Doctor of Occupational Therapy
A National Top 15 OT Program
Since launching the Occupational Therapy Program in 1985, Creighton University has set new standards in the profession. We were the nation’s first entry-level OTD program and the first innovative hybrid pathways program.
Recognized as a top-15 occupational therapy program by U.S. News & World Report, we offer an interprofessional approach to healthcare to prepare passionate students to advance new knowledge and serve others.
Find your occupational therapy pathway
Students can choose from four pathways leading to the OTD degree.
All pathways require the use of a variety of technologies for the didactic portions. The aim is to create a learning environment mirroring the educational experience on Creighton’s campus.
Entry-level OTD Program – Omaha
Founded in 1985, the traditional pathway offers innovative study in a full-time setting at Creighton’s Omaha campus. Our program includes coursework and fieldwork in a variety of settings locally, nationally, and abroad.
Entry-level Hybrid OTD Program – Alaska
This dynamic pathway located in Alaska’s largest city, at the University of Anchorage, allows students to serve the rural and underserved urban healthcare needs of the region.
This entry-level program initiative includes asynchronous and synchronous teaching and learning in a unique hybrid model.
Entry-level Hybrid OTD Program – Regis
In collaboration with Regis University in Denver, this pathway follows the same successful asynchronous and synchronous teaching and learning model that began with our Alaska pathway.
Entry-level Hybrid OTD Program – Phoenix
Following the successful model used in our Alaska and Regis pathways, learning experiences in Phoenix include both synchronous and asynchronous learning.
Students complete hands-on components at Creighton’s new campus in Phoenix, alongside students from other health science disciplines, helping to meet the growing need for healthcare professionals in the Southwest.
Accreditation
The entry-level program in occupational therapy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA) located at:
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
Email: accred@aota.org
Phone: 301.652.2682
www.acoteonline.org
The Creighton entry-level program is accredited until the 2030-31 academic year. The next accreditation site visit is scheduled for 2030-2031.
OT Program Curriculum
The curriculum is built around the nesting of three primary themes: occupation, professional practice and professional identity. You’ll begin engaging in them as soon as you enter the program and continue to build on them throughout the curriculum.
In the Jesuit tradition, our OTD curriculum prepares you to become an excellent practitioner and leader ready to influence systems of health and wellness through occupation.
The philosophical basis of the Department of Occupational Therapy is consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Association’s philosophical base and standards. Central to the curriculum is the understanding of the value of occupation to the individual as a keystone to daily well-being.
The objectives of the professional clinical doctorate in Occupation Therapy program are to graduate therapists that:
- Demonstrate entry-level occupational therapy clinical skills.*
- Develop a new program or refine an existing one that enhances occupational therapy practice.
- Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and insight into one’s professional behaviors to accurately appraise one’s strengths as well as areas for improvement.
- Demonstrate the ability to practice educational roles for clients, peers, students and others in community and clinical settings.
- Influence policy, practice and education by advocating for occupational therapy services for individuals and populations.
- Demonstrate the aptitude and characteristics to assume leadership roles at the local, national and international levels in occupational therapy, health professions and the community.
- Develop essential knowledge and skills to contribute to the advancement of occupational therapy through scholarly activities.
- Apply principles of ethics to individual, institutional and societal issues; articulate justifiable resolutions to these issues; and act in an ethical manner.
*Assumed to be accomplished by all post-professional OTD students.
Exceptional Clinical Education
Through personalized attention, we match our national and international clinical education experiences to your individual goals and learning outcomes.
Unique to Creighton’s program, each student is paired with a clinical education faculty member to create an individualized clinical education experience.
Office of Admission
Criss III Rm. 151
402.280.2662
cuspahp@creighton.edu