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Occupational Therapy (OTD): Entry Level

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

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Is this program right for you?

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy: Entry Level program is designed to give you the knowledge and skills necessary to transform our nation’s health and education systems, and address the needs of diverse communities. This clinical doctorate program is designed specifically for entry-level graduate students.

  • As a top-ranked occupational therapy program, the OTD: Entry Level program provides students with a world-class education and the rigorous training needed to become innovators in the field
  • We offer a small, intimate cohort with mentoring from world-class faculty
  • You will be guided towards creating a personalized professional learning plan, which will culminate in a capstone experience and an individual project

Education that works for you

Start your career as an occupational therapy professional and future evidence-based leader with the comprehensive Doctor of Occupational Therapy: Entry Level program.

Program type

Doctoral degree

Highest level of academic degree

Explore program types

Degree awarded

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Commitment

3 years

Tuition

$1,000 per credit

Format

Face-to-face

On-campus, in-person courses

Credits

97 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program only admits for summer term

Offered by

STEM opt eligible

No

Supports F-1 Visa

Application deadlines

Summer 2026

  • Deadline: November 1, 2025

Summer 2027

  • Deadline: November 1, 2026

Undecided

  • Undecided: November 1, 2045
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

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Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Have observational, paid, or volunteer experience in at least two different settings serving persons across the lifespan with physical, cognitive or behavioral conditions (direct observation of occupational therapy practice is highly recommended)
  • Earn at least a “C” or better in the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent:
    • Lifespan Development (6 credits)
    • Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
    • Statistics (3 credits)
    • Human Physiology (3-5 credits with lab)
    • Human Anatomy (3-5 credits)
    • Human Anatomy Lab (1-3 credits)
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

Application materials required

  • Online Application
  • OTCAS Application
  • Kira Talent Virtual Interview Assessment (invitation will be provided after successful submission of the Graduate School Application and the OTCAS Application)
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

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Results that work for you

Occupational Therapy (OTD): Entry Level

$85,500

Median salary in 2021

Job titles

  • Occupational therapist

Top industries

  • Healthcare

14%

Projected growth for occupational therapists
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

#1

The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked third in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 10th straight year it has been rated among the top five

US News & World Report

  • Occupational therapy practice
  • Professional and leadership skills
  • Interprofessional communication
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Clinical practice

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