Doctoral Program Bolsters Careers

If you have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy but wish to take your career further, you might consider Creighton’s post-professional Occupational Therapy doctoral (POTD) program. Being prepared to lead, advocate and contribute to your profession both practically and academically is an important part of moving to the next level, and Creighton’s POTD program can give you those skills.

In one of the first clinical Occupational Therapy doctorate programs of its kind, Creighton’s POTD program can enhance your knowledge and skills as a practitioner and advance your career in the areas of leadership, research, academics, and more.

“I believe the biggest benefit of our program is that our graduates are prepared to teach, lead, develop programs, advocate, and contribute to the profession through scholarly pursuits,” says Angie Lampe, OTD, OTR/L, assistant professor and interim director of the POTD program at Creighton. “There is a shortage of faculty, especially doctorally prepared faculty, in the field. Graduates of our program are qualified to apply for faculty positions.”

Creighton’s POTD program is known for the quality and credentials of its faculty. Faculty are exceptional in their field, specialty certified, published, and locally and nationally recognized. Five of the faculty are Fellows of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Many of them have published textbooks that are widely used throughout the profession.

In Creighton’s POTD program, you will get to know faculty well. They can become sources of mentorship and guidance, both during the program and throughout your career.

Many students publish their work in peer-reviewed journals or present at conferences. This helps them find positions, even leadership positions, in academia. “The Creighton University POTD program challenges me to synthesize evidence-based practice and to critically analyze a person’s experiences from a wholistic perspective,” says current POTD student Amanda Wise. “Its rich curriculum forces students to explore a broad range of advanced occupational therapy areas, beyond the core curriculum, and this content pushed me to grow professionally.”

Course work is flexible and completely online, after an initial onsite orientation. You can complete the program as a full-time student or by taking a couple of classes each semester. All students complete seven courses, totaling 21 hours, along with 15 hours of experiential courses. Students with a bachelor’s degree complete 18 credit hours of elective courses, and students with a master’s degree complete 6 credit hours of elective courses.

“The curriculum is rigorous, flexible, self-paced, and online and the cost of our program is competitive,” says Lampe.

The program has conducted distance learning effectively for a very long time, and students around the world have built rich experiences with each other.

“Online learning does not mean students are alone,” says Wise.

Creighton’s unique brand of Ignatian learning sets it apart from other programs. The values of Cura Personalis, Magis, caring for others, justice for all and service are woven into the coursework of the program. Time for personal reflection allows students to self-examine their work and search for relevant application within their professional context.

“The mission of Creighton University and the Ignatian values lead our faculty, staff and students,” says Lampe.

The reputation and longevity of Creighton’s POTD program sets it above the rest. Students experience expanded career opportunities, including increases in pay, and increases in professional knowledge and skills within the unique Ignatian value systems that are so intertwined with Creighton’s mission.

Deciding to pursue a doctoral level degree and picking a program can be tricky. There are many things to consider including time, cost, and return on investment. Data tell us that higher degrees are associated with increased earnings over a lifetime. So, if you have ever thought about starting a post-professional program, now is the time. You might be surprised at the skills and advantages you gain, and how much fun you have along the way.

For more information on the Creighton POTD program, or to apply, visit the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy website.