Doctor of Occupational Therapy

OTD

• The areas of study have been purposefully developed to integrate knowledge from multiple occupational therapy subdisciplines.
• Our program has a strong focus on learning the process of research and incorporating evidence into the professional practice.
• Experience the best of both worlds at UWM, a leading research institution just blocks from Lake Michigan. Milwaukee has great restaurants, great music and great art – everything you need to balance your life as a student.

Employment Outlook

Earnings

The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $84,950 in May 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $56,800, and the highest 10% earned more than $121,490.

In May 2019, the median annual wages for occupational therapists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Expected Growth

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism or the loss of a limb.

The need for occupational therapists is expected to increase as the large baby boomer generation ages and people remain active later in life. Occupational therapists can help senior citizens maintain their independence by recommending home modifications and strategies that make daily activities easier. Therapists also play a large role in the treatment of many conditions and ailments commonly associated with aging, such as arthritis and stroke.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists.

You must first meet the admission requirements of the UWM Graduate School. In addition to UWM Graduate School requirements, you must be prepared to meet the following departmental requirements:

1. MSOT or MOT degree from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®)-accredited program (or equivalent recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, WFOT).
2. Occupational therapy licensure (or international equivalent approved by WFOT). Current master’s students matriculate to the OTD program when they are licensed. Students may be provisionally admitted to the OTD program and accumulate credits toward graduation for one semester while required documentation is being prepared or approved.
3. The competitive admissions process also includes evaluation of GPA, coursework, professional experiences and statement of personal interests.

To apply to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, you must apply to the UWM Graduate School. All materials must be received prior to the review of the application.