Start Your OT Career with a Doctoral Preparation

Earn your degree in an environment where hands-on practice is fully integrated with classroom learning. Learn in interprofessional teams of students at a graduate school focused on the health professions - allowing you to practice the multidisciplinary healthcare collaboration you'll find upon graduation as part of a clinical team. 

The MGH Institute Occupational Therapy Doctorate program provides early and consistent exposure to clients using the large and diverse practice community of metropolitan Boston and on-site clinics. We believe that interprofessional education and collaborative practice are essential to high-quality, client-centered care. 

As the first occupational therapy program in Boston to educate students at the doctoral level for entry into practice, we are committed to the growth and development of scholarly clinicians who contribute to the practice and profession of occupational therapy. 
 

woman in a hospital gown uses a hand rake on a raised flower bed while a woman in scrubs looks on

OTD Program Highlights

The Entry-Level OTD program offers a mix of evidence-based academics, practice scholarship, and fieldwork experiences.

Emphasis is placed on professional reasoning, application of research evidence, occupation based practice, and interprofessional collaboration – critical skills for an occupational therapist in today’s complex practice settings.

The curriculum is structured to prepare you for contemporary occupational therapy practice through a series of interprofessional, team-based learning activities in the classroom, and a variety of health, school, and community settings.

View Curriculum Plan

We believe that through active learning, students in our program attend to the intellectual, technical, and moral dimensions of practice. Hands-on learning activities that encourage participation, collaboration, and critical thinking are utilized throughout the curriculum.

The Institute OTD program provides students with opportunities to learn, leverage, and apply research evidence throughout their program. We believe that occupational therapists should function in multidimensional and interprofessional roles that anticipate and respond to the changing needs of the individual and society.

In order to actualize these roles, students must understand the core construct of occupation, apply the best evidence, demonstrate sound professional reasoning, and collaborate with those who provide and receive care. These elements of active learning serve as the threads for our OTD curriculum.

You will continually connect theory with practice through clinical placements at leading health care sites in Boston and beyond. Numerous part-time fieldwork placements throughout your first two years are integrated with coursework so that you immediately apply concepts to real-world client care.

Fieldwork takes place in a variety of clinical and practice settings (e.g. acute care, rehabilitation, pediatric occupational therapy, geriatric occupational therapy, community). In addition, you will practice in settings where OTs work as part of interprofessional teams, developing skills essential for effective patient care.

Learn More About Fieldwork

 

In addition, throughout the program you will be able to immediately put into practice what you are learning in the Tabor/Connor Occupational Therapy Center for Learning, Participation, and Rehabilitation (Tabor/Connor OT CLiPR), which includes a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. You will have simulated learning experiences with standardized patients and community dwelling adults to complement your coursework, honing your skills to prepare you for professional practice.

Standardized Patients and simulated learning experiences have been used quite extensively in the MGH Institute Occupational Therapy Program.  Simulation is threaded throughout the entry-level doctor of occupational therapy curriculum in a variety of coursework.  Students work with standardized patients to complement learning in all tenants of occupational therapy practice across a variety of contexts.  The following areas are included in simulated learning experiences in OT:

  • Therapeutic Use of Self
  • History-taking / Occupational Profile Assessment
  • Evaluation / Clinical Skills Assessment
  • Intervention Planning and Care Implementation
  • Shared-Decision Making, Caregiver Education, and Advocacy

For additional information regarding use of simulated learning in occupational therapy education, please contact Dr. Regina Doherty at rdoherty [at] mghihp.edu (subject: Simulated%20Learning) (rdoherty[at]mghihp[dot]edu).

Through the Institute’s affiliation with Mass General Brigham, you will have access to leading practitioners in the Metropolitan Boston area who serve as faculty and mentors.

Fieldwork experiences are integrated at every stage of the curriculum, allowing you to continually connect theory with practice.

Fieldwork is completed in a variety of clinical and practice settings (e.g., acute care, rehab, school-based practice, community). You'll be exposed to clients across the lifespan and in a variety of settings. Institute Entry-Level OTD students must complete the following fieldwork experiences: 

  • Five part-time fieldwork experiences (Level I Fieldwork) 
  • Two full-time 12-week fieldwork experiences (Level II Fieldwork) 
  • An Advanced Doctoral Experience (ADE) (Doctoral Experiential Component) 

Our focus on experiential learning, in addition to our Institute-wide interprofessional curriculum, facilitates critical thinking, communication skills, ethical reasoning, and team-based problem-solving. Participating in these and other multidisciplinary healthcare collaboration opportunities extends to students being better prepared for fieldwork training with increased confidence in communicating and delivering care.

Learn More About Fieldwork Placements

Occupational therapists are a vital part of the health care team. As a graduate of the Institute’s OTD program, your skills will be in high demand.

Occupational therapist is noted as a top healthcare job in U.S. News & World Report and one of the most rewarding careers. OTs practice in a wide range of settings including in schools, inpatient hospitals and outpatient clinics, nursing homes, people’s homes, and community organizations that support people with disabilities to work and go to school.

Our program was ranked 3rd in MA, 4th in New England and among the top 6% of OT programs in the nation in U.S. News & World Report.

Graduation Rates

The total number of graduates from the MGH Institute of Health Professions Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program during the 5-year period of 2018-2022 was 199, with an overall graduation rate of 98%.

Graduation Year Students Entering/Graduating Graduation Rate
2019 40/39 98%
2020 39/37 95%
2021 44/43 98%
2022 40/40 100%
2023 38/34 89%

Resources for Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Billing

Tuition and fee rates are posted on the MGH Institute website in the above links by academic year. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid to create a comprehensive financing solution for your education. 

The total cost of attendance and total cost of completing the program are provided below.  Cost of Attendance (COA) is determined annually by the MGH Institute in accordance with federal regulations. The total COA consists of the Tuition and Fees for the two-semester loan period plus a basic Living Expense Allowance to cover the eight (8) months encompassed by the two semesters.  The total length of the ELOTD program is nine semesters. The current two-semester living expenses estimate can be found on our tuition & fees page and is outlined below: 

Graduate Programs (for two semesters)
Housing - $15,200
Food - $3,432
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment- $2,500
Transportation - $3,200
Loan Fees - $1,490
Miscellaneous/Personal - $4,200
Total living expense allowance - $30,022

For Program Starting: Summer (June) 2025

The application is now: open

Priority Deadline: October 15, 2024

Final Deadline: January 15, 2025

Apply Now

 

Application Process 

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). All students are required to apply online through OTCAS.

Updates to the application requirements and related policies due to COVID-19, can be found here.

Items to submit directly to OTCAS:

  • OTCAS application with application fee
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • Three (3) recommendation letters
  • Statement of Intent
  • MGH Institute Custom Questions
  • (Optional) Occupational Therapy Observation Hours

MGH Institute of Health Professions does not require a supplemental application.

*In order to be eligible for review, OTCAS applications must be completed on or prior to the deadline. Please note: you should allow several weeks for all required documents to be received and processed by OTCAS.

Degree

Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or recognized international equivalent.

Prerequisite Coursework

Completion of the following prerequisite courses at a fully accredited institution with a grade of B- or better is required for admission to our Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.

Most of these courses are offered online by the MGH Institute. Learn more about our online prereqs or select a course below to view its description.

Applicants with questions about prerequisite course equivalency and/or acceptability should complete and submit the OTD Prerequisite Inquiry Form. Upon submission of the form, replies can be expected by email in 7-10 business days.

Applicants may be asked to submit mid-term reports for certain prerequisite courses. All prerequisite courses must be satisfactorily completed prior to matriculation. Prerequisite credit cannot be given for courses with a grade of Pass/Fail.

All prerequisite courses must be taken at an institution that is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies. Please refer to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website for additional information.

GRE

The GRE is not required for this program.

TOEFL/ IELTS

The language of instruction and clinical education at the MGH Institute is English and a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.  Applicants who have not completed either an undergraduate or graduate program where English is the language of instruction must demonstrate English Language proficiency as part of your application to the MGH Institute of Health Professions.  If you have questions about the language requirements, please contact the Office of Admissions.

  • Applicants who are citizens of Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Great Britain, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Guyana, an Anglophone country of Africa, or an English-speaking country of the Caribbean are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  • Applicants who are candidates for graduation from an accredited degree-granting program in the United States or at an English-speaking school in one of the countries listed above are also not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Acceptance to the IHP will be contingent upon successful completion of this degree prior to matriculation. 

Please note that in some circumstances, demonstrating English language proficiency may be required by the academic program even if you are a citizen of a country in which the (or one of the) national language(s) is English. Decisions about the need for TOEFL or IELTS scores are at the discretion of the academic program to which you are applying in coordination with the department of OES.

The IHP accepts either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The test must have been taken within two years of the application deadline and official score reports are required. The minimum TOEFL (internet-based) score accepted is 89 and the minimum IELTS score accepted is 6.5.   

  • To forward your TOEFL score please contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS).  The MGH Institute of Health Professions code is 3513.
  • For IELTS, a Test Report Form may be mailed to MGH Institute of Health Professions and score information will be verified by the IHP directly. You may designate up to 5 schools to receive Test Report Forms at the time you register for the test.  To request additional Test Report Forms, contact your test center.

Please contact the Office of Admissions if you have any questions about the MGH Institute’s English Language requirements.  

Please refer to our program page in OTCAS for information. All official transcripts should be sent directly to OTCAS.

Applicants that have earned a degree from a non-US institution are required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from one of the following NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) members: Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., SpanTran: The Evaluation Company, World Education Services (WES), or the Center for Educational Documentation. If you earned your bachelor's degree outside of the U.S. this credential evaluation must document minimum equivalency of a US baccalaureate degree or higher.

Personal Statement

The personal statement should be submitted directly to OTCAS.

Recommendation Letters

All applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. One letter must be from an individual in the health or education sector. Letters should address the applicant’s potential for graduate education/ scholarly study and the applicant’s qualifications for work as a health professional. Recommendation letters must be submitted directly to OTCAS.

Observation hours - in person or virtual modules - are recommended, but not required

Personal interviews are required for entry to our Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. Qualified applicants will be notified via email if selected for an interview with a member of the admissions committee. Interviews are by invitation only.

Important Immunization Information

The MGH Institute, as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, requires completion of the hepatitis B vaccination series prior to matriculation. For applicants who have not been vaccinated, the three-dose hepatitis B series must be initiated prior to December 1st preceding intended June matriculation.

#4

Ranked in best healthcare jobs by U.S. News & World Report.

best occupational therapy programs OT #3 in new england U.S. news and world report

First

Entry-level OTD program in the Northeast.

5 people smiling and sitting around a table

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Join a welcoming and inclusive community dedicated to promoting justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Clinical Placements and Experiential Learning

Gain invaluable clinical experience through our affiliation with Mass General Brigham and extensive network of healthcare partners, hospitals, schools, and community organizations.  

Student with Client in our OT Clipr center

Hands-On Research Experience

Engage in mentored research, ensuring every student gains practical research experience. 

Upcoming Events

12 Dec
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Program Led Webinar: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Virtual - Zoom
19 Dec
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Licensing & Accreditation

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

The OTD degree prepares you to take the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Per Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education requirements, please visit nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance to review pass rates. 

Please note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT exam or attain a state license. Students are urged to contact NBCOT or the state licensing agency for further information.

Accreditation Status

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), which is located at the Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone (301) 652-6611; website:  https://acoteonline.org

woman with short blond hair smiles at someone off camera, her name and title are written below her

Meet Our Program Director and Expert Faculty

Our faculty are recognized nationally and internationally, including election to the Roster of Fellows by the AOTA.

View all OT Faculty
Emily Z. Eddy, OTD, MS, OTR/L

Program Director, Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Assistant Professor Occupational Therapy

man in wheelchair at table plants a plant with the help of a woman

Tabor/Connor Family Occupational Therapy Center

The center is an active-learning area allowing students to seamlessly move from the classroom and immediately put into practice what they learned without leaving the lab. In addition, students learn to assess, intervene, and provide specialty services at no cost to clients of all ages in the Boston community and beyond.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Center
a man points at a spot off camera for a woman sitting - a researcher looks at equipment in the background

The Cancer Rehabilitation (CaRe) Lab

Our lab, situated in the Charlestown Navy Yard, with strong clinical connections to the renowned medical and research institutions of Boston, has a unique opportunity to learn from and collaborate with premier cancer and rehabilitation clinicians. Our goal is to advance evidence-based clinical practice while partnering with the world-class clinicians in our network to inform our lab’s research.

Learn More About The Lab