Occupational Therapy
About the Program
The Howard University Department of Occupational Therapy is Proud to offer an Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Program Leading to a Doctor of Occupational of Therapy (OTD). The department is uniquely privileged to be among the few providers of and entry-level OTD in the nation’s capital. The program has a rich history of excellence in leadership, graduating highly sought-after therapists, and developing national and international health professionals. The Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program is designed to prepare students as entry-level occupational therapist and generalists. The program fosters leadership skills, and evidence-based practice with a focus on the underserved community, allowing students to develop as top practitioners, and change agents in field of occupational therapy. The entry-level OTD program at Howard consists of three-years of research, theory, and concentrated skill-based course work; competency requirements; six-month fieldwork; 14-week doctoral capstone experience (DCE), and capstone project as requirements for graduation.
Upon successful completion of 99 credits including all course work and fieldwork experiences, candidates can sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). The timeframe for completion of the entry-level program is three-years, which includes all didactic coursework, competency examinations, fieldwork experiences, doctoral capstone experience, and capstone project. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork.
The OTD curriculum follows a developmental progression where the organization of the learning experiences build on knowledge gained and mastery of educational outcomes. Throughout the curriculum students are exposed to five core themes:
- Occupation and Human Performance
- Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning
- Diversity and the Underserved
- Research and Scholarship
- Leadership and Professionalism
After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order 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.
The Howard University Occupational Therapy program subscribes to the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, known as OTCAS. All applicants need to apply online using the OTCAS application. Our application deadline is March 15 of each year. Applications received after the deadline will be considered subject to space availability in the entering class. To learn more about the OTCAS application process and to get started, please go to the OTCAS website at www.otcas.org. Once processed, the Admissions Committee looks forward to receiving your application.
Application Process & Deadlines
Admission consideration may be granted to applicants who satisfy all admissions criteria. Criteria for admissions to the OT entry-level OTD degree program includes:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Completion of required prerequisite courses
- Verification of 40 hours of volunteer experience in an Occupational Therapy setting
- Completion of the OTCAS Application
- Participation in a personal interview
- Submission of three letters of recommendations
Prerequisites:
Developmental Psychology (3 Credits)
Abnormal Psychology (3 Credits)
Gross Anatomy (4 Credits)
Physiology (4 Credits)
Physics (3 Credits)
Sociology (3 Credits)
Statistics (3 Credits)
Medical Terminology (2 Credits)
CPR Certificate
Certification
Physical Therapy | Graduate
The Physical Therapy program offers an accredited program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Students in this program are exposed to cutting edge research and practice in both the classroom and the clinic.
Program Mission
The mission of the program is to recruit and prepare promising African Americans and underserved minority populations with leadership potential to become compassionate, and competent physical therapists, with expertise in clinical decision making, problem-solving, and research. The program is committed to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who promote critical thinking, self – inquiry, active learning, community service, cultural sensitivity, ethical behavior and contribute to research, practice, and enhancement of the profession nationally and internationally.
Program Highlights
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the state licensure examination and are entitled to full membership in the professional organization, the American Physical Therapy Association. Information regarding state licensure can be obtained from the individual licensing boards.
Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.
Admission Requirements
The following requirements must be satisfied for admission:
- Applicants must have received a baccalaureate degree in any field, from an accredited institution prior to start of classes in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
- GRE is required. Send a PDF copy of scores sent from testing center as part of the application package to dptadmissions@howard.edu.
- Possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all required prerequisite courses. No required courses with a grade below "C" are accepted.
- Possess a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA in the required math and sciences courses.
- Math and Science courses must have been completed within seven years of application.
- Complete the PTCAS application and all other admissions requirements by the deadline (December 15th).
- Create a video presentation lasting no more than 5 minutes. Upload the video to YouTube and include the link with application package materials
- Fully complete other supplemental application items and upload your entire application package to dptadmissions@howard.edu utilizing the following heading in the subject line: HU DPT Applicant Package 2018-(Last Name, First Initial)-(Your PTCAS #)
- Paper applications WILL NOT be accepted
- The Admissions Committee may invite candidates who meet the admission requirements for an interview.
- Candidates will be selected following a competitive evaluation process.
Please refer to the Howard University DPT Admissions FAQ Sheet for more information and specific instructions. Email questions or concerns to dptadmissions@howard.edu
Admissions Committee
Physical Therapy Department
dptadmissions@howard.edu
Howard University College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences
Washington, DC 20059
Prerequisites:
| HU Course | ||
|---|---|---|
| MATH-000 | Algebra II or Pre-Calculus | (3-4 Credits) |
| MATH-009 | Intro to Statistics | (3-4 Credits) |
| BIOL-101 | General Biology I | (4 Credits) |
| BIOL-102 | General Biology II | (4 Credits) |
| CHEM-003 | Gen. Chemistry Lec I | (4 Credits) |
| CHEM-005 | Gen. Chemistry Lab I | (1 Credits) |
| CHEM-004 | Gen. Chemistry Lec. II | (4 Credits) |
| CHEM-006 | Gen. Chemistry Lab II | (1 Credits) |
| MDAN-168 | Basic Human Anatomy | (4 Credits) |
| MPHY-101 | General Physiology | (4 Credits) |
| PHYS-007 | Physics/Health Science | (5 Credits) |
| PHYS-000 | or Physics I | (4-5 Credits) |
| PHYS-000 | and Physics II | (4-5 Credits) |
| ENGL-009 | Technical Writing | (3 Credits) |
| PSYC-050 | Intro to Psychology | (3 Credits) |
| PSYC-000 | Psychology (other) | (3 Credits) |
| Elective | Medical Terminology | (2-3 Credits) |