Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Online)

Courses & Labs

The PPOTD program is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience that builds on the foundational knowledge and clinical skills of practicing occupational therapists. The program is divided into four terms over 16 months, with the first two terms focused on core curriculum courses, scholarly research, and doctoral mentorship. The core curriculum covers advanced clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, occupational science, and leadership and advocacy in healthcare. The final two terms allow students to pursue elective certifications in their chosen specialty tracks and to complete a mentored doctoral capstone project, which emphasizes applied research, clinical innovation, or leadership in occupational therapy.

This program enables OTs to deepen their clinical expertise and gain skills to assume leadership, advocacy, and teaching roles in the field. In as little as 16 months, you’ll find yourself qualified to:

• Deliver more specialized clinical practice
• Lead in Roles across Interdisciplinary Teams
• Advance Research and help OTs everywhere deliver better quality care
• Teach OT in Academia
• Influence policy aimed at creating more diversely competent OTs
• Open your own practice
• Contribute to the broader healthcare landscape

Term 1 (8 credits)

• Scholarly Activity: 3 credits
• Contemporary and Emerging OT Practice: 2 credits
• Occupational Science and Advanced Theories: 3 credits

Term 2 (8 credits)

• Critical Analysis in OT Practice: 3 credits
• Professional Leadership and Advocacy: 2 credits
• Doctoral Mentorship: 3 credits

Term 3 (credits may vary from 6 – 8)

• Doctoral Capstone Project I: 2 credits
• Electives for Advanced Certification: 4-6 credits

Term 4 (credits may vary from 6 – 8)

• Doctoral Capstone Project II: 2 credits
• Electives for Advanced Certification: 4-6 credits

Elective Certificates

The six elective certificates offered within SCU’s PPOTD program add significant value to both the educational experience and post-graduation qualifications of students. These certificates are delivered in partnership with Evidence In Motion. Each certificate provides specialized training that aligns with current industry demands, allowing students to deepen their expertise. These certifications not only enhance the learning experience by offering focused, practical knowledge but also equip graduates with versatile credentials that distinguish them in the job market and expand their career opportunities in clinical, academic, and leadership roles.

Students can select one of six certificates that are part of the curriculum.

*All certifications will total approximately 10 credits however each track has variable credits based on certification requirements.

Advanced Practice in Hand Therapy Certificate

The Certificate for Advanced Practice in Hand Therapy will build upon entry-level concepts in the evaluation and treatment of the upper quarter, allowing for improved skill and confidence in managing a variety of commonly seen diagnoses in the field of hand therapy. Through didactic coursework, along with hands-on experience, learners will develop and improve skills needed throughout the therapeutic process including special evaluation and assessment techniques, therapeutic progression, manual therapy techniques, and orthotic fabrication.

Advanced Integrative Behavioral Health

Behavioral health conditions (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, etc.) are commonplace among clients seeking care for pain, chronic illness, and other health concerns. This program will equip licensed healthcare providers with the foundational knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to relate to their patients in a biopsychosocially informed manner. Learners will recognize the key features of integrating behavioral health concepts and clinical decision-making skills into their daily work. Ultimately, this advanced certification program prepares clinicians to effectively treat clients experiencing complex conditions with confidence, compassion, and competence. All coursework can be completed online.

Advanced Musculoskeletal Management of Pelvic Girdle

The Certificate in Advanced Musculoskeletal Management of the Pelvic Girdle, is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other healthcare providers who are interested in or currently working with patients with pelvic girdle dysfunction, including SI joint pain, piriformis syndrome, hip/back pain not responding to typical treatment, and abdominal pain. This certification combines a strong foundation in musculoskeletal best practice & current evidence with pain science and external assessment of and intervention for the pelvic floor to equip practitioners for success with even the most challenging pelvic girdle challenges. This program would also be highly beneficial for providers who already treat the pelvic floor internally but want to more fully understand how the pelvic floor fits into the rest of the body and provide a more comprehensive treatment package for their patients.

Faculty Certification in Academic Excellence

The comprehensive online training program assists healthcare educators and those interested in transitioning into academia in the development of essential knowledge and skills within the academic setting. This program features faculty-led modules that promote excellence in professional healthcare education. Learners will increase knowledge, skills, and confidence to promote academic excellence, create opportunities for significant learning, and enhance professional growth for success within healthcare education.

Therapeutic Pain Specialist

The Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) certification curriculum covers treatments such as pain neuroscience education, graded motor imagery, pacing, graded exposure, and more. TPS is an interdisciplinary pain certification, open to various licensed health care providers, including physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, and others. Our six-month certification is designed for working professionals who want to advance their career and improve patient outcomes, but who need flexibility to work around their professional and personal responsibilities. Choose between a hybrid or online track where you’ll participate in didactic and collaborative experiences.

Advanced Practice in Geriatrics

The Advanced Geriatric Certification seeks to produce highly skilled and autonomous geriatric practitioners who are prepared to manage the complexities often present in older adult patients. Program graduates will be able to apply evidence-informed rehabilitation models to a variety of older adult patients with a multitude of medical conditions/ comorbidities across all practice settings. These individuals will be skilled in identifying the nuances that are present in complex older adult patients to optimize rehabilitation outcomes, achieve patient goals, and provide top-of-the-line patient-centered care.

Progression and Graduation Requirements

Students must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA and earn at least a GPA of 2.75 each term to progress through the program and retain their student status. Students are required to complete all didactic and experiential coursework and a Doctoral Capstone Project within 3 years of matriculation and achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.75.