{"id":12116,"date":"2025-04-15T09:18:23","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T14:18:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/?p=12116"},"modified":"2025-04-15T09:18:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T14:18:25","slug":"get-ready-to-change-lives-inside-tarleton-states-doctor-of-occupational-therapy-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/get-ready-to-change-lives-inside-tarleton-states-doctor-of-occupational-therapy-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Ready to Change Lives: Inside Tarleton State\u2019s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>What\u2019s Tarleton State&#8217;s OTD Program All About?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a dynamic, hands-on, and mission-driven path to becoming an occupational therapist, Tarleton State University\u2019s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is designed for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This three-year (eight-semester) program prepares skilled and innovative occupational therapists who are ready to make an impact\u2014especially 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>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.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thinking About an OTD? Here\u2019s Why It\u2019s a Game-Changer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Doctorate in Occupational Therapy is more than just a degree\u2014it\u2019s a step toward leadership in healthcare. Tarleton State\u2019s OTD program prepares students to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Address healthcare challenges in rural and underserved areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the latest OT research and evidence-based practices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocate for accessibility, policy improvements, and better patient outcomes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborate with professionals across multiple disciplines to enhance patient care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re passionate about helping people regain independence and improve their quality of life, this program will provide the training and experience to make that happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is the Job Market Strong?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The demand for occupational therapists is growing rapidly, with a projected 14% job growth over the next decade\u2014much faster than the national average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several factors are driving this demand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A growing aging population in need of rehabilitation services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased awareness and support for mental health treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expanding use of technology in therapy, including adaptive gaming and assistive devices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater emphasis on accessibility in workplaces and schools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who Should Apply?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recent graduates looking to further their education past their undergraduate studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Individuals committed to serving rural and underserved communities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Degrees are primed to roll into the OTD?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kinesiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exercise Science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Psychology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health Sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rehabilitation Science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public Health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education (Special Education or Early Childhood Development)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neuroscience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sociology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social Work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human Development and Family Studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entrepreneurship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engineering (Biomedical or Mechanical)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fine Arts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Music Therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anthropology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Sets Tarleton State\u2019s OTD Program Apart?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all OTD programs are the same. Here\u2019s what makes Tarleton State unique:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Focus on Rural and Underserved Communities<\/strong> \u2013 A four-semester course track specifically addresses healthcare disparities in these areas and prepares students to develop innovative service delivery models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interdisciplinary Collaboration<\/strong> \u2013 Students work alongside other health professionals, engineers, and researchers to create solutions that enhance patient care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Experienced Faculty<\/strong> \u2013 The program is led by faculty with extensive clinical and research experience, providing mentorship tailored to students\u2019 career goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Innovation in OT<\/strong> \u2013 From assistive technology to emerging therapeutic techniques, students are prepared to bring fresh perspectives to the field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Are the Benefits of an Occupational Therapy Doctorate?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expanded career opportunities in leadership, academia, and specialized practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher earning potential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advanced clinical and research skills to stay ahead in the field<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased independence in practice, including opportunities for consulting and private practice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Kind of Hands-On Experience Can You Expect?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tarleton State\u2019s OTD program emphasizes real-world experience and applied learning through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Level II Fieldwork<\/strong> \u2013 24 weeks of supervised clinical practice in a variety of settings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Doctoral Capstone<\/strong> \u2013 A 14-week individualized project where students develop expertise in a specific area of OT<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community Engagement<\/strong> \u2013 Service-learning opportunities focused on improving healthcare in rural and underserved communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interdisciplinary Research Projects<\/strong> \u2013 Collaboration with other health science students and faculty to address complex patient-care challenges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduates won\u2019t just enter the workforce with a degree\u2014they\u2019ll have the experience and skills to lead, innovate, and improve lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Final Thoughts: Why Tarleton State\u2019s OTD is Worth It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tarleton State University\u2019s OTD program is about more than just education\u2014it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tarleton State is currently accepting applications for its first-ever OTD cohort, starting this summer, and seats are still available. If you\u2019re ready to take the next step in your OT career, now is the time to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more and apply at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/otd\/\">www.tarleton.edu\/otd<\/a> or follow us on Instagram at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/tarletonstateotd\/\">@tarletonstateotd<\/a> for updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:17% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1485\" height=\"2229\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/Faculty-8-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Professor Erik Johnson headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-12118 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/Faculty-8-edited.jpg 1485w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/Faculty-8-edited-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/Faculty-8-edited-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/Faculty-8-edited-266x400.jpg 266w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/Faculty-8-edited-768x1153.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/Faculty-8-edited-1023x1536.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/Faculty-8-edited-1364x2048.jpg 1364w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1485px) 100vw, 1485px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>By: Erik Johnson, OTD, MS, OTR  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>                                                                                     Clinical Assistant Professor     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>                                                                             Occupational Therapy Program  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>                                                                                 Tarleton State University <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What\u2019s Tarleton State&#8217;s OTD Program All About? If you\u2019re looking for a dynamic, hands-on, and mission-driven path to becoming an occupational therapist, Tarleton State University\u2019s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":466,"featured_media":12130,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","wds_primary_category":210,"footnotes":""},"categories":[210],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-graduate-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/OTD.png","author_info":{"display_name":"adriver","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/author\/adriver\/"},"author_meta":{"display_name":"adriver","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/author\/adriver\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/04\/OTD.png","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/category\/admission\/graduate-studies\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Graduate Studies<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Graduate Studies<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":0,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 1 year ago","modified":"Updated 1 year ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on April 15, 2025","modified":"Updated on April 15, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on April 15, 2025 9:18 am","modified":"Updated on April 15, 2025 9:18 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/466"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12116"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12136,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12116\/revisions\/12136"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}