The UM-Flint entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), allowing students to be admitted to the program. AOTA is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number is (301) 652-AOTA. Next in the process for a new program, is Accreditation Status. The program must have a pre accreditation 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). The University of Michigan-Flint fully expects to be granted Accreditation Status prior to our first graduating class.
ON THE FOREFRONT
The University of Michigan-Flint is proud to have the first entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) in the state of Michigan. The OTD program is a professional (or clinical) doctorate, which is the highest level of academic preparation that an entry-level occupational therapist can obtain. Our program preparation for the entry-level OTD exceeds that of an entry-level master’s degree. Being on the forefront of this professional movement allows our students to be among the most coveted graduates regionally and nationally.
INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM
The OTD program at UM-Flint utilizes a learner-centered teaching approach. Incorporating authentic educational activities and experiences, students build their confidence through active hands-on learning. Students also benefit from inter-professional education opportunities with our prestigious Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and other health professional programs. Occupational therapy students are able to hone their patient-centered health care practices across disciplines by utilizing the vast experiences in labs, clinics, and community settings.
THE MICHIGAN ADVANTAGE
The College of Health Sciences (CHS) at UM-Flint has a valuable partnership with Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. This connection allows our students access and opportunities with highly skilled occupational therapy clinicians, and researchers. Guest lectures, clinical placements, and work-shops give our students the skills they need to specialize in areas such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, amputations, lymphedema, complications of cancer treatment, and many more.
CURRICULUM FORMAT
Classes are structured so that students have a variety of ways to learn. Traditional classroom styles feature faculty and guest lectures, state-of-the-art lab work, and collaborative group activities.
DOCTORAL CAPSTONE PROJECT
Students will complete a capstone experience and project in collaboration with clinical and community partners. The capstone project includes an in-depth experience in one or more of the following areas of focus:
- Administration
- Advocacy
- Clinical practice skills
- Education
- Leadership
- Program and policy development
- Research skills
- Theory development
PROGRAM VISION
The OTD program’s goal is to prepare culturally competent, evidence-based practitioners to be visionaries and leaders in the profession of Occupational Therapy both locally and abroad.