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This 100% online program is designed for domestic and international OT professionals seeking leadership roles in academia, healthcare, and advocacy as well as those looking to transition to teaching. Students earn their doctorate in 16 months by taking just two classes at a time and travel to campus is not required, making this one of the fastest-to-degree programs in the marketplace and allowing students to save time and money.
Chatham graduates are recognized for their commitment to scholarship and many have authored or contributed to peer-reviewed literature. Plus, all AOTA members receive a 20% reduction in tuition costs for the duration of the program.
Learn more by registering for a virtual session, which always feature live faculty and alumni perspectives and an open forum to ask your questions. All upcoming sessions are listed here.
Flexible curriculum and diverse faculty help you tailor the program to your unique interests.
The Bachelor-to-OTD Bridge program is open to enrollment each fall. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply now. Learn more below.
Our 100% online program is 30 credits and is completed over 16 months / 4 terms. Students can start in the fall or spring, and travel to campus is not required.
All AOTA members who are currently practicing as an OTA can receive a 20% reduction in tuition costs for the duration of the program.
The post-professional OTD curriculum allows students to explore their own area of professional interest and then directly apply their learning through the design and implementation of an evidence-based capstone project in their work setting. Students become a true community of learners, working together for the future of better healthcare.
—Jennifer Lape, ppOTD, Program Director
"I work full-time as an occupational therapist, and I have a family with three busy teenagers. This program really fit in: it's completely online, you're working around your schedule. So to do it as a working, full-time mother, it's very feasible."
—Christine Daeschner, PPOTD '22
After exploring the website, attend one of our Post-Professional Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) prospective student webinars to talk with faculty and learn more about this program. At these online sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with faculty, get your questions answered, and learn more about the admissions process.
View OT Events : Checkerboard 1 - Information Sessions
Over the four semesters of the program, each student designs and implements an evidence-based capstone project on a topic of interest. Projects can be completed in a work setting, community site, or emerging practice area. The project culminates with a formal presentation as well as drafting of a conference proposal and a peer-reviewed journal article. Chatham graduates have successfully published their work in peer-reviewed journals and been accepted for conference presentations post-graduation.
View Student Works : Checkerboard 2 - Capstone Projects and Publications
We are one of the longest-standing PPOTD programs. Since 2007, we have graduated over 350 practitioners. Our reputation extends far and wide with our global alumni network. An alumni mentor program ensures students have a support system even beyond faculty and their online learning advisor.
Hear from Program Alumni : Checkerboard 3 - Alumni Success and Network
In an effort to save students time and money, Chatham’s PPOTD program is now fully online with no travel requirements. In place of former campus onsites, faculty have carefully designed meaningful virtual immersive experiences where students share capstone projects and posters with their peer community. These virtual immersive experiences started in April 2020, and student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
This program is designed for experienced occupational therapists who hold a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. The Bridge Program is 39 credits and starts in the fall term each year. It is completed over 20 months / 5 terms. The small size of each cohort allows for deep discussion and interaction.
Bachelor-to-OTD Bridge Program : Checkerboard 5 - Bachelor-to-OTD Bridge Program
Interprofessional education involves students from two or more health professions learning together during their training. The goal of IPE is to enhance communication and decision-making, allowing various domains of knowledge to complement each other.
Learn About IPE : Checkerboard 6 - Interprofessional Education (IPE)
Each year Chatham faculty, students, and alumni make a significant impact at the AOTA annual conference and expo, where we come together to network and catch up. Click here to view the accepted list of presentations by Chatham faculty, students, and alumni for a past conference.
Chatham’s OTD faculty members bring a wealth of clinical experience as well as teaching experience in a range of practice settings. They serve as mentors and advisors and are there for you every step of the way.
Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 8 - Program Faculty
The cost of a graduate degree consists of university tuition (per credit charge), fees, and any other personal expenses you may require for earning your degree. Chatham also offers a 20% corporate partner discount that can help make a Chatham graduate education more affordable. Our Financial Aid and Admissions offices will also work with you to understand loan and financing options available.
Explore Tuition & Funding : Checkerboard 9 - Tuition & Funding
Due to federal regulation, all universities offering distance education programs and practicum experiences in states other than their own must receive authorization or be a SARA-approved institution. Chatham University is a SARA-approved institution.
SARA-Approved Institutions : Checkerboard 10 - SARA-Approved Participating Institution
Learn about occupational therapy student and faculty accomplishments, alumni achievements, and various activities that occurred over the last academic year—in Pittsburgh, and all over the country.
Read the Newsletters : Checkerboard 11 - InTouch Newsletters
