Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy

This three-year, full-time, on-site program prepares you to work as an occupational therapist in a range of health care, educational and community-based settings.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Costs and Financial Aid

How to Apply

Dual OTD/MBA

Curriculum

Technical Standards

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Kansas offers the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree as its entry-level program for students seeking a successful career in occupational therapy. Lectures and labs are held on the KU Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kansas.

Along with coursework, students participate in community-based fieldwork and doctoral experiences at sites throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, the state of Kansas and across the country.

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The cost of an education at the University of Kansas is competitive with other top entry-level doctoral programs in occupational therapy.

Below is an estimate of costs for full-time students finishing the degree program in three years based on the KU Comprehensive Fee Schedule. These figures are provided as a guide only and are not an official quote of costs. This information is subject to change by the Kansas Board of Regents and the University of Kansas at any time without notice.

See more about program costs and financial aid opportunities for students.

A $400 non-refundable tuition fee deposit is required to reserve a spot in this program.

Estimated Costs

This is an estimate of costs for full-time students finishing the degree program in three years.

Kansas Resident Tuition

Graduate tuition, on campus courses	$457.70 per credit hour	106 credit hours	$48,516.20
Graduate tuition, online courses	$457.70 per credit hour	6 credit hours	$2,746.20
OT course fee	$121.55 per credit hour	112 credit hours	$13,613.60
E-learning course fee	$100.00 per credit hour	6 credit hours	$600.00
Campus fees	$425.40 per fall and spring semester	6 fall/spring semesters (no fee for summer semesters)	$2,552.40
Estimated total for Kansas residents			$68,028.40

In-State Tuition Eligibility Requirements

Very specific requirements must be met to qualify for Kansas resident tuition rates. Learn more about the requirements. You can direct questions to the Office of the Registrar.

Non-Resident Tuition

Graduate tuition, on campus courses	$1,075.50 per credit hour	106 credit hours	$114,003.00
Graduate tuition, online courses	$457.70 per credit hour	6 credit hours	$2,746.20
OT course fee	$121.55 per credit hour	112 credit hours to complete degree	$13,613.60
E-learning course fee	$100.00 per credit hour	6 credit hours	$600.00
Campus fees	$425.40 per semester	6 fall/spring semesters (no fee for summer semesters)	$2,552.40
Estimated total for nonresidents			$133,515.20

Accreditation

The University of Kansas 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.

Certification and Licensure

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Only students who have successfully completed the entire program can pursue this certification, which is legally required before employment in the field is possible.

After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

For information on licensing in Kansas, visit the Kansas Board of Healing Arts. For information on specific state licensure requirements, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Program Outcomes

Visit the NBCOT website for program results from the NBCOT exam.

Graduation Rates

	2022	2023	2024	2025	3-year total
Number of students who entered the OTDE program	42	47	50	43	140
Number of students who graduated from the OTDE program	41	47	49	TBD	TBD
Graduation rate	98%	100%	98%	TBD	TBD

Department of Occupational Therapy Education