Build an OT Career to Fit Your Future
Build an OT Career to Fit Your Future

BRADLEY’S POST-PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTORATE ONLINE

PERSONALIZED, FLEXIBLE, AND COMMUNITY-CENTRIC EDUCATION FOR OT LEADERS

Embark on a transformative journey toward advanced practice with Bradley University's online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DrOT). Tailored for licensed occupational therapists aspiring to leadership roles in academic communities, Bradley’s online program can help you uncover the pathway to your future in occupational therapy excellence.

Recognizing the diversity in educational backgrounds among occupational therapists, Bradley offers two tracks allowing both bachelor's and master's degree holders to elevate their professional expertise to the doctoral level. In both tracks courses are taken one by one for seven-week periods to provide optimum flexibility for working professionals. Along with synchronous, interactive classes and personalized faculty attention students are able to tailor assignments and courses to their preferred area of expertise–preparing them to truly become masters of their craft.

TWO TRACKS TO A DOCTORATE IN OT

BSOT to DrOT

  • 42 credits
  • Bachelor’s degree must be in occupational therapy
  • Minimum 1 year of professional experience and license in good standing
  • Three start dates per year: in spring, summer, fall
  • Courses taken one at a time in seven week durations
  • Individually customizable curriculum

MS to DrOT

  • 33 credits
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and a Master’s in Occupational Therapy or any other field
  • Minimum 1 year of professional experience and license in good standing
  • Three start dates per year: in spring, summer, and fall
  • Courses taken one at a time in seven week durations
  • Individually customizable curriculum

TAKE YOUR CAREER AND STUDENTS FURTHER

Eager to elevate your occupational therapy career? Bradley’s Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy online can help you take the first step toward becoming an influential educator or thought leader in the field of OT. Fill out the form to receive more information.

Discover Your Next Step

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Bradley University is authorized to deliver online programs to US citizens and permanent residents residing in the United States. International students are encouraged to inquire about on-campus opportunities by visiting Bradley University International Admissions.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING MEETS ONLINE CONVENIENCE

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Flexible Online Format

The online DrOT is made for working OTs looking to further their careers instantaneously and for the long-run. Enjoy the flexibility of an online degree you can complete anywhere combined with the supportive and interactive nature of synchronous classes.

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Personalized Curriculum

Bradley's customizable DrOT curriculum can be fit to your unique ambitions, weaving your interests into every course. Forge an educational path that prepares you for the career you envision whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Explore The Curriculum

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Community of Support

At Bradley, you’ll join a close-knit community that combines the warmth of a small university with the legacy of a larger institution. Grow your OT network as you collaborate with peers and thrive with the support of committed faculty mentors.

Meet The Faculty

“Pursuing this program has been a transformative and enriching experience that has significantly elevated my skills, knowledge, and perspective within the field of occupational therapy.”
—Tondalaya B., Doctorate in Occupational Therapy ‘25
“Pursuing this program has been a transformative and enriching experience that has significantly elevated my skills, knowledge, and perspective within the field of occupational therapy.”
—Tondalaya B., Doctorate in Occupational Therapy ‘25

ADVANCED CURRICULUM FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LEADERS

Dive into a curriculum that enriches your professional practice with cutting-edge knowledge and industry-leading expertise. Bradley University's Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy offers a series of courses designed to advance your understanding of complex clinical practices, critical inquiry, and health policy.

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Explore the dimensionality of occupational therapy as you learn to appraise and apply research to clinical decisions and strengthen your leadership abilities by delving into business planning and personnel management. The program also covers vital topics in ethics and advocacy ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for cases that challenge professional ethics. You’ll graduate with the knowledge to practice in a culturally competent manner and are prepared to support the most vulnerable communities seeking care.

CORE COURSE HIGHLIGHT: PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT

All Bradley, online DrOT students will take Professional Engagement in OT in order to begin their doctorate work with intention. Students will receive assistance in defining their personal career goals and creating a plan to achieve those goals. Students will refine self-reflection skills and leverage various resources for advancement, and have the chance to explore concepts related to emotional intelligence and career mapping to develop the career plan.

Explore the Whole Curriculum

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CAREER ADVANCEMENT IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Bradley's online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program equips experienced therapists with mastery of advanced skills to thrive in roles that demand higher qualifications.

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The Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate Can Prepare You to:

  • Provide direct access care to patients without physician referrals
  • Design and deliver academic programs that shape tomorrow's OT professionals
  • Delve into research initiatives that are crucial for the evolution of occupational therapy, working to improve practices and patient outcomes
  • Take on the rewarding challenge of steering OT healthcare services, where your strategic decisions can lead to more efficient and effective patient care
  • Harness your knowledge to advocate for better access to occupational therapy services, reducing barriers and influencing health policy for the greater good

DrOT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What distinguishes Bradley University’s online DrOT program from others?

Bradley’s DrOT program combines personalized education with a flexible online format, providing synchronous learning experiences, and allows students to tailor their curriculum to their specific career goals. This program is one of the select few to offer a post-professional doctorate with no residency requirement, emphasizing hands-on learning and community engagement.

Can I work while completing the DrOT program?

Yes, this program is designed with the working professional in mind. The courses are 100% online, allowing you to balance your education with professional and personal responsibilities.

Additionally, at Bradley, students’ professional experiences are valued as learning opportunities for the whole cohort. Innovative “flipped classroom” techniques invite students to share what they are seeing in their professional practice and learn to apply newly acquired skills to their daily work.

What career opportunities can I pursue after completing the DrOT program?

Graduates can pursue leadership roles in academia, advanced clinical practice, healthcare administration, research, program development, and policy advocacy within occupational therapy. Visit the Careers page to learn more.

How long does it take to complete the online DrOT program?

The duration depends on your prior qualifications and the track you choose. The BSOT to DrOT track can be completed in about 2.5 to 3 years. The MS to DrOT track can be completed in 2 years.

What kind of support can I expect from faculty during the program?

Synchronous classes ensure students receive comprehensive support from our dedicated faculty, including personalized mentorship and guidance throughout the program.

How does the online DrOT program incorporate experiential learning?

The program includes a practical, evidence-based practice capstone project and opportunities to engage with real-world, occupational therapy scenarios, even as you learn remotely.

Does the Bradley online DrOT program offer any financial aid or scholarship opportunities?

Graduate students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or asylees may apply for U.S. federal student aid and complete the FAFSA form online.

U.S. federal student aid is not applicable for students on visas or those without a status. However, international students are often eligible for other sources of financial aid like scholarships and loans.

For more information visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

ADMISSIONS DATES AND DEADLINES

Spring 2025

Nov
15
Final Application Deadline
November 15, 2024
Spring 2025
Jan
22
Start Date
January 22, 2025
Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Apr
15
Final Application Deadline
April 15, 2025
Summer 2025
May
21
Start Date
May 21, 2025
Summer 2025

Fall 2025

Jul
20
Final Application Date
July 20, 2025
Fall 2025
Aug
27
Start Date
August 27, 2025
Fall 2025

TRANSFORM YOUR FUTURE WITH BRADLEY’S DrOT PROGRAM

Sources
  1. Reported outcomes of the Class of 2023 from Bradley University on-campus program

Bradley University has engaged Everspring, a leading provider of education and technology services, to support select aspects of program delivery.