Program Overview
The UNLV School of Integrated Health Sciences offers a 120-credit hour Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program that prepares students for entry-level competence in the field. The three-year program includes coursework, clinical fieldwork, and a doctoral capstone project. Graduates are eligible to take the NBCOT® exam and pursue careers in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practice.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The UNLV School of Integrated Health Sciences offers an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree program that immerses students in an intensive 120 credit hour curriculum designed for entry-level competence. The curriculum includes coursework, clinical fieldwork, and a doctoral capstone project. The program admits 36 students each summer and spans three consecutive semesters (summer, fall, spring) for three years. Students will be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational therapy (NBCOT®) exam after they successfully complete all program requirements, and the program receives full accreditation status.
Outline:
The OTD curriculum is divided into three academic years. The first year focuses on foundational knowledge and skills, including anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and occupational therapy practice. The second year covers advanced topics such as evidence-based practice, mental health, and pediatrics. The third year culminates in a capstone project that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Presentations
- Clinical evaluations
Teaching:
The OTD program is taught by a faculty of experienced occupational therapists and researchers. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Simulations
- Role-playing
- Clinical experiences
Careers:
Graduates of the OTD program are prepared for a variety of careers in occupational therapy, including:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Private practice
- Home health agencies
- Rehabilitation clinics
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Correctional facilities
- Industrial settings
- Academic institutions
- Research
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Overview:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is known for its diverse student body, innovative academic programs, and its unique location in a vibrant and dynamic city.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNLV offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect to find a welcoming community with a strong sense of belonging. The university boasts a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, catering to various interests. UNLV also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and provides opportunities for students to connect with the local community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
UNLV prides itself on its diverse student body, with one-third of students being first-generation college attendees. This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from various backgrounds.Unique Location:
Situated in Las Vegas, UNLV offers students access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.Innovative Academics:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs, including 78 majors, 84 minors, and over 197 graduate degree and certificate programs. The university also boasts its own law, medicine, and dental medicine schools.Strong Community Engagement:
UNLV encourages students to engage with the local community and provides opportunities for service learning and volunteer work.Academic Programs:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.Education:
Teacher education, educational leadership, and special education.Engineering:
Civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.Health Sciences:
Nursing, medicine, dentistry, public health, and biomedical sciences.Hospitality:
Hospitality management, tourism management, and culinary arts.Law:
Juris Doctor (JD) degree.Fine Arts:
Music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.Other:
UNLV is a relatively young university, established in 1957. It has grown significantly over the years and is now one of the largest universities in Nevada. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as healthcare, technology, and sustainability.
Entry Requirements:
Students applying to the OTD program have an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution with a preferred minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The degree may be in any area of study as long as the student has successfully completed the following pre-requisite coursework: Statistics (1 course) Biology (2 courses) Anatomy & Physiology (2 courses) with labs Psychology (3 courses - Introductory, Developmental & Abnormal) Anthropology or Sociology (1 course) All pre-requisite coursework will need to be completed by the end of the Spring semester prior to admission to the program in the Summer term. Students must have completed a minimum of 40 hours of observation with a licensed occupational therapist in a minimum of two different practice settings. Applicants to the program will be asked to submit a personal essay as part of the application. Students will submit 3 letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a licensed occupational therapist that provided some of the observation hours. In-person interviews will be offered to qualified applicants. All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements. Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog.
