An advanced practice Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree program for practicing occupational therapists is now available through the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS). A university news release reports that the deadline for fall enrollment in the program is August 11.

According to the release, the GW OTD program is intended to address the advanced practice needs of occupational therapy professionals who are interested in interdisciplinary care of post-acute conditions.

Joseph Bocchino, EdD, MBA, senior associate dean for health sciences at SMHS, emphasizes that, “It is our mission to provide clinicians with opportunities that enable them to enhance their ability to serve their patients. We are excited to offer this new degree for occupational therapists who wish to advance their skill set and advance their career.”

The GW OTD program aims to train occupational therapy clinician-scholars to collaborate across the translational spectrum to integrate information from bench to bedside, and then on to influence policy. Graduates of the program, the release says, will be prepared to demonstrate the understanding of transdisciplinary practice and research, scholarship in occupational therapy, and advanced concepts in function and learning.

Mary Corcoran, PhD, associate dean for faculty development for health sciences at SMHS, classifies the program as unique, since it places a focus on post-acute and chronic care settings, which she says is “one of the largest fastest growing segments of healthcare.”

“Occupational therapists have the potential to make important contributions to the evidence base across the entire translational spectrum, from bench to policy, regarding quality care for individuals following hospitalization,” Corcoran adds.

The release notes that the program will be provided in an online learning format, using dynamic media for self-disciplined and self-directed students to pursue a clinical doctorate while prepping for professional advancement.

Source: George Washington University