What is ODT?ODT is just one of the few ODT is just one of the few post-graduate courses in Occupational Therapy that you can pursue; the others include PhD, etc. While there is a common misconception that ODT and PhD are the same, there are huge differences as these are two separate courses that have different goals and focuses. PhD prepares the professionals to be very adept with researches while ODT prepares the professionals to be keen in putting those researches in practice and in challenging those theories based on their received responses from the society.

Who can take ODT?ODT is for practicing Occupational Therapy Professionals (Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapist Guide) and for a zero backgrounder. The ODT course is primarily prepared for professionals who have been practicing a career in Occupational Therapy but people who do not have the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy can still apply. Some universities created integrated programs for people coursework first before proceeding with the study proper for OTD. To be an ODT, you need first to make sure that you qualify as an applicant for the coursework. To qualify, you have to finish at least two semesters of your Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy.

Where to enroll for an ODT program?ODT can be taken from universities, colleges and sometimes, in Occupational Therapy Schools. Student-to-be of ODT have two learning options namely, on-campus learning and distance learning. Some online learning can be availed through sites that have partnerships with reputable schools. The distance learning may sometimes require two attendance in campus in addition to the coursework done online. The distance learning is especially helpful for students who have difficulties relocating due to school and workplace distance and to avoid interrupting professional-students with the exercise of their careers.

The five key areas that students can choose from for specialization include Productive Aging, Social Participation and the Environment, Rehabilitation, Work and Industry, and Pediatrics.

In some schools like in Boston University, the course on ODT consists of 10 course works. Two course works are required to be taken by the student in a semester. The student has three choices of entry points namely, spring, summer and fall. The course can be completed in 10 months. In some schools, to be completed after seven (7) semesters of study and three (3) clinical placements for people yet to enter professional practice. This duration and course works inclusions become shorter for practicing professionals.How much should you pay for studying ODT?

Some schools like the Washington University in St Louis charge $965 per credit, or $12,192/ semester for the first four (4) semesters and $14,032/semester for the last four (4) semesters. There are also private and government funded scholarships for qualified students.

What are the benefits of taking ODT for Occupational Therapy Professionals? ODT is considered as further learning. There are two very good reasons why you should seek to have a degree in Doctor Occupational Therapy (OTD). For one, the course increases your level of awareness in the critical evaluations of the theories and thus, helps you to develop better strategies and solutions to address health care needs. Secondly, if you take OTD, you increase your possible salaries.