The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DROT) Program prepares occupational therapists for mentorship and scholarship in academic communities and/or healthcare organizations.
This program is offered in an online format with synchronous and asynchronous learning.
Upon completion of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree, students will be able to:
- Critically appraise evidence-based practice strategies into practice to maximize target population outcomes.
- Contribute to the occupational therapy body of knowledge through the design and implementation of research.
- Implement strategies to address the ethics, policies, and laws that impact the practice of occupational therapy in the dynamic healthcare environment.
Admission Criteria
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited college or university with an average standing of 3.000 (B) in all undergraduate or graduate work undertaken in whichever degree is the highest held. Students who do not meet this requirement but have reason to believe that they can succeed in and benefit from graduate study will be considered on an individual basis and, if appropriate, admitted conditionally. Specific requirements for different admission statuses are given below. Graduate Admission will provide comprehensive application packets, including a complete list of the admission requirements for both Graduate Admission and the specific graduate program in response to an application request. Online applications may be submitted through the Graduate Admission website. All application materials, including transcripts, become part of the records of Valparaiso University and may not be returned to the applicant for any reason.
Admission to the graduate program is decided by the dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions following the receipt of the following materials:
- A completed application
- Graduate application fee of $30.00 for US applicants
- Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work
- A reflective essay of two double-spaced pages indicating the student’s reasons for pursuing a graduate degree and the relationship of graduate study to any professional goals
In addition to the above, the decision of the dean takes into consideration the admission requirements as well as the recommendation of the department and college through which the program is administered. Applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- Earned a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree
- Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist and be in good standing
- Worked at least one year as an occupational therapist
Program Requirements
To successfully complete either program, students must have achieved a final minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher. If a student receives less than a C in a course, the student is required to retake the course at his or her expense. If the student fails more than two courses, the student will be dismissed from the program.
Policy for Readmission
Students who leave the program in good standing may apply for readmission. Students who do not enroll in courses in their degree program for more than two consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring) and who have not been granted a leave of absence will be required to reapply for admission and undergo re-evaluation by the Admissions Committee in order to determine whether they may continue in the program. All courses must be completed within four years of the initial date of enrollment to obtain the degree.
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