develop or refine similar occupational therapy educational programs.