Welcome to Methodist University Department of Occupational Therapy!  I am delighted that you are interested in our entry-level clinical doctorate of occupational therapy (OTD) program.  Occupational Therapy is an exciting profession that serves individuals and communities as a bridge between medical science and the social-cultural human arts.  Historically, OT began in mental health by utilizing meaningful activity to improve the lives of those with mental illness.  We were inherently rooted in psychology, cognition and sociology even before we immersed ourselves in the health and medical models of care. Occupational therapists are leaders in the field in addressing chronic disease, disability, and mental health conditions in a variety of health care settings, schools, home-based care, and communities.  OT is not just about recovery from an illness or disability, but it is authentically focused on the capacity for participation in meaningful daily activities to improve health and well-being in anyone, regardless of age or health status. We have developed a curriculum that will embody these professional foundations with interdisciplinary collaboration in mind.

You have chosen a rewarding, challenging, and exciting profession that will offer you numerous opportunities to care for people, discover new models of practice, answer critical questions about health and daily life functioning, and serve your profession by advocating for the health and wellness of diverse populations. 

At Methodist, we are committed to maintaining a low student to faculty ratio so that students experience tailored mentoring throughout the program.  Each student engages in a capstone research project in conjunction with a selected faculty member’s research agenda.  Our dedicated faculty model thoughtful, evidence-based clinical decision making and innovative teaching methods in the clinic and in our state-of-the-art classrooms.  Our approach to OT education provides our graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to become clinician leaders and shape the future of the profession.  The OTD program at Methodist University aims to deliver the most contemporary, high-quality educational experience to train future practitioners that are compassionate and ethical leaders who will engage, enrich, and empower the lives and communities they serve.