Department of Occupational Therapy
The Baylor University Department of Occupational Therapy offers two doctoral (OTD) programs using innovative, learner-focused, elevated instructional technology—the Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program and the Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program—as well as a Certificate in Hybrid and Online Teaching for the Health Sciences for professionals across healthcare disciplines.
The 24-month, hybrid Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program equips students to succeed as competent, compassionate occupational therapy practitioners. Spanning six consecutive trimesters, the Baylor curriculum combines the best aspects of online instruction, hands-on laboratory sessions, and fieldwork/capstone experiences.
The 100% online, 16-month Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is designed for licensed occupational therapists who already hold a master’s degree and are ready to elevate their career. This flexible program supports professional growth and opens doors to advanced roles in leadership, education, clinical practice, and advocacy—while allowing students to continue working full time.
The fully-online, 9-month Certificate in Hybrid and Online Teaching for the Health Sciences provides professional development in the specialized area of hybrid teaching and learning for licensed healthcare practitioners. It may also serve as a bridge to the Post-professional OTD program.
Connect with Baylor Occupational Therapy
About Baylor’s Occupational Therapy Programs
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Committed to a Higher Calling
The Christian mission of Baylor University is threaded throughout the Department of Occupational Therapy. While students come from a variety of religious backgrounds, all are impacted by a commitment to developing meaningful relationships, a dedication to personal growth, and a calling to make a difference within the occupational therapy profession.
From Kayla Collins, EdD, OTR, Entry-level OTD Program Director: "As an occupational therapist, I have often been asked, 'What does an occupational therapist do?' The word 'occupation' can seem abstract in today’s world, but its meaning is deeply rooted in God's design for humanity. Occupations are not just tasks or jobs; they are the essence of our being. They connect us to ourselves, to others, and most importantly, to God. When we engage in meaningful work, rest in joyful leisure, and give and receive love, we are drawing closer to Him."
What is an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist (OT) is a licensed health professional who helps individuals of all ages participate in the activities (or “occupations”) they need or want to do in their daily lives. These occupations may include self-care, work, education, social participation, and leisure.
Occupational therapists assess the person’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors to develop individualized intervention plans aimed at improving function, adapting environments, or modifying tasks to support participation and independence.
Occupational therapy is client-centered, evidence-based, and grounded in the belief that participation in meaningful occupation supports health and well-being. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an occupational therapist was $98,340 in May 2024, and employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14% from 2024 to 2034.
News
More NewsFrom the clinic to research to the classroom, Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy alumna Kelly Hochstetler, OTD, OTR, CLT, brings her calling for whole-person care to every aspect of her career. A key part of her impact lies in her specialized work with patients with lymphedema and lipedema.
Informed by faculty and practitioner expertise, Baylor University’s Clinical Simulation & Skills Facility replicates the aesthetic of contemporary healthcare design and offers students in graduate health professional programs the opportunity to immerse themselves in a realistic medical setting where they can practice skills safely and effectively.
When designing her Occupational Therapy doctoral capstone, recent graduate Shandy Simpson, OTD, OTR, had wanted to explore a topic both personally meaningful to her and underrepresented in occupational therapy research. She chose to partner with Project Healing Waters, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting American veterans through the therapeutic practice of fly fishing.
Located within the Clinical Simulation & Skills Facility are several state-of-the-art manikins, two of which are affectionately referred to as “Uncle Bill” and “Dr. Wilson” and were provided through the generosity of Mary Jo Robbins. The manikins will enable the highest quality educational experience for graduate students in Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences.
Profiles
"We're armed with the tools and knowledge to be successful."
"The heart of the program comes from the fact that we focus on servant leadership and practice scholarship."
"The bonds that you form with the students are very similar to the ones you form with the instructors."
Occupational Therapy Program Accreditation
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
