Doctor of Occupational Therapy

OTD

Advantages of the PP-OTD Degree Program:

• Flexible Formats: The program is fully online, with optional in-person courses for those who prefer hybrid learning.
• Transfer Credit Option: Students may transfer up to 12 graduate credits, accelerating degree completion and reducing costs.
• Customizable Curriculum with Elective Choices: Fifteen elective credits allow students to tailor the program to their professional interests within a chosen area of concentration.
• Doctoral Capstone Project: Students have three options to complete the 9-credit capstone project: (1) conduct a research project, (2) gain hands-on teaching experience, or (3) pursue additional clinical experience.
• Continuous Enrollment: Applications are reviewed three times a year: May, August, and January.
• Supportive Faculty and Interdisciplinary Environment: Expert faculty provide mentorship and foster collaboration across disciplines.

Employment Outlook

Earnings

As of May 2024, the median annual wage for occupational therapists was $98,340. The lowest 10% earned less than $67,090, while the highest 10% earned more than $129,830.

Median Annual Wages by Industry (May 2024):

Expected Growth

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population and increased demand for occupational therapy services in various healthcare settings.

Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment in supporting individuals across the lifespan who face a wide range of physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges, such as neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, hand injuries, and limb loss. The need for occupational therapists is expected to increase as the large baby-boom generation ages and people remain active later in life. Occupational therapists help older adults maintain their independence by recommending home modifications and strategies that make daily activities easier.

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

Related Programs

• Occupational Therapy, MS
• Occupational Science & Technology, BS
• Health Sciences, PhD
• Assistive Technology & Accessible Design, Graduate Certificate
• Pre-Occupational Therapy

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of the UWM Graduate School. In addition, the following departmental requirements must be satisfied:

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 post-professional OTD program when they are licensed. Graduate students may be provisionally admitted to the post-professional OTD program and accumulate credits toward graduation for one semester while required documentation is being prepared or approved.
3. The admissions process also includes evaluation of GPA, coursework, professional experiences and statement of personal interests.

Transfer Credits

• Students may transfer up to 12 graduate-level credits toward the PP-OTD degree, subject to approval by the doctoral program.
• Early Commitment Pathway: UWM master’s students admitted to the PP-OTD program through early commitment may apply graduate credits from their UWM master’s degree toward the doctoral program. These credits must be approved by the program and may not exceed 50% of the total credits required for the degree.
• Graduate Coursework from Other Institutions: Students may transfer up to 12 graduate credits earned at other accredited institutions, provided the coursework was not applied to a previous graduate-level degree and meets the following Graduate School requirements: (1) Coursework must not have been used to fulfill requirements for another degree. (2) Courses must be at the graduate level. (3) Courses must be from an accredited institution. (4) A minimum grade of A or B is required (grades of B- are not accepted). (5) Courses must have been completed within five years prior to enrollment in the PP-OTD program. (6) Transferred credits cannot be used to meet the doctoral residency requirement.

All transfer credits are subject to final approval and must align with the goals of the PP-OTD curriculum.

Application Timeline

Applications are reviewed three times per year:

• May
• August
• January

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application through the UWM Graduate School portal. All required materials must be received before your application can be reviewed.

For application-related questions, please contact:

Justin Almquist
almquisj@uwm.edu
414-229-5340

For curriculum or program structure-related questions, please contact:

Dr. Inga Wang
wang52@uwm.edu
414-251-7936

Additional Pathway: BS to OTD Option

If you hold a bachelor’s degree, consider our 2+1 Pathway:

• 2 years in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program
• Followed by 1 year in the Post-Professional OTD program

For more information about this option, contact Justin Almquist or visit the MSOT Admissions page.

There are a lot of great things happening in the OTD Labs.

You may find your mentor or do research…

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Laboratory
• Assistive Technology and Universal Access (ATUA) Laboratory
• Campus Ergonomic Services
• Ergonomics Laboratory for Independent Living Environment & Occupation
• Mobility Laboratory
• Occupational Ergonomics Laboratory
• Rehabilitation Research Design & Disability (R₂D₂) Center