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OTD to PhD Pathway

The OTD to PhD Pathway offers USC Chan students a way to become both a career occupational scientist and an occupational therapist. Current USC Entry-Level OTD students have the opportunity to apply to the Occupational Science PhD program during their second year in the Entry-Level OTD program. If accepted, students begin PhD coursework during their third, final year in the OTD program.

Students on the OTD to PhD Pathway will complete their second Level II fieldwork and doctoral capstone experience within a USC Chan faculty member’s research lab during their entire third year of the Entry-Level OTD program, providing an immersive experience working with, and being mentored by, a faculty researcher. USC currently provides generous financial support (i.e., an annual stipend and full tuition support) for PhD students.

USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 133, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003

ACOTE accreditation | NBCOT certification

The USC entry-level master’s degree program (cost of attendance) is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE). The USC entry-level OTD degree program (cost of attendance) has been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE. View our program’s ACOTE standards public data. ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, (301) 652-6611 x2914, acoteonline.org

Professional program graduates are eligible to apply for certification by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT), nbcot.org. Program results from the NBCOT can be found online at www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.