Home - Graduate - Programs - Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Main content

Considering the Occupational Therapy Program? Here are answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about Occupational Therapy.

What is a typical weekly class schedule?

Classes are traditionally held Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Fridays are reserved for fieldwork and capstone experiences, course workshops, and office hours.

Why should I choose the doctorate degree?

A master’s degree will prepare you to be a generalist practitioner and direct care provider of occupational therapy services. A doctoral degree pushes you further than generalist practices – the capstone sequence involves in-depth knowledge exposure in an area of interest which can be clinical practice, research, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development.

OTD graduates are more likely to be educators, own their own business, and be involved in scholarly research and professional presentations and publications. These graduates are also more likely to receive awards, and grants, and teaching positions (Smallfield, Flanigan, & Sherman, 2019). As an OTD, you are prepared for professional engagement and advancement to leadership.

How many students are accepted into the program each year?

Our average cohort size is typically 10 students. Our facilities are capable of allowing a maximum of 32 students in each cohort.

Do you offer scholarships or other financial aid?

As our acknowledgment of your hard work, we award every accepted student with a $20,000 OTD Scholarship. A limited number of on-campus graduate assistantships are also available. Students typically fund tuition through loans or private sources. You will be billed at an equal rate throughout the program. 

Our office of Student Financial Services is available to answer all your questions and to discuss your unique degree affordability plan! Email studentfinancial@roberts.edu or call 585-594-6150.

How do I make my application stand out?

We look for students with strong communication skills, a firm grasp of time management, an admirable work ethic, and a genuine passion for the field of occupational therapy. One tip to stand out is to submit a two-page application essay where you can demonstrate those skills.

Is a specific major required?

No, you may apply with a bachelor’s degree in several different disciplines, as long as you meet certain prerequisite requirements. For example, some of our students enter the program with these majors: Psychology, Biology, Education, Physical Therapy, Exercise Science, Pre-Med, and more.

Can I apply while my prerequisites are “in progress”?

Yes. It is common to have “in progress” prerequisite courses when you apply. Students may be accepted on a conditional basis until all prerequisites are met. Mark the prerequisite as being “in progress” in your OTCAS application and inform your admissions coordinator. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the start of the program in August and require official transcripts to be submitted as soon as they are available.

Acceptance to the OTD program is contingent on you earning a B- or higher in all prerequisite courses.

Can I enroll as a part-time student?

The OTD program is a full-time, in-person program. It is designed as a cohort group where students complete a series of courses in sequence. Due to the sequential nature of the program and graduation requirements, part-time enrollment is not available. 

May I schedule a visit to campus?

Yes! We are pleased to welcome visitors to our campus and brand new OTD facilities. We offer a number of on-campus events as well as visits on an individual basis.

Please reach out to your admissions coordinator at otd@roberts.edu to schedule your visit. We’d love to show you around!

Where is Roberts located and what is it like?

Roberts’ campus is just 15-minutes west of the city of Rochester. We’re proud to share small-town accessibility with big-city services, a thriving cultural and food scene, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. The cost of living in Rochester is below the national average and offers affordable housing options.

Rochester is a health-care industry hub with opportunities for occupational therapy in many different settings. We are home to two major health-care systems and Roberts has a well-known and reputable presence within this industry.

How is faith integrated in the Roberts OTD program?

Imagine learning in a place where you're constantly surrounded by faculty and staff who genuinely care about you and your individual goals and who continuously pour their time and expertise into helping you succeed. As a community committed to a rich Christian heritage and God-honoring diversity, we believe the best education addresses each person in his or her entirety—as a physical, psychological, social, rational, and spiritual being.

Our students come from many faith backgrounds and have different religious and spiritual perspectives. As a Roberts student, you can trust and know that you are welcome and that your thoughts, faith perspective, and/or worldview will always be respected, whatever your path at Roberts. There is no religious requirement to the graduate program. Besides considering spirituality as part of occupations, religion is not integrated into the program. If you desire, you may use all of our on-campus resources.

We aim to be a place of safety and comfort, whatever that might look like for you. You will never have to face anything alone at Roberts.

Is there on-campus graduate housing available?

Yes! We encourage you to reach out early as we have a limited number of on-campus graduate housing spots and find they book quickly. Contact student_life@roberts.edu or visit: https://go.roberts.edu/age-grad-housing-offer.