The RU Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree program creates an atmosphere that is friendly, challenging, interactive and diverse. This comprehensive OT doctorate curriculum is presented in an educational climate that mimics real-world therapy practices.
OTD Program Summary
Employers constantly tell us that Rockhurst University Occupational Therapy Doctorate program graduates enter the profession with the highest level of preparation. That's because this OT program involves an engaging, rigorous curriculum whereby students experience interprofessional teams and engage in a variety of service-learning opportunities with community partners. Our 2.5-year graduate program is designed for students to develop skills in advanced practice, promote leadership skills, and enhance research endeavors, getting new graduates into the OT job market as soon as they're ready.
Why a Rockhurst OT Degree?
At Rockhurst University, it’s about more than earning a degree. It’s about preparing you to become an ethical practitioner and a thoughtful leader in occupational therapy. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, interact in a diverse environment and serve others. You have opportunities to conduct research under the guidance of a mentor, present findings at state and national conferences, and help lead student-run community clinics.
From consistently high graduation rates to exam scores to the opportunities provided during and after the program, find out why OT at Rockhurst stands out among its competitors in Kansas City and beyond.
The Rockhurst OT Difference
Our Vision
To promote the quality of health and well-being with all populations through active engagement in meaningful occupations.
Our Mission
To empower learners to become competent, reflective leaders who utilize their unique gifts to optimize function and participation in occupational roles across the lifespan.
Our Values
- Critical and innovative thinking
- Ethical leadership
- Evidence-based process
- Personalized service for all members of society
- Professional excellence
What Makes RU OT Unique?
World-Class Faculty
Our professors give specialized attention to all students and have experience in pediatrics, hand therapy, adult rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, mental health, geriatrics, assistive technology, community practice, and research.
Experience Jesuit Values
Students gain real-world clinical skills and enhance ethical development by participating in service-learning and authentic, practical opportunities in the community. Our Jesuit foundation makes Rockhurst a unique choice in the occupational therapy school landscape.
Gain Practical Experience Through Service Learning Already Integrated into the Curriculum
Throughout the program, you'll participate in service-learning related to OT and have the opportunity to engage in numerous local and international service opportunities.
Do Meaningful Research
Rockhurst occupational therapy students conduct research under the guidance of a mentor and present their findings at state and national conferences.
Enhance Leadership Skills
Students develop leadership skills as they provide services alongside community partners, collaborate with other healthcare disciplines, and participate in departmental and university committees.
Work in Innovative Spaces
Help run constraint-induced movement therapy camps for children with disabilities, modify and adapt toys for children with special needs, and educate clients on assistive technology on RU’s campus.
School Occupational Therapist
Private Practice Professional
Hospital OT In Residence
Rehabilitation Center OT
Psychiatric Hospital OT
Nursing Home OT
Home Health Agency OT
Consulting or OT Education
OT Program Points of Acceptance
Apply for the OT program at a point that works best for you.
Freshman Direct Entry
A program for exceptional students. Admission is based on their high school GPA and, if submitted with the application for admission, ACT or SAT scores. More information is available here. Apply here.
Regular Admittance
Apply during your final year of undergraduate work. Post-baccalaureate students can apply the summer prior to the selection of a new class.
OT Scholars Program
An advanced admission program for outstanding current RU students. To begin the process, please contact the Graduate OT admissions office at mailto:graduate@rockhurst.edu
Transfer Admission
Transfer students are encouraged to apply for admission, based on their college GPA.
Additional Degree Info
Rockhurst OT graduates consistently have a high success rate in passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
For most recent pass rates for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam, please visit NBCOT.org.
NBCOT, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
One Bank Street Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Phone: 301-990-7979
Collectively, RU OT faculty has the following certifications:
Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) Certification, Certified Hand Therapy (CHT), Certified Physical Agent Modalities (CPAM), Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification, Fieldwork Education Certification, LSVT Big Certification, Advanced Pediatric Practice Certification through Texas Woman’s University.
Faculty have advanced training in areas such as assistive technology, trauma-informed care, Kinesio-taping, static and dynamic splinting, pelvic floor rehabilitation, feeding, and dysphagia care.
There is a difference with the Rockhurst students who come over. I typically may spend up to 2-3 weeks of ramping students up to prepare them for a caseload, and I have often found over my 22 years that Rockhurst students are ready sooner to step into that category of a more independent feel of a patient-clinic environment than the other schools that I've hosted students from. It's a situation where if you are more prepared early, then you are more prepared when you step out there as an independent practicing occupational therapist.
Occupational Therapy Info & Resources
Information and resources for Rockhurst OT are available below.
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What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
As an occupational therapist, you enable and empower people of all ages to live their lives to the fullest and, in many cases, help them achieve a quality of life they didn't think possible. You could provide therapy to injured, ill, or disabled individuals in large and small facilities, work with children in schools, become a clinician in an emerging and exciting area, an administrator within a health system, a leader of public policy, a researcher for better solutions, an instructor to continue your impact, and so much more.
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