Entry-Level OTD

Young boy painting a wooden structure with a man behind him smiling

Changing the Status Quo

The Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (eOTD) program at the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences prepares graduates to be leaders and agents for social change on a community and global scale. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to become an excellent practitioner who delivers evidence-informed occupational therapy and ensures occupational justice and inclusive engagement in society. The foundational knowledge and leadership skills gained will empower people and communities across the lifespan and promote full inclusivity.

Faculty are highly experienced educators and nationally recognized scholars that aim to change the educational status quo. The team consists of experienced clinicians, educators, and researchers from across the globe who are bringing diverse perspectives to the academic community. 

The GW eOTD program is full-time for eight semesters and designed for applicants without a license in occupational therapy (OT) and who want to become occupational therapists. If you are interested in pursuing a career in OT, looking to change career paths, or desiring a new way of thinking, communicating, and providing care, apply to GW eOTD!
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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.

 

View Occupational Justice

 

Program Highlights

GW eOTD Program Director with Kennedy Center Award

Award-Winning Faculty

Learn from a diverse set of global researchers, community leaders, and social change agents.

MEET THE TEAM

GW Program at White House Easter Egg Roll

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. 

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GW Commencement Ceremony

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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GW Occupational Therapy Program (@gwoccupationaltherapy) • Instagram photos and videos

 

Program Accreditation & National Certification

The GW eOTD program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). 

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

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