Kelsey Herman OT '19 put her love of horses and her doctorate in occupational therapy together to create a business that helps people live fuller lives.
Occupational therapists help people do the things they want to do, improving their sense of satisfaction and contributing to their subsequent well-being.
The School of Occupational Therapy offers a professional, entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree and prerequisites. There is high demand for qualified occupational therapists and a growing number of career opportunities.
Admissions Information
We're here to help on your way to becoming an occupational therapist! Learn about the admissions process and contact your admissions counselor.
Location. Pacific University's three-year accredited OTD program includes two years on a health professions-focused campus in Hillsboro, Ore, providing opportunities for interprofessional education and collaboration. The third year is distance-based.
Curriculum. This is a clinical Occupational Therapy Doctorate program focused on advanced clinical development (no dissertation required). Designed as a full-time cohort model, the occupational therapy curriculum consists of academic, laboratory and distance-based learning experiences integrated with both part-time and full-time professional fieldwork. Integrated fieldwork opportunities offer local, national, or international experience.
Certification & Licensure. After successful completion of all degree requirements for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate, graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) certification examination. Upon successful completion of this examination, the examinee becomes a nationally registered occupational therapist, certified for practice and eligible for state licensure.
In 2023, 97 percent of Pacific University OTD new graduates passed the NBCOT exam. View program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Admissions. Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree and meet additional admissions prerequisites to be considered for admission. Entrance to the program is fall semester only. Inquire today.
Accreditation. The School of Occupational Therapy at Pacific University is a professional entry-level occupational therapy program and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Accreditation has been granted for the entry-level doctorate in 2014/15 through 2029/2030.
Questions regarding accreditation by ACOTE should be directed through their website or to their administrative office at the following:
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-6611 | acoteonline.org
Cost of Attendance. View 2024 - 2025 OTD cost of attendance information.
Graduation Rates by Academic Year. The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Pacific University has a record of student success. Our academic year begins in late-August and ends in late-July. Graduation occurs in mid-August.
| Graduation Year | Students Entering/Graduating | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 40/38 | 95% |
| 2022 | 40/39 | 97.5% |
| 2023 | 40/39 | 97.5% |
| Total | 120/116 | 96.7% |
Headlines
There is no immediate fire threat to Pacific’s campuses. The university is making adjustments to weekend activities, including Commencement, due to air quality concerns.
The first occupational therapy program in Oregon, students, Faculty, staff and friends will celebrate "The Power Of Occupational Therapy" with a weekend of activities and reunions from August 8-10.