Entry Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program
Interdisciplinary focus with Rural Populations
Graduates from Tarleton State University’s OTD program will be uniquely and intentionally prepared, by their experiences at an interdisciplinary facility at the Division of Health Sciences, to practice within interdisciplinary teams as leaders and innovators in current and emerging practice settings with a strong focus evidenced-based occupational therapy with populations within the community.
Tarleton State has received significant, intentional state funding to prepare graduates in health science programs to serve the underrepresented populations and groups in rural communities. The OTD program is part of Tarleton’s commitment to its rural community and improving access to quality health care locally.
Accreditation Status
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted PreAccrediation Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814.
ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
The Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program at Tarleton State is designed to be completed in consequential eight semesters with a summer entry point. Students are part of a cohort and complete courses as part of a designated curriculum design reflective of Tarleton State’s Mission and Vision. As part of the curriculum, Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and an individual 14-week capstone experience within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program (not to exceed 60 months total). The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as defined in 2023 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. This program been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Tarleton State is a founding member of the Texas A&M University System.
Want more information? Try one of our information sessions!
Join us for a series of virtual and in-person information sessions throughout the Fall 2026 semester. Attending an in-person session gives you the opportunity to meet our faculty and ask questions about the program and profession. Complete the form at the appropriate link below to secure your spot.
Contact Us
Main Office: Occupational Therapy Program
College of Health and Clinical Professions
Division of Health Sciences
Email: ot@tarleton.edu