Rockhurst University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) in Kansas City, Missouri, prepares students for clinical practice through a rigorous, interactive curriculum that reflects real-world occupational therapy settings. Students develop advanced skills in patient care, leadership, service, and research while preparing for careers across a wide range of OT practice environments.
OTD Program Summary
The Rockhurst OTD program prepares students for entry-level occupational therapy practice through clinical education, service-learning, and interprofessional collaboration.
This 2.5-year graduate program combines hands-on learning with real-world clinical experiences. Students work alongside interprofessional health care teams, partner with community organizations through service-learning, and develop advanced skills in leadership, research, and patient-centered care—preparing them to enter the occupational therapy profession with confidence.
Why a Rockhurst OT Degree?
Rockhurst University prepares occupational therapy students to become ethical practitioners and thoughtful leaders in the profession. The program challenges students academically while emphasizing service, collaboration, and real-world clinical experience. Students conduct research with faculty mentors, present their work at state and national conferences, and help lead student-run community clinics that serve local populations.
From consistently high graduation rates to exam scores to the opportunities provided during and after the program, find out why OT at Rockhurst stands out among its competitors in Kansas City, Missouri, and beyond.
The Rockhurst OT Difference
Though only in middle school at the time her brother was diagnosed with autism, Elaina Schnarr decided to become an occupational therapist. She graduated with an OTD from Rockhurst University in December 2025
with the goal of helping kids like OTs helped her brother.
What Makes RU OT Unique?
Rockhurst University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program emphasizes ethical leadership, service-learning, and interprofessional collaboration. Students gain hands-on experience through research projects, community clinics, and clinical partnerships across the Kansas City health care community.
Experienced Faculty
Our professors give specialized attention to all students and have experience in pediatrics, hand therapy, adult rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, mental health, geriatrics, assistive technology, community practice, and research.
Experience Jesuit Values
Students gain real-world clinical skills and enhance ethical development by participating in service-learning and authentic, practical opportunities in the community. Our Jesuit foundation makes Rockhurst a unique choice in the occupational therapy school landscape.
Gain Practical Experience Through Service Learning Already Integrated into the Curriculum
Throughout the program, you'll participate in service-learning related to OT and have the opportunity to engage in numerous local and international service opportunities.
Conduct Occupational Therapy Research
Rockhurst OT students conduct research under the guidance of a mentor and present their findings at state and national conferences.
Enhance Leadership Skills
Students develop leadership skills as they provide services alongside community partners, collaborate with other healthcare disciplines, and participate in departmental and university committees.
Work in Innovative Spaces
Help run constraint-induced movement therapy camps for children with disabilities, modify and adapt toys for children with special needs, and educate clients on assistive technology on RU’s campus.
Join Rockhurst University’s Occupational Therapy students as they embark on a transformative journey
of service, learning, and cultural exchange in Guatemala and Ecuador.
Professional OT Settings
Rockhurst OTD graduates work in a wide range of occupational therapy settings across health care, education, rehabilitation, and community practice:
- School-based practice
- Pediatric clinics
- Inpatient hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities
- Home health
- Outpatient
- Sports and performance
- Consulting
- Mental health
- Community-based practice
- Higher education
School Occupational Therapist
Private Practice Professional
Hospital OT In Residence
Rehabilitation Center OT
Psychiatric Hospital OT
Nursing Home OT
Home Health Agency OT
Consulting or OT Education
Occupational Therapy Doctorate Admission Pathways
Apply for the OT program at a point that works best for you.
Freshman Direct Entry
A program for exceptional students. Admission is based on their high school GPA and, if submitted with the application for admission, ACT or SAT scores. More information is available here. Apply here.
Regular Admittance
Apply during your final year of undergraduate work. Post-baccalaureate students can apply the summer prior to the selection of a new class.
OT Scholars Program
An advanced admission program for outstanding current RU students who did not apply to the OT program through the freshman direct-entry pathway. To be eligible, you must be a current Rockhurst student and achieve a cumulative 3.4 GPA after sophomore year. Contact the Graduate OT admissions office at graduate@rockhurst.edu if you are interested in joining this program.
Transfer Admission
Transfer students are encouraged to apply for admission, based on their college GPA.
Additional Degree Info
Rockhurst OT graduates consistently have a high success rate in passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
For most recent pass rates for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam, please visit NBCOT.org.
NBCOT, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
One Bank Street Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Phone: 301-990-7979
Collectively, RU OT faculty has the following certifications:
Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) Certification, Certified Hand Therapy (CHT), Certified Physical Agent Modalities (CPAM), Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification, Fieldwork Education Certification, LSVT Big Certification, Advanced Pediatric Practice Certification through Texas Woman’s University.
Faculty have advanced training in areas such as assistive technology, trauma-informed care, Kinesio-taping, static and dynamic splinting, pelvic floor rehabilitation, feeding, and dysphagia care.
OTD Dual Degree Programs
In partnership with our College of Business and Technology, RU is proud to offer Occupational Therapy graduate students dual degree programs, combining the OTD with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership or the OTD with a Master of Business Administration. Click the buttons below for more information on each program.
Our OT Grads Stand Out from Their Peers
Clinical partners consistently note that Rockhurst OT students enter fieldwork well prepared for patient care and professional practice.
There is a difference with the Rockhurst students who come over. I typically may spend up to 2-3 weeks of ramping students up to prepare them for a caseload, and I have often found over my 22 years that Rockhurst students are ready sooner to step into that category of a more independent feel of a patient-clinic environment than the other schools that I've hosted students from. It's a situation where if you are more prepared early, then you are more prepared when you step out there as an independent practicing occupational therapist.
Occupational Therapy Info & Resources
Information and resources for Rockhurst OT are available below.
Click for a preview of each.
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Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) FAQs
What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapists help people of all ages improve their ability to perform daily activities after injury, illness, or disability. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, clinics, and community health programs to help patients regain independence and improve quality of life.
What is an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)?
An Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) is a clinical doctoral degree that prepares graduates for professional occupational therapy practice. Students develop advanced skills in patient care, rehabilitation, assistive technology, and leadership while completing coursework, fieldwork experiences, and clinical training.
How long is the Rockhurst Occupational Therapy Doctorate program?
The Rockhurst University OTD program is a 2.5-year graduate program that combines coursework, clinical education, service-learning, and research to prepare students for entry-level occupational therapy practice.
Where is the Rockhurst OTD program located?
The program is located at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, within Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Students gain clinical experience through partnerships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community health organizations throughout the Kansas City region.
Is the Rockhurst OTD program accredited?
Yes. Rockhurst University’s entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Do Rockhurst OT students complete clinical fieldwork?
Yes. Students complete hands-on clinical fieldwork experiences in a variety of occupational therapy settings. These placements allow students to apply classroom knowledge, work directly with patients, and develop professional skills under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists in Kansas and Missouri.
Do Rockhurst OTD graduates take the NBCOT certification exam?
Yes. Graduates of the Rockhurst Occupational Therapy Doctorate program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, which is required for professional licensure as an occupational therapist in the United States.
How much does the Rockhurst OTD program cost?
Tuition for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is based on graduate tuition rates for Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Students can review current tuition, fees, and financial aid options on the Rockhurst graduate tuition page.
What are the admission requirements for the Rockhurst OTD program?
Applicants typically apply during their final year of undergraduate study or after completing a bachelor’s degree. Admission requirements include prerequisite coursework, a competitive GPA, and completion of the Rockhurst application process. OTD Admission Information Page
What makes Rockhurst University’s occupational therapy program different?
Rockhurst’s OTD program emphasizes ethical leadership, service-learning, and interprofessional collaboration. Students gain hands-on clinical experience, participate in community partnerships across the Kansas City region, and conduct research with faculty mentors.
Our Vision
To promote the quality of health and well-being with all populations through active engagement in meaningful occupations.
Our Mission
To empower learners to become competent, reflective leaders who utilize their unique gifts to optimize function and participation in occupational roles across the lifespan.
Our Values
Critical and innovative thinking
Ethical leadership
Evidence-based process
Personalized service for all members of society
Professional excellence
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