Occupational Therapy (OTD)
The 90/91-credit doctoral program in occupational therapy, designed for students who have earned a bachelor's degree in another field, goes beyond the basic curriculum in a master's degree program. The program provides additional training and expertise in specialized areas, such as clinical practice, research, administration, program and policy development, advocacy, education and/or theory development.
Students who successfully complete the program and graduate are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT). All graduates must pass the NBCOT exam and be credentialed as a Occupational Therapist Registered OTR. More information on NBCOT credentials can be found at https://www.nbcot.org/certification
All states require a OT license (credential) to practice occupational therapy. The issue of state license requires graduation from an accredited OT program and passing the NBCOT Certification Exam.* State License requirements can be found here.
*Note that a felony conviction may affect a student's ability to graduate, sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain a state OT license.
The occupational therapy doctoral program prepares students to take the national certification exam administered by NBCOT.
Other programs you might be interested in
NBCOT Pass Rate
Upon successful completion of academic preparation and level II fieldwork experiences, students are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) exam. For more information on NBCOT visit https://www.nbcot.org/
To explore NBCOT Pass Rate for OT programs click NBCOT Performance Rate.
3-Year Graduation Rate
| OTD Program Graduation Rates | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Year | Enrolled Students | Graduated with MS Degree | Graduated with OTD Degree | Graduation Rate |
| 2022 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 100% |
| 2023-2024 | 11 | 1 | 5 Aug 2023 5 Jan 2024 | 100% |
| 2025 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 100% |
Cougars Climb Higher
At Kean, we believe learning and professional growth extend far beyond the walls of our classrooms. That's why we encourage you to take advantage of a variety of research opportunities, internships and more that we offer to advance your career and set the stage for continued success.
Fieldwork
Students complete at least six months of fieldwork in an approved clinical setting.
Research
Opportunities for research are an important part of an education at Kean.
Community
Beginning in their first semester, students gain clinical experience in community settings such as schools, senior centers, hospitals, nursing homes and camps.
Careers
Occupational Therapy graduates have found rewarding positions in a wide range of settings:
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
- FOX Rehabilitation
- Encore Rehabilitation Services
- Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital
- HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
- University Hospital
- Intensive Therapeutics
- Abilities In Action
- Children's Specialized Hospital
- Woodbridge Township School District
- P.G. Chambers School
100%
National certification exam pass rate of Kean graduates for the past several years
Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy program is accredited 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) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
Tuition and Fees
In-state
| Current Cost | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 3.5 residency | Total Cost of Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $32,999.58 | $29,525.94 | $13,026.15 | $13,894.56 | $89,446.23 |
| Student Fees | $3,208.34 | $2,870.63 | $1,266.45 | $1,350.88 | $8,696.30 |
| Books and Supplies | $550 | $400 | $250 | 0 | $950 |
| Background checks, etc. | $150 | $150 | $150 | $150 | $300 |
| Distant Education Fee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| $36,907.92 | $32,946.57 | $14,692.6 | $15,395.44 | $99,392.53 |
Out-of-state
| Current Cost | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 3.5 Residency | Total Cost of Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $52,276.2 | $46,773.4 | $20,635.35 | $22,011.04 | $141,695.99 |
| Student Fees | $3,210.24 | $2,872.32 | $1,266.45 | $1,350.88 | $8,699.89 |
| Books and Supplies | $550 | $400 | 0 | 0 | $950 |
| Background checks, etc. | $150 | $150 | 0 | 0 | $300 |
| Distant Education Fee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | $56,186.44 | $50,195.72 | $21,901.80 | $23,361.92 | $15,1645.88 |
Learn More
Visit Us
The best way to see all that Kean University has to offer is to visit our vibrant urban campus.
Request Info
Our admissions counselors are here to help you navigate the college application process. Learn more.
Apply Now
So much awaits you at Kean University. Your Kean journey begins now. Apply today.