Accreditation Status: Note that our program is still in the application stage for accreditation.

Program Overview

Drake University is recognized as one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the Midwest.  As a midsized, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, we offer the benefits of a larger institution along with the advantages of intimate class sizes and close personal relationships.  Drake's new accelerated three-year Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) is designed for the future of health care in mind.  As the demand for occupational therapists grows, Drake students will be ready to meet those needs, backed by Drake's tradition of educational excellence in the health sciences.  Our legacy is rooted in a learning experience that takes place in the classroom and in the field and emphasizes technical knowledge and the interpersonal skills necessary to be an effective practitioners and innovative leader within the field of occupational therapy.  

Our OTD program places a distinct emphasis on developing entrepreneurial leaders committed to advancing the occupational therapy profession.  Through a curriculum rich with high impact teaching practices, students become capable communicators, problem solvers and decision makers with competence in professional, team-based, patient-centered care, health promotion, practice management, advocacy, self-learning and teaching.  

What Distinguishes Drake's OTD Program?

Practical Experience

You will be in the field working with patients beginning in the first year, allowing you to enhance your knowledge base through hands-on involvement. 

Year-Round Coursework

The doctorate level course work is completed on a year-round basis.  Students graduate in three years with successful completion of each course. 

Personalized Experience

At Drake, you will receive individual attention from faculty and staff to build lifelong mentors and connections within the occupational therapy profession. 

Connections in the Capitol

Drake is located in Iowa's capital city, Des Moines, which allows you numerous opportunities for unique practice experiences, involvement in policy making through legislative internships at the state house, and becoming an active member of the Iowa Occupational Therapy Association. 

Professional Preparation

The proximity and availability of numerous clinics, hospitals, special care facilities and private practices in Des Moines will allow you to get involved in any number of specialties within the occupational therapy profession.  Drakes extensive local and national practitioner network may offer chances for job shadowing, mentoring and professional experiences.  Additionally, Drake CPHS has a dedicated career development staff who will work with you to achieve your career goals.  

Admission Criteria

Drake University expects to receive candidacy status for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) in January 2016.  We will begin accepting applications to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program once candidacy status is awarded.  

Admission to the Drake University Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program is based on academic and personal qualifications that are necessary for successful, competent practice as an occupational therapist.  Candidates are evaluated on the basis of the fit between their personal goals and the mission and goals of the OTD program.  Prior education, work experience, honors, awards, service to others and leadership activities are also considered in the admission process.  Prior shadowing in an OT environment is helpful, but not required.  

Students can apply to our OTD program by meeting the following requirements.  Please note that these are the requirements applicants must meet in order for their applications to be considered complete.  Meeting these requirements does NOT guarantee admission to the OTD program. 

• Submit an application through the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy (OTCAS)
• Submit a Drake University Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Supplemental Application and application fee 
• Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and have scores submitted directly to OTCAS.  No minimum score is required to be considered for admission to the OTD program. 
• Earn a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the of the spring 2016 semester 
• Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (as calculated in OTCAS)
• Complete (or be in the process of completing) the prerequisite coursework outlined in the "Program Prerequisites" section on this page.  All required prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring 2016 semester.  

Program Prerequisites

AOIs not satisfied by OTD coursework or prerequisites: Engaged Citizen, Global and Cultural Understanding, Historical Foundations (2 courses) and Artistic Experience.  These areas can usually be satisfied by coursework completed as part of a Bachelor's degree.  Students may submit coursework completed as part of a Bachelor's degree to Drake CPHS for review.  Please send course descriptions to Jessica Lang, CPHS Admissions Liaison, at jessica.lang@drake.edu.  

Students must earn a grade of C or higher in order to receive transfer credit and fulfill prerequisite courses.  Students who wish to fulfill prerequisites using Advanced Placement (AP) scores must earn a 4 or higher on the AP exam.  Please see Drake University's AP Credit policy at www.drake.edu or contact the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at (515) 271-3018 for more information.