The Augustana University Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program does not require a specific undergraduate major of study. Undergraduate coursework in specific areas that provide a foundation for graduate study in occupational therapy are required.
To prepare students for graduate-level education, the Augustana University OTD Program requires a comprehensive foundation in biological, physical, social-behavioral sciences and written communication. These standardized prerequisites ensure all applicants, regardless of their undergraduate major, possess the necessary scientific knowledge, while providing the Admission Committee with a consistent and equitable framework for evaluating readiness.
The program will consider advanced placement and transfer of credit for students whom are in good standing at another OTD program, provided the course content aligns with the Augustana OTD Program’s course outline, objectives and outcomes. Individuals interested in exploring this option must submit their course for consideration to the director of admission for review by the director of curriculum.
- Medical Terminology (1-3 credits): This course provides the foundational vocabulary needed to accurately communicate with healthcare teams and document patient care in professional charts.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II OR Anatomy with Lab & Physiology With Lab (4 credits each, labs required): You need a deep understanding of how the body is built and functions to help patients regain movement and physical independence.
- Human Development (lifespan) (3 credits): Understanding how people change from birth to old age helps you tailor your therapy to a patient's specific life stage.
- Statistics (any discipline) (3 credits): This course prepares you to read clinical research and use data to ensure your treatments are actually effective.
- General/Introduction to Psychology (3 credits): It provides a basic understanding of human behavior and the mental processes that influence how patients approach their recovery.
- Social Science (i.e., Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health) (3 credits): These help you understand how a patient’s unique culture, community and environment impact their health.
- Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology (3 credits): You will need this to recognize and support patients living with mental health conditions that may affect their daily functioning.
- English Composition or Writing (3 credits): Clear writing is essential for creating professional clinical notes, documenting a patient’s progress for insurance, communicating with other providers and ensuring patients and caregivers understand evaluations and treatment plans.
The Augustana University OTD Program will consider advanced placement and transfer of credit for students whom are in good standing at another OTD program, provided the course content aligns with the Augustana OTD curriculum design and student learning outcomes. Individuals interested in exploring this option must submit their course for consideration to the director of admission for review by the director of curriculum.
Augustana OTD Program students must be able to do the following, with or without reasonable accommodation(s):
Knowledge Acquisition & Application
- Learn and apply foundational and practice knowledge
- Recognize, define, analyze, synthesize and apply information using sound judgment and problem-solving skills
- Notice, respond and adjust to dynamic situations as they occur
- Plan, sequence and coordinate tasks
Communication & Collaboration
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with a variety of audiences
- Respect varying viewpoints using professional language across all interactions
- Produce communication in a clear, concise and accurate manner
- Apply basic technological skills in educational programs
- Verbal and nonverbal communication may occur through spoken language, writing, digital formats or through augmentative devices, interpreters or other means
Professional & Ethical Conduct
- Initiate, maintain and conclude social interactions appropriately
- Demonstrate ethical behavior, reliability and integrity
- Adapt behavior based on feedback from others and learned experiences
- Self-initiate actions to meet personal and educational needs
- Identify and reflect on personal strengths and needs while respecting those of others
- Demonstrate consistent and timely management of educational responsibilities
- Follow published policies and procedures
Functional Performance & Motor Coordination
- Safely engage in or direct tasks that involve positioning, movement and/or material handling
- Move and transport objects of varying sizes and weights
- Safely navigate within a variety of environments
Health & Safety
- Engage in practices that prioritize the safety and well-being of self and others
- Notice, respond and adjust to unsafe situations as they occur
- Adhere to infection control standards and universal precautions
Summary Statement
All qualified students must be able to perform the technical standards of the Augustana University Occupational Therapy Program (OTD), with or without reasonable accommodations. These Technical Standards are inclusive of diverse abilities and are grounded in the values of equity, access and professional excellence.
Statement on Access & Inclusion
No qualified person with a disability shall be excluded from admission, participation or denied benefits or subjected to discrimination solely by reason of their disability. It is the responsibility of the student with disabilities to request those accommodations that they feel are reasonable and needed to execute the essential requirements described.
Augustana University is committed to providing equal opportunities for access to and participation in its programs and services, without regard to sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age or disability. Augustana complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act and other applicable laws providing for nondiscrimination against individuals with disabilities.
Candidates with disabilities who believe they need an accommodation in order to successfully complete the program can contact Jeff Merkle at jeff.merkle@augie.edu. The student should be prepared to present a letter of disability verification. With further applicant and OTD faculty input, Augustana will determine what reasonable accommodations might be possible, if any, to facilitate successful completion of the occupational therapy curriculum, preparation for the national examination and entry into the profession. However, Augustana is not required to fundamentally alter its programs or the technical standards outlined in this section in order to accommodate students.
An offer of admission may be withdrawn and or a student may be dismissed from the program if they cannot articulate how, even with reasonable accommodation, they would be able to meet the program qualifications, including these technical standards or if it becomes apparent that the student cannot meet the technical standards even with reasonable accommodation; the requested accommodation(s) would fundamentally alter the nature of the OTD program at Augustana or create a significant risk of harm to the health or safety of others.
Completion of Program Requirements Prior to Matriculation
- Complete an approved background check and drug screening prior to matriculation.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency through completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam for applicants for whom English is not their first language or those who have completed a degree and pre-requisite courses outside of the United States.
- Demonstrate the ability to fulfill program technology requirements, student health requirements and transportation requirements