Occupational Therapy doctoral program is a 105 credit, capstone-based, cohort-designed professional doctoral degree program culminating in student eligibility to sit for the national certification examination to obtain state licensure. We provide an active learning, professional curriculum with blended didactic, clinical education (fieldwork), service-learning and capstone components designed to meet the accreditation standards of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
Our goal is to meet the needs of diverse individuals, communities, and populations and lead teams in health management, maintenance, and promotion and illness, injury and disability prevention.
The Occupational Therapy doctoral program is designed to graduate diverse, intellectually inquisitive, and innovative occupational therapy practice leaders, advocates, and scholars, who, through their understanding of the relationship of occupation, health, and well being gained through rigorous didactic and clinical academic pursuit, find scientifically grounded practical solutions to the everyday occupational needs of society.
This rigorous academic program teaches effective clinical decision-making skills to prepare healthcare providers capable of treating diverse clients across the lifespan. Through its collaborative network of strategic partnerships involving regional healthcare, educational, and community-based infrastructure, the program leverages in-class didactic learning with service learning (civic engagement) and practicum experience to improve the health and well being of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world.
Our vision is to be recognized as an inclusive program that cultivates diverse leaders, advocates and scholars in healthcare, education and research that serve the right and need of society to participate in occupations that give life meaning and improve health and well being of individuals, communities, and populations in the metropolitan Hampton Roads region of Virginia, our nation and the world through inquiry, collaboration, and innovation.
The Occupational Therapy doctoral program embraces an interprofessional and collaborative education approach involving all healthcare and rehabilitation professionals who use scientific principles and evidence-based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of acute and chronic diseases, the prevention of injury and disease prevention for individuals and communities, and the promotion of optimum health, wellness, and quality of life for populations. As a Minority Serving Institution, the program provides students from diverse backgrounds expanded opportunities to become healthcare professionals and builds a more diverse healthcare workforce in the region.
Information Sessions
Virtual Sessions
Monday 9/22/25 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Monday 9/29/25 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10/15/25 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Monday 10/20/25 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Monday 11/10/25 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
For all virtual sessions, please pre-register
Open Houses
Friday 9/19/25 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday 10/8/25 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Monday 11/3/25 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
For all Open House sessions, please pre-register .
Meet our Faculty
The entry-level Occupational Therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the (ACOTE) of the (AOTA).
The program must have a preaccreditation 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 (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.
Statement on NBCOT Eligibility and Felony Convictions
Graduates of the occupational therapy program must successfully pass the NBCOT examination to become a certified occupational therapist (OTR) and to be eligible for state licensure. The NBCOT has stated that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the certification examination or to attain state credentialing, even if program requirements are completed.
The NBCOT provides an Early Determination Review process that allows individuals with prior legal or disciplinary issues to have their background reviewed before applying for the certification examination. This process helps prospective candidates understand how past convictions may impact their eligibility.
Students with concerns about their personal eligibility are encouraged to review the NBCOT “Character Review” guidelines, available on the NBCOT website, and to contact NBCOT directly for guidance. It is the responsibility of the student to seek clarification regarding their specific circumstances.