Occupational Therapy
At the heart of the Wagner College entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program lies a commitment to putting theory into practice to support individuals in meaningful ways. Our program is dedicated to preparing compassionate occupational therapists who can assess and integrate essential daily activities into the rehabilitation and habilitation processes.
In our approach, we understand that ‘occupations’ are not just tasks but vital components of human life that bring purpose, productivity, and satisfaction. Through our interprofessional education, we empower students to appreciate the profound impact of these occupations on overall health and wellness. Our goal is to nurture a new generation of occupational therapists who embrace the human aspect of care, guiding individuals toward lives filled with autonomy, dignity, and fulfillment.
Why earn an Occupational Therapy Doctorate at Wagner?
- Wagner’s entry-level OTD Program puts theory into practice by emphasizing hands-on, clinical experience in the vibrant New York City area where students benefit from unparalleled access to cutting-edge healthcare facilities and renowned clinical practitioners
- Our core values and philosophy are anchored in the synergy between occupation and health, offering an enriching educational experience that resonates deeply with the diverse opportunities of our local and broader communities
- Our program is deeply rooted in humanity, driven by the passion, advocacy, and leadership of our expert faculty, and fostered within a warm and welcoming campus community
- We are here to educate ethical leaders and scholars who are influencing today’s evolving healthcare and practice environments, highly valued by their faculty colleagues, experiential mentors, and the clients they serve, and highly sought-after by potential employers
What sets Wagner’s expert faculty apart?
Passionate Mentors: Be guided by mentors who are experts in their domains and passionate advocates for your development. They go beyond teaching, fostering a supportive atmosphere where you can thrive and flourish.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Engage with a faculty deeply committed to your growth and success. Whether you need guidance on coursework or career advice, our faculty are always there to support and empower you.
- Accomplished Practitioners & Scholars: Learn from seasoned professionals who have been in your shoes. Our faculty members bring a wealth of real-world experience, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of their respective fields. Their ongoing research enriches your learning experience, ensuring you stay at the forefront of current trends and innovation.
- Active Engagement: Experience learning that extends beyond the classroom. Our faculty actively participate in various professional and scholarly activities, creating numerous opportunities for you to apply theoretical concepts in real-world contexts and broaden your horizons.
Dive into a dynamic learning experience at Wagner College’s entry-level OTD Program
- Experiential Learning Focus: Immerse yourself in hands-on learning experiences that define our curriculum. Clinical fieldwork isn’t just a part of the program; it’s at its core, shaping you into a competent practitioner driven to enhance the health and well-being of your future clients.
- Critical Reflection: Engage in thought-provoking reflection sessions that deepen your understanding and refine your clinical reasoning skills. Our curriculum emphasizes the importance of critically examining your practice to ensure continuous growth and improvement.
- Practical Application: Apply foundational knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Through dynamic learning experiences, you’ll discover the exciting application of theory in practice, preparing you for the challenges and rewards of occupational therapy.
- Impactful Preparation: Experience a transformative journey that goes beyond career preparation. At Wagner, we’re dedicated to shaping you into an occupational therapist ready to make a meaningful and lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.
Accreditation Statement
The Wagner College entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at7501 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 have a pre-accreditation review, 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 in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 18 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
Additional Consumer Information
Students who complete the Wagner College Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program will be eligible to apply and sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) Certification Examination. Once passing the NBCOT® Certification Examination, graduates can then apply for licensure to practice occupational therapy in the state or states of their choice.
All 50 states in the United States plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam require occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to be licensed to provide occupational therapy services and have the same core licensure requirements which include passing the NBCOT® Certification Exam. https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure