MA Occupational Therapy

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program will prepare highly qualified entry-level occupational therapists to support the health and well-being needs of the south Texas region. Through exemplary education in research, service, clinical skills, ethical leadership, and interprofessional engagement, graduates will be grounded in the core values of occupational therapy, evidence-based practice, and active learning. Didactic and experiential learning will create reflective and holistic practitioners who understand the complexity of occupational engagement and systems across a variety of settings, populations, and geography. The OTD program will focus on developing occupational therapists with advanced skills in clinical practice, administration, clinical research, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development. Graduates will be prepared to practice in clinical, research, and academic environments. Graduates will be leaders in health management, maintenance, and promotion. They will be able to address social determinants of health individually as well as part of an interprofessional environment. They will be able to identify and advocate for the role of occupation across the lifespan. The UTRGV OTD degree program courses are based on the ACOTE Standards for an entry-level doctoral program