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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.

Current Entry-Level OTD Students

We request that current Entry-Level OTD students express their interest in the OTD to PhD Pathway by completing the PhD Interest Form prior to the Fall semester of the second year of the program.

To be considered for the OTD to PhD Pathway, USC Chan Entry-Level OTD students must apply to the Occupational Science PhD program in the Fall semester of the second year of the program. You will find details regarding the application process and deadlines on the admissions page.

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®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The USC entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) degree program (cost of attendance) has applied for accreditation and has been granted Preaccreditation Status by ACOTE®. View our program’s ACOTE® standards public data. ACOTE® c/o the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 652-AOTA, www.acoteonline.org. The program must 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, Inc.® (NBCOT®).

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.