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Did you know our admissions requirements have changed and that the GRE is not required? We have streamlined our admissions requirements to make the application process as easy as possible for you! Click on the Admissions Requirements and How to Apply tabs for more details.

Do you want to learn more about the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program from behind the scenes? Join a small group of students to meet with the OTD admissions counselor and an OT faculty member, attend an occupational therapy class, and discuss the educational program with current students.

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The O.T. Fast Track: Graduate in Just Three Years

If you strive to be a standout O.T. practitioner, NSU’s rigorous Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program is designed with you in mind. Your face-to-face didactic, research and clinical training prepares you to excel as a skilled interdisciplinary health care team contributor across diverse practice settings.

You’ll not only graduate sooner with our accelerated 3 ⅓ year curriculum – you’ll also have the opportunity to learn from professors considered by many O.T.s and other medical professionals as leaders in the profession.

NSU O.T. Faculty: Globally Known and Respected

NSU O.T. professors have specialized expertise that keeps them in high demand as keynote speakers, consultants, thought leaders and published authors in the U.S. and abroad. You’ll gain valuable insights on specific O.T. topics and have the chance to explore those areas more deeply than in many O.T.D. programs.

Our Face-to-Face Format


Class Format Face-to-Face (100%)
On-Campus Requirement

Monday-Friday primarily daytime

Location Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Fort Lauderdale Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is offered in a face-to-face format with classes taught primarily during the day Monday – Friday at NSU’s Fort Lauderdale-Davie Campus.

Embrace the challenge of NSU’s O.T.D. degree program — and emerge a confident, standout O.T. practitioner.

Apply Now Request Info

 

Quick Facts

Delivery Options

Fort Lauderdale: Face-to-face, Monday-Friday primarily during the day

Start Dates
Classes start each May.
Tuition
Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
Credit Hours
NSU's O.T.D. degree is a three and one third year program: 122 credit hours total.

M.O.T. to O.T.D.

For over 25 years, NSU has provided students and alumni with the NSU Edge and education to become exceptional occupational therapists. With diverse faculty and their vast clinical experiences, we are excited to expand from the entry-level Master of OT (M.O.T.) program to the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus and look forward to many more years of educating exceptional OT graduates as they become part of the work force and an addition to our great profession.

Earning Potential

Average OT Salary by Facility

Facility Salary

Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)

$90,830

Home health care services

$89,220

Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists

$87,190

Hospitals; state, local, and private

$85,510

Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private

$74,670

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists (visited April 22, 2020).

Health professional supporting woman on round platform

Train with OT Leaders Known and Respected Worldwide

NSU’s O.T. faculty are well-known throughout the profession and hold specialized expertise, which keeps them in top demand as keynote speakers, consultants, and thought leaders.

Topics and areas of focus include:

  • sensory processing theory, practice, research, and education
  • patient and family engaged care
  • neuromotor interventions, brain injury, and aquatic therapy
  • occupational science; sexuality in occupation
  • international certification and assessment standardization initiatives
  • international O.T. practice in areas such as Central America, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, North America, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and South America

Accomplishments and responsibilities include:

  • scientific journal reviewer and editor for national and international journals
  • ad-hoc reviewer for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) autism scientific panels
  • published works (chapters, books, and scientific articles) addressing topics on the marketing and business of health care, blended education, wellness and therapeutic use of self, and hand therapy
  • leadership positions within the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
  • diverse post-professional doctoral degrees and national/international scholarships for continuing education

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Details

Learn more about the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program in Fort Lauderdale from behind the scenes! Join a small group of students to meet with the OTD admissions counselor and an OT faculty member, attend an occupational therapy class, and discuss the educational program with current students.  RSVP by utilizing the link below. If you have issues registering please reach out to pchcsinfo@nova.edu

RSVP for an upcoming O.T.D. Backstage Pass event

Nova Southeastern University participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, known as  OTCAS. OTCAS may take up to six weeks verifying supporting documents. Therefore, early application is highly recommended.

IMPORTANT DATES
OTCAS Application Deadline April 15

Note: NSU’s O.T.D. program uses a rolling admissions model where applicants are reviewed in the order that their completed application packets and supporting documents are received. As a result, applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early in the application cycle as reasonable.

  • OTCAS Application 
    • Nova Southeastern University participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, known as  OTCAS. OTCAS may take up to six weeks verifying supporting documents. Therefore, early application is highly recommended.
  • Interview
    • Upon receipt of the verified application packet from OTCAS, the Committee on Admissions will review the applicant's file and select applicants for an interview. Those selected will be notified in writing with details regarding the interview process. An invitation to interview should not be construed by the applicant as evidence of acceptance. Notice of acceptance or other action by the Committee on Admissions will be on a "rolling" or periodic schedule. 
  • Character Review/Early Determination
    • Graduates of the Nova Southeastern University entry-levelDoctor of Occupational Therapy Program are eligible to apply to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Board Exam ® (NBCOT). Applicants should be aware that a character review is part of the certification process.  Prospective or enrolled students who have a disciplinary record with law enforcement are encouraged to utilize the Early Determination review to learn if they will be eligible to sit for the exam once they have completed all other eligibility requirements. Please go to NBCOT Early Determination Review for more information on how to request a review. A felony conviction/charge may affect a graduate’s eligibility to sit for the NBCOT exam and/or apply for state licensure.

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program selects students based on a number of admission requirements, as described below, as well as an interview for qualified candidates.

Please note that the GRE is not required.

All applicants must:

  1. Complete an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  2. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for the last two years of study.
  3. Applicants must have a grade of 2.0 (C) or better in all prerequisite courses, EXCEPT a minimum grade of 2.75 in Human Anatomy and Physiology and a combined GPA of 3.0 or better in all other pre-requisite coursework.
    COURSE PREREQUISITE NAME/SUBJECT SEMESTER
    HOURS
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    Human Anatomy and Physiology 
    or 
    Human Anatomy AND Human Physiology

    3 or 6

    If enrolled in separate anatomy and physiology courses, 6 semester hours will be required.
    Psychology 6

    Human Growth and Development
    or
    Developmental Psychology

    3
    Other Social Sciences 3
    English Composition 6
    Other Humanities 9
    Mathematics 3 Statistics or any other math course college algebra or higher.
    Medical Terminology 0-1 This requirement may be completed as a certificate course or as a 1 semester hour college course.
  4. Observation Hours: Though we do not require observation hours, we encourage prospective applicants to have exposure to and familiarity with the profession of occupational therapy and the various populations with which OTs work, so that they are prepared to effectively articulate their interest in the field. This can be achieved by shadowing OTs, research and readings, prior occupational therapy college coursework, or personal experience.
  5. Submit a personal statement in the OTCAS system.
  6. Submit three letters of recommendation in OTCAS.
  7. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores (If applicable)

Still have courses or requirements in progress? 

Prospective students who have not yet met all admissions requirements can apply and may be reviewed pending completion of some of these requirements. Individuals in this situation must have no more than two prerequisite courses in progress during the Spring semester and must be in compliance with all other admissions requirements at the time of application. Additionally, all outstanding coursework must be completed with acceptable academic standards prior to the start of the Summer semester.

Throughout the program, students must have access to and demonstrate proficiency in computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. It is recommended that students have coursework or self-study to meet these requirements.

Additional Information

If you have any questions about NSU's entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program or application process, please email pchcsinfo@nova.edu

First Year Courses

Course #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Summer Semester

 

 

OTD 8111

Movement in Occupation Lecture

3

OTD 8111L

Movement in Occupation Lab

2

OTD 8112

Neuroscience and Occupation Lecture

2

OTD 8112L

Neuroscience and Occupation Lab

1

OTD 8121

Introduction to Didactic, Clinical & Research Experiences

3

TOTAL

 

11

Fall Semester

 

 

OTD 8122

Development of Occupation and Participation Throughout the Lifespan

3

OTD 8123

Theoretical Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice

4

OTD 8124

Effects of Human Conditions on Occupation I

4

OTD 8154

Quantitative Evidence in Occupational Therapy

3

TOTAL

 

14

Winter Semester

 

 

OTD 8125

Effects of Human Conditions on Occupation II

4

OTD 8132

Occupational & Contextual Analysis Lecture

2

OTD 8132L

Occupational & Contextual Analysis Lab

1

OTD 8133

Therapeutic Use of Self in Human Interactions

3

OTD 8153

Qualitative Evidence in Occupational Therapy

3

TOTAL

 

13

Second Year Courses

Course #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Summer Semester

 

 

OTD 8241

Occupational Therapy Interventions I: Mental Health, Wellness, & Community Lecture

6

OTD 8241L

Occupational Therapy Interventions I: Mental Health, Wellness, & Community Lab

2

OTD 8274

Level I Fieldwork, Mental Health, Wellness, & Community

1

OTD 8234

Innovations and Technology as it Relates to Context & Environment Lecture

2

OTD 8234L

Innovations and Technology as it Relates to Context & Environment Lab

1

OTD 8255

Research Proposal & IRB

2

TOTAL

 

14

Fall Semester

 

 

OTD 8242

Occupational Therapy Interventions, Children & Youth Lecture

6

OTD 8242L

Occupational Therapy Interventions, Children & Youth Lab

2

OTD 8275

Level I Fieldwork, Occupational Therapy Interventions, Children & Youth

1

OTD 8256

Research Implementation –Data Collection

2

OTD 8264

Business of Practice & Management

3

TOTAL

 

14

Winter Semester

 

 

OTD 8243

Occupational Therapy Interventions, Adults Lecture

6

OTD 8243L

Occupational Therapy Interventions, Adults Lab

2

OTD 8276

Level I Fieldwork, Occupational Therapy Interventions, Adults

1

OTD 8265

Professional Leadership

3

OTD 8257

Research Implementation, Data Analysis & Interpretation

2

TOTAL

 

14

Third Year Courses

Course #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Summer Semester

 

 

OTD 8371

Level II Fieldwork Experience A

9

TOTAL

 

9

Fall Semester

 

 

OTD 8372

Doctoral Certification & Introduction to Doctoral Capstone

3

OTD 8381

or

OTD 8382

Policy and Advocacy in Occupational Therapy

or

Entrepreneurship in Occupational Therapy

3

OTD 8383

or

OTD 8384

Community-based Practice

or

Occupation-Based Practice

3

OTD 8385

Topics in Contemporary and Emerging Practice

3

OTD 8358

Research Dissemination

2

TOTAL

 

14

Winter Semester

 

 

OTD 8373

Level II Fieldwork Experience B

9

TOTAL

 

9

Fourth Year Courses

Course #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Summer Semester

 

 

OTD 8474

Doctoral Capstone Experience, Reflections & Exit Colloquium

10

TOTAL

 

10

GRAND TOTAL

 

122

Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 16-week capstone experience within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.

  • Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
  • A Health Professions Division General Access Fee of $145 is required each year. An NSU student services fee of $1800 is also required annually.
  • Acceptance Fee is $400. This fee is required to reserve the accepted applicant's place in the entering first year class. This advance payment will be deducted from the tuition payment due on registration day, but is not refundable in the event of a withdrawal. It is payable within two weeks of an applicant's acceptance.
  • Pre-registration Fee is $600. This fee is due eight weeks after acceptance or by April 15, whichever comes first, under the same terms as the Acceptance Fee.

The first semester's tuition and fees, less the $1000 previously paid, are due on or before registration day. Tuition for each subsequent semester is due on or before the appropriate registration day. Students will not be admitted until their financial obligations have been met.

The financial ability of applicants to complete their training at the university is important because of the limited number of positions available in each class. Applicants should have specific plan for financing three and a half years of professional education. This should include tuition, living expenses, book equipment, fieldwork, residency, travel, and miscellaneous expenses.

 

Undergraduate and graduate course work taken at a foreign institution must be evaluated for U.S. institution equivalency. Please refer to the OTCAS Foreign and French-Canadian Transcripts page for more information.

NSU's entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in Fort Lauderdale has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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 National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (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. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.  Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-16 week capstone experience within 24 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.

The total number of graduates from Nova Southeastern University's Master of Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period of 2019 - 2021 was 151, with an overall graduate rate of 97%.

Graduating Year # Students Entering # Students Graduating Graduation Rate
Class of 2019 52 52 100%
Class of 2020 52

51*

98%
Class of 2021 51 48 94%
Class of 2022 54 46 85%

*Class of 2020 delayed graduating by one term due to Covid-19, May 2021.

NBCOT - Test Score Pass Rates Report

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