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Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Accelerated Admission Pathway

The IAP is available for an academically qualified candidate to complete her undergraduate studies at CSM while having a distinctive link to the OTD program. The IAP will challenge the qualified student to meet progression benchmarks after each year to matriculate into OTD1 while working on any baccalaureate degree at CSM. The candidate who is admitted into the  IAP and who meets the criteria for progression at the end of each undergraduate year (year 1, 2, and 3) will start the OTD curriculum in OTD1 and graduate with the OTD3 cohort. In this way, an undergraduate student is able to earn and retain her spot in the OTD1 cohort while enrolled in undergraduate coursework at CSM. CSM will provide a professional academic advisor to guide each student to meet progression benchmarks. In addition, CSM will provide a second academic advisor in their chosen field of study. For a student who is unable to meet progression benchmarks, the professional academic advisor will advise that student to complete the declared major and, if warranted, reapply to the OTD program through the Graduate Admission Pathway (GAP) using OTCAS.

A transfer student who does not qualify for the Accelerated Admission Pathway may apply for the GAP if she has met all of the GAP admission requirements. 

A student who completes all progression benchmarks throughout the Accelerated Admission Pathway (IAP) will have a spot in OTD1 cohort for which she is qualified to join. While the IAP guarantees neither completion of the OTD nor entrance into OTD1, students who utilize this pathway will find the mentoring and advising beneficial in meeting the criteria for continuing enrollment toward the OTD.

The admission criterion outlines the initial criteria for admission and progression benchmarks that each student must meet at each level. In addition, there is a sample plan of study to summarize what courses a student would take in this pathway. Each student admitted to this pathway may choose any major at CSM; typically, a student will select a major such as Psychology, Kinesiology, or Biology.

Plan of Study - Accelerated Pathway

Year 1: First Semester

Total Credit Hours: 16

  • Introduction to Sociology (3 credit hours) 
  • First Year Seminar (1 credit hours) 
  • *Intermediate Algebra (3 credit hours)
  • English Composition (3 credit hours)
  • Any Art, Music or Theater (3 credit hours)
  • Major Course - Depending on your major or supporting courses(3 credit hours)
     

Year 1: Second Semester 

Total Credit Hours: 12-16

  • General Psychology (3 credit hours) 
  • Oral Communication Skills/Public Speaking  (3 credit hours) 
  • English - Except for ENG 262, 32, 322 & 495 (3 credit hours)  
  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (3-6 credit hours) 
     

Year 2: First Semester 

Total Credit Hours: 16-17

  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (3 credit hours)
  • History - Any History (3 credit hours)
  • Moral Reasoning (3 credit hours)
  • Lifespan Development (3 credit hours)
  • Chemistry (Lecture and Lab - Recitation is recommend +1 hour) (4-5 credit hours)
     

Year 2: Second Semester 

Total Credit Hours: 15-18

  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (3-6 credit hours)
  • Statistics  (3 credit hours)
  • Any Theology (3 credit hour)
  • Global Culture and Diversity or Experience of the Liberal Arts (3 credit hours) 
  • Abnormal Psychology (3 credit hours) 
     

Year 3: First Semester

Total Credit Hours: 13-16 

  • Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credit hours) 
  • Anatomy & Physiology I Lab (3 credit hours) 
  • Research Methods (4 credit hour) 
  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (6-9 credit hours)
     

Year 3: Second Semester

Total Credit Hours: 14-18

  • Anatomy & Physiology II (5 credit hours) 
  • Anatomy & Physiology II Lab (3 credit hours) 
  • Medical Terminology  (1-2 credit hours)
  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (6-9 credit hours)
  • Theology (3 credit hours)

Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary

For information about graduate classes, see the college graduate catalog.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapist, administered by the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, you will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice. 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, attain state licensure or complete fieldwork.

Accreditation

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program 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. 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 24 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. 

Admission Requirements

First-Time/Full-Time Freshmen (High School Seniors)*

  • ACT ≥ 23 and a math subscore ≥ 23 or SAT equivalent.
  • High school cumulative GPA: 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  • Participation in high school extra- and co-curricular activities, service and volunteer hours, and/or clinical experiences.
     

Transfer Students

  • Cumulative GPA: 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  • Minimum prerequisite course GPA 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  • A grade of C or better on all courses is required.
  • Participation in extra- and co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences.
  • Ability to comply with integrated pathway progression benchmarks, please see course description on following page. 
     

Accelerated Pathway Admissions Decisions 

Accelerated Pathway decisions are made by the OTD Admissions Committee and will be made based on the following:

  • Past academic performance (GPA and completed courses).
  • Documented academic aptitude (ACT/SAT or collegiate GPA if more than 12 credit hours of collegiate work has been completed).
  • Leadership and service activities.
  • Medical and/or clinical experiences (shadowing, volunteering, etc.).
  • Recommendations from qualified individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s character and performance.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills (via essay, interview and review of letters of reference).
     

Application Process

  • Apply online at CSM.edu/Apply
  • Submit high school and/or college transcripts.
  • Submit names, phone numbers and email addresses of three references.
  • Submit letter of intent: includes leadership and service activities (attach to electronic application).
  • Review of application and materials by the OTD Admission Committee
  • If selected, participate in an on-campus interview with the OTD Admissions Committee. 
  • Acceptance decision by the OTD Admissions Committee following a complete application and interview.
     

Application Deadline 

Complete files are prepared for review by the OTD Admissions Committee and students will be notified of their interview status.

Academic Description

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Accelerated Admission Pathway

The IAP is available for an academically qualified candidate to complete her undergraduate studies at CSM while having a distinctive link to the OTD program. The IAP will challenge the qualified student to meet progression benchmarks after each year to matriculate into OTD1 while working on any baccalaureate degree at CSM. The candidate who is admitted into the  IAP and who meets the criteria for progression at the end of each undergraduate year (year 1, 2, and 3) will start the OTD curriculum in OTD1 and graduate with the OTD3 cohort. In this way, an undergraduate student is able to earn and retain her spot in the OTD1 cohort while enrolled in undergraduate coursework at CSM. CSM will provide a professional academic advisor to guide each student to meet progression benchmarks. In addition, CSM will provide a second academic advisor in their chosen field of study. For a student who is unable to meet progression benchmarks, the professional academic advisor will advise that student to complete the declared major and, if warranted, reapply to the OTD program through the Graduate Admission Pathway (GAP) using OTCAS.

A transfer student who does not qualify for the Accelerated Admission Pathway may apply for the GAP if she has met all of the GAP admission requirements. 

A student who completes all progression benchmarks throughout the Accelerated Admission Pathway (IAP) will have a spot in OTD1 cohort for which she is qualified to join. While the IAP guarantees neither completion of the OTD nor entrance into OTD1, students who utilize this pathway will find the mentoring and advising beneficial in meeting the criteria for continuing enrollment toward the OTD.

The admission criterion outlines the initial criteria for admission and progression benchmarks that each student must meet at each level. In addition, there is a sample plan of study to summarize what courses a student would take in this pathway. Each student admitted to this pathway may choose any major at CSM; typically, a student will select a major such as Psychology, Kinesiology, or Biology.

Accreditation

Accreditation

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program 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. 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 24 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. 

Admissions Requirements

Admission Requirements

First-Time/Full-Time Freshmen (High School Seniors)*

  • ACT ≥ 23 and a math subscore ≥ 23 or SAT equivalent.
  • High school cumulative GPA: 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  • Participation in high school extra- and co-curricular activities, service and volunteer hours, and/or clinical experiences.
     

Transfer Students

  • Cumulative GPA: 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  • Minimum prerequisite course GPA 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  • A grade of C or better on all courses is required.
  • Participation in extra- and co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences.
  • Ability to comply with integrated pathway progression benchmarks, please see course description on following page. 
     

Accelerated Pathway Admissions Decisions 

Accelerated Pathway decisions are made by the OTD Admissions Committee and will be made based on the following:

  • Past academic performance (GPA and completed courses).
  • Documented academic aptitude (ACT/SAT or collegiate GPA if more than 12 credit hours of collegiate work has been completed).
  • Leadership and service activities.
  • Medical and/or clinical experiences (shadowing, volunteering, etc.).
  • Recommendations from qualified individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s character and performance.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills (via essay, interview and review of letters of reference).
     

Application Process

  • Apply online at CSM.edu/Apply
  • Submit high school and/or college transcripts.
  • Submit names, phone numbers and email addresses of three references.
  • Submit letter of intent: includes leadership and service activities (attach to electronic application).
  • Review of application and materials by the OTD Admission Committee
  • If selected, participate in an on-campus interview with the OTD Admissions Committee. 
  • Acceptance decision by the OTD Admissions Committee following a complete application and interview.
     

Application Deadline 

Complete files are prepared for review by the OTD Admissions Committee and students will be notified of their interview status.

Curriculum

Plan of Study - Accelerated Pathway

Year 1: First Semester

Total Credit Hours: 16

  • Introduction to Sociology (3 credit hours) 
  • First Year Seminar (1 credit hours) 
  • *Intermediate Algebra (3 credit hours)
  • English Composition (3 credit hours)
  • Any Art, Music or Theater (3 credit hours)
  • Major Course - Depending on your major or supporting courses(3 credit hours)
     

Year 1: Second Semester 

Total Credit Hours: 12-16

  • General Psychology (3 credit hours) 
  • Oral Communication Skills/Public Speaking  (3 credit hours) 
  • English - Except for ENG 262, 32, 322 & 495 (3 credit hours)  
  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (3-6 credit hours) 
     

Year 2: First Semester 

Total Credit Hours: 16-17

  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (3 credit hours)
  • History - Any History (3 credit hours)
  • Moral Reasoning (3 credit hours)
  • Lifespan Development (3 credit hours)
  • Chemistry (Lecture and Lab - Recitation is recommend +1 hour) (4-5 credit hours)
     

Year 2: Second Semester 

Total Credit Hours: 15-18

  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (3-6 credit hours)
  • Statistics  (3 credit hours)
  • Any Theology (3 credit hour)
  • Global Culture and Diversity or Experience of the Liberal Arts (3 credit hours) 
  • Abnormal Psychology (3 credit hours) 
     

Year 3: First Semester

Total Credit Hours: 13-16 

  • Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credit hours) 
  • Anatomy & Physiology I Lab (3 credit hours) 
  • Research Methods (4 credit hour) 
  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (6-9 credit hours)
     

Year 3: Second Semester

Total Credit Hours: 14-18

  • Anatomy & Physiology II (5 credit hours) 
  • Anatomy & Physiology II Lab (3 credit hours) 
  • Medical Terminology  (1-2 credit hours)
  • Major Course - Depending on major or supporting courses (6-9 credit hours)
  • Theology (3 credit hours)

Degree Requirements

Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary

For information about graduate classes, see the college graduate catalog.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapist, administered by the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, you will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice. 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, attain state licensure or complete fieldwork.