Changing the Status Quo
A Community-Based Program
The GW eOTD program strives to connect its students with the world around them. Students will engage with the international community across the lifespan in the vibrant city of Washington, D.C. to support societal needs and become holistic, person-centered, and solution-focused professionals.
Our curriculum is rooted in community and fieldwork opportunities throughout our nation's capital reflecting our belief that occupational therapy empowers people and communities. We prepare students with the knowledge and experience they need to advance occupational therapy into the future.
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Hybrid Education
Students have the option to live anywhere; however, they are required to be on-campus, 6 days per month, for hands-on and experiential activities to develop the clinical competencies for occupational therapy practice. The small class size enables students to engage in critical thinking activities that facilitate effective clinical decision making and problem solving. Faculty members use innovative teaching strategies that integrate clinical experiences to facilitate learning and content retention throughout the curriculum and beyond.
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Program Values
We believe people achieve health and well-being when they participate in life activities and are included in the fabric of society. We believe occupational therapy should empower people and diverse communities for meaningful engagement in life activities that promote inclusion and human flourishing in society.
The GW OT program prepares graduates to deliver evidence-informed occupational therapy with a global reach, who advocate for the profession, and become leaders with a commitment to ensuring occupational justice and inclusive engagement in society.
The GW OT program aspires to diversify occupational therapy, using our location in the nation's capital to develop practitioners who innovate and address the unmet occupational needs through collaboration with local, national, and global communities.
Program Highlights
Award-Winning Faculty
Learn from a diverse set of global researchers, community leaders, and social change agents.
Excellent Location in Nation's Capital
Receive access to unique experiences throughout the Washington, D.C. area and to our state-of-the-art facility.
Earn Doctorate Degree in 8 Semesters
Gain skills for clinical practice, leadership, academia, and social justice to become an evidence-informed practitioner.
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Program Accreditation & National Certification
The GW eOTD program has been granted Preaccreditation Status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
This term refers to new programs that are not yet accredited but have completed the first and second steps in the 3-step initial accreditation process. Although the “Preaccreditation Status” designation does not guarantee that the program will be accredited, it indicates that on the basis of the paper review of the submitted materials, the program would appear to meet ACOTE Standards if fully implemented in accordance with the plans of the sponsoring institution. An on-site evaluation (step 3) will be conducted before the first class completes the academic curriculum. If the program can successfully demonstrate substantial compliance with the Standards, it will be granted accreditation. If not, accreditation will be withheld.
The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and receive accreditation status before graduates will be eligible to sit for the occupational therapist national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
After successful completion of the exam, a 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. If accredited, graduates are eligible to take the national licensing exam which meets licensing requirements in the jurisdictions listed here. Applicants from jurisdictions not listed should inquire about requirements for licensing in that jurisdiction.
A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
(301) 652-AOTA
www.acoteonline.org