Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Promote healthier and more productive lives for all populations

OT professor and student The University of Saint Mary (USM) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program prepares students for autonomous practice as entry-level occupational therapists. In keeping with the spirit of our founders – the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth – USM is committed to helping students realize their God-given potential and inspiring them to strive for academic excellence in coursework and in practice.

We value community, respect, justice, and excellence. These fundamental principles shape our students' professional lives and help them meet the needs of individuals, populations, and communities.

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Finish in 2.5 Years

8 Semesters
107 Credits

Focus on Fieldwork

3 field placements – gain more opportunities here

Application Deadline

Priority: Dec. 31

Final Deadline: Aug. 1

Why Study Occupational Therapy at the University of Saint Mary?

USM has been recognized for its excellence in health care education. Our recently launched Doctor of Occupational Therapy program was built from the ground up. Our newly renovated and OTD-designated learning environment includes our “Bedside Manor” living laboratory, experiential learning spaces, and technologically supported classrooms.

Our dedicated faculty designed the program with your student experience and learning opportunities in mind. We offer expanded fieldwork opportunities and committed community partners. Our small faculty-to-student ratio fosters academic success through individualized support, advising, and mentorship.

Commitment to Practice: Spanning clinic-situated and community-based practice contexts, USM’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program will help you prepare for professional practice that is occupation-focused, evidence-informed, and centered on the strengths, needs, and goals of the people, populations, and communities we serve.

Spaces to Learn and Grow: Our newly renovated and OTD-designated learning environment includes our “Bedside Manor” living laboratory, flexible learning spaces, technologically supported classrooms, and access to USM’s on-site human anatomy lab.

Focus on Experiential Learning: You will engage in hands-on, practical learning opportunities, including four semesters of embedded Level I Fieldwork experiences in a range of settings. Expanded Level II Fieldwork opportunities offer 28 weeks of practice-rich experiences across three separate placements, which distinguishes USM from other programs.

Dedicated Faculty Foster Success: Our enthusiastic faculty bring years of experience in clinical practice, professional leadership, community/service commitments, and scholarship to inform our discipline.

Admission Requirements

Integrated Curriculum

Cost and Financial Aid

Focus on Experiential Learning

You will engage in hands-on, practical learning opportunities, including four semesters of embedded Level I Fieldwork experiences in a range of settings. Expanded Level II Fieldwork opportunities offer 28 weeks of practice-rich experiences across three separate placements, which distinguishes USM from other programs.

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Meet the Faculty

David Pallister, MA, JD, OTR/L

Professor & Program Director
David.Pallister@stmary.edu
913-758-4326
Berchmans Hall 204
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Sudhagar Gangatharam, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Sudhagar.Gangatharam@stmary.edu

Berchmans Hall 202C
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Rachel Reindl, OTD, OTR/L

Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Rachel.Reindl@stmary.edu
913-758-6235
Berchmans Hall 207
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Review Program Outcomes

View NBCOT national program data

Occupational Therapy Program Accreditation

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.