Get Ready to Change Lives: Inside Tarleton State’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

What’s Tarleton State’s OTD Program All About?

If you’re looking for a dynamic, hands-on, and mission-driven path to becoming an occupational therapist, Tarleton State University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is designed for you.

This three-year (eight-semester) program prepares skilled and innovative occupational therapists who are ready to make an impact—especially in rural and underserved communities. The curriculum includes in-depth coursework, 24 weeks of Level II Fieldwork in a variety of healthcare settings, and a 14-week Doctoral Capstone to develop a specialized area of focus.

The program follows a cohort model, meaning students progress together as a group, building strong professional and peer relationships along the way. Each summer, up to 50 students begin their journey toward earning their OTD.

Tarleton State is currently recruiting for the first cohort, which begins summer 2025, and seats are still available. Apply by May 15th to secure your spot in this groundbreaking program.

Thinking About an OTD? Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer

A Doctorate in Occupational Therapy is more than just a degree—it’s a step toward leadership in healthcare. Tarleton State’s OTD program prepares students to:

• Address healthcare challenges in rural and underserved areas
• Use the latest OT research and evidence-based practices
• Advocate for accessibility, policy improvements, and better patient outcomes
• Collaborate with professionals across multiple disciplines to enhance patient care

If you’re passionate about helping people regain independence and improve their quality of life, this program will provide the training and experience to make that happen.

Is the Job Market Strong?

The demand for occupational therapists is growing rapidly, with a projected 14% job growth over the next decade—much faster than the national average.

Several factors are driving this demand:

• A growing aging population in need of rehabilitation services
• Increased awareness and support for mental health treatment
• Expanding use of technology in therapy, including adaptive gaming and assistive devices
• Greater emphasis on accessibility in workplaces and schools

Graduates of the Tarleton State OTD program will be well-positioned for careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, private practices, community health organizations, research, and academia.

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in healthcare and want to advance their expertise in occupational therapy. Ideal candidates include:

• Recent graduates looking to further their education past their undergraduate studies
• Individuals committed to serving rural and underserved communities

What Degrees are primed to roll into the OTD?

Because of the versatility in the OT profession, many undergraduate degrees are suited for preparing students for applying to the OTD. Here are a list of some common ones:

• Kinesiology
• Exercise Science
• Biology
• Psychology
• Health Sciences
• Rehabilitation Science
• Public Health
• Education (Special Education or Early Childhood Development)
• Neuroscience
• Sociology
• Social Work
• Human Development and Family Studies
• Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Engineering (Biomedical or Mechanical)
• Fine Arts
• Music Therapy
• Anthropology

What Sets Tarleton State’s OTD Program Apart?

Not all OTD programs are the same. Here’s what makes Tarleton State unique:

• Focus on Rural and Underserved Communities – A four-semester course track specifically addresses healthcare disparities in these areas and prepares students to develop innovative service delivery models.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Students work alongside other health professionals, engineers, and researchers to create solutions that enhance patient care.
• Experienced Faculty – The program is led by faculty with extensive clinical and research experience, providing mentorship tailored to students’ career goals.
• Innovation in OT – From assistive technology to emerging therapeutic techniques, students are prepared to bring fresh perspectives to the field.

What Are the Benefits of an Occupational Therapy Doctorate?

Earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree provides:

• Expanded career opportunities in leadership, academia, and specialized practice
• Higher earning potential
• Advanced clinical and research skills to stay ahead in the field
• Increased independence in practice, including opportunities for consulting and private practice

What Kind of Hands-On Experience Can You Expect?

Tarleton State’s OTD program emphasizes real-world experience and applied learning through:

• Level II Fieldwork – 24 weeks of supervised clinical practice in a variety of settings
• Doctoral Capstone – A 14-week individualized project where students develop expertise in a specific area of OT
• Community Engagement – Service-learning opportunities focused on improving healthcare in rural and underserved communities
• Interdisciplinary Research Projects – Collaboration with other health science students and faculty to address complex patient-care challenges

Graduates won’t just enter the workforce with a degree—they’ll have the experience and skills to lead, innovate, and improve lives.

Final Thoughts: Why Tarleton State’s OTD is Worth It

Tarleton State University’s OTD program is about more than just education—it’s about preparing the next generation of occupational therapists to transform healthcare. With a strong emphasis on rural health, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration, this program is designed to develop leaders who will make a lasting impact.

Tarleton State is currently accepting applications for its first-ever OTD cohort, starting this summer, and seats are still available. If you’re ready to take the next step in your OT career, now is the time to apply.

Learn more and apply at www.tarleton.edu/otd or follow us on Instagram at @tarletonstateotd for updates.