Program director
Julie D. Kugel

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree curriculum provides occupational therapists with an opportunity to further their educations through its flexible online format. The online community fosters learning and professional growth through creative learning experiences, critical reflections, and discussions.

Coursework includes emphasis on spirituality, diversity, critical reasoning, advocacy, participation, education, and research. The capstone project is individually designed by the students, allowing them to creatively explore new areas of practice, and to engage in innovative research and programming.

The intensive track is designed for students who want to complete the postprofessional program as full-time students rather than as a part-time sequence, completing the program in six—as opposed to nine—quarters. 

Program learning outcomes

By the end of this program, the graduate should be able to:

  1. Interact with and serve the community by promoting health and the integration of mind, body, and spirit.
  2. Contribute to the profession's body of knowledge through written dissemination of research and oral presentations.
  3. Advocate for the profession, client, and those in need through participation in community and professional organizations.
  4. Commit to lifelong learning through disciplined advancement of knowledge and participation in professional activities.

If you live in a state that has regulatory requirements for online education, please check if Loma Linda University is able to accept residents of your state for online education. You may check for LLU State Authorization online or contact the Admissions office for School of Allied Health Professions, 800/422-4558.

Admission is based on a selective process.  In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must also complete the following requirements:

  • Must have earned a master in occupational therapy degree or another related field. Applicants may have a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and a master's degree in occupational therapy or another related field, or they may have a bachelor's degree in a related field and a master's degree in occupational therapy.
  • Minimum graduate G.P.A. of 3.0.
  • Six months of professional practice.
  • Applicants from the United States must be certified by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
  • Applicants from other countries must submit verification of licensure and certification in occupational therapy.

The applicant's recommendations, interview, personal statement, and work experience are also considered in the admissions screening process.

Major
OCTH 600Occupational Science and Health Promotion3
OCTH 601Spirit of Diverse Abilities I3
OCTH 602Spirit of Diverse Abilities II3
OCTH 604Health, Society, and Participation 13
OCTH 605Education for Health Professionals3
OCTH 606Leadership for Health Professionals3
Cognates
AHRM 605Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature3
OCTH 632Capstone I: Introduction to Theory & Research4
OCTH 633Capstone Proposal: IRB or Program Development4
OCTH 634Capstone II3
OCTH 635Capstone III4
OCTH 636Capstone IV4
OCTH 637Professional Publication and Dissemination4
RELE 5__ Religion elective (Ethics)3
RELR 5__ Religion elective (Relational)3
____ ___Elective3
Total Units53
1

Fulfills service learning requirement

Normal time to complete the program

2.67 years (nine [9] academic quarters) — based on less than full-time enrollment