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6 TERMS | 2 YEARS, FULL-TIME
Spring: January 6th, 2025
Fall: September 2nd, 2025
Occupational therapy is a healthcare discipline that helps to enable people of all ages to participate in life activities that people need, want, and are expected to do. Occupational therapists assist individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on the whole person, to affect occupational identity, health, well-being, and performance of all aspects of daily life. Occupational therapists, through client-centered and evidence-informed practice, are uniquely skilled, and qualified to address health issues across the life span that affects newborn to geriatric populations. As an occupational therapist, you will be part of a growing and dynamic profession that supports the empowering relationship between occupation and health while encouraging the occupational nature of people to promote productive and satisfying living. You will assist people in meeting goals to develop, recover, and maintain skills needed for engagement in daily living.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) at SCU’s Phoenix Metro Campus is a full-time hybrid-accelerated program. The OTD program combines the convenience of online coursework with the benefits of on-campus immersive labs. Our focus on ingenuity and whole health and wellness is intended to produce trailblazers in occupational therapy.
SCU’s Phoenix Metro Campus offers a unique blended program where students experience 70% online interactive instruction and 30% on-ground experiential learning during the first year. The program only requires students to be on campus two times per term making it accessible for students across the country. The two in-person lab immersions run for 6 days and 11 days.
SCU’s model of experiential learning in interprofessional settings combines learning alongside other healthcare disciplines, coursework, and campus clubs to expose students to a variety of philosophies, practices, and treatment options; help students develop a broad base of knowledge; and prepare future healthcare professionals with a deep understanding of integrative, evidence and team-based, whole-person healthcare.
The Doctoral Capstone helps students develop in-depth knowledge in a designated area of interest. The project has written, experiential, and oral components. For guidance, students participate in a series of capstone seminars online. Each seminar measures progress to ensure that students fully integrate content from relevant research.
Once the program becomes accredited, graduates 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). The curriculum embeds exam prep questions throughout core courses and after successful completion of this exam and all requirements of the didactic experiential component of the program, the student can take the NBCOT exam necessary for becoming an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR®).
You are advised by a dedicated faculty mentor from the start of the program. All students meet with the faculty mentor twice a term, and as needed, to problem-solve and build successful learning strategies. Your faculty mentor supports your academic and professional performance across the entire curriculum, offering personalized guidance to encourage your success. All students also connect with a Capstone mentor during the Capstone experience.
Education at SCU is supplemented by advanced anatomical teaching tools. Most learning technologies are accessible at home for Phoenix Metro students during online coursework with additional technology available for in-person lab immersions. Advanced learning technologies include:
SCU scholarships are designed to offset college costs without the burden of loans or extra work. Scholarships are available for you to apply to help reduce the cost of your tuition. They are designed to reward, encourage, and assist students in the pursuit of academic excellence and leadership. Visit this program’s Tuition & Fees tab for program-specific scholarships or SCU Scholarship for a complete listing of the available benefits.
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Submit an inquiry for more information on the program or call/email to speak to an Admissions Advisor.
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation 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. The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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.
Our mission is to educate students with a strong foundation in professionalism, professional reasoning, ethics, and practice skills to become competent practitioners and leaders in the field of occupational therapy. Through integrative whole person health education we prioritize health equity and are grounded in evidence and occupation-based practice to provide client-centered care that enhances occupational performance.
I want to wish you a warm welcome and thank you for your interest in SCU’s Phoenix Metro program! This program is truly innovative in its hybrid and accelerated nature, as well as it’s conveniently located in Tempe, Arizona. The program boasts 8,000 square feet of dedicated laboratory and learning space for the on-campus lab immersions, plus other amenities provided to students on campus. These lab immersions will truly help students master the skills and techniques needed to be competent entry-level occupational therapists.
At SCU’s Phoenix Metro campus, student success is of the highest priority, with dedicated faculty advisors and mentors who truly connect with the student. The diverse faculty’s experience comes from many settings including pediatrics, assistive technology, adult neuro populations, geriatrics, and orthopedics. Additionally, faculty and students come from all parts of the country, creating an environment of diversity.
Again, thank you for your interest in our program, and look forward to helping you along your journey toward becoming a Doctor of Occupational Therapy!
Program Director, Occupational Therapy
Southern California University of Health Sciences, Phoenix Metro Campus
Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, CYT, FAOTA
Capstone Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy - AZ
OTD AZ Core Faculty
Cathleen C Johnson, OTD
Admissions Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program - AZ
OTD AZ Core Faculty
Eileen Wang, OTD, MA, OTR/L, CSRS
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy - AZ
OTD AZ Core Faculty
Rene' Wren, EdD, OTD, OTR, BCG
Curriculum Coordinator, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program - AZ
OTD AZ Core Faculty
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation 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.
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at SCU provides information pertaining to professional licensure for the program. Students should refer to the information below and contact the appropriate licensing board to ensure they will meet the licensure requirements in the state(s) in which they intend to practice upon graduation.
The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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 successfully completing 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.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program meets the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Some states have requirements in addition to educational requirements – prospective and enrolled students are encouraged to research licensure requirements for the state that they intend to practice in. These licensure requirements vary from state to state.
Neither acceptance for admission into the program nor the subsequent earning of a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree guarantees that a state or a foreign country will grant a graduate a license to practice occupational therapy. Each state and foreign country, through its legislative and administrative process, defines the standards of competency and scope of practice of occupational therapy within its jurisdiction.
Please note that licensure requirements are always subject to change. Although SCU will confirm the licensure requirements on a routine basis, we strongly recommend that you inquire with the licensing agency to confirm that you understand and will meet the requirements for licensure before enrolling in your program of choice. Additionally, while progressing through the program, we recommend that you check licensing agency requirements regularly to monitor whether they have changed in a manner that impacts your licensure plans.
All international students are strongly encouraged to check the credentialing requirements in the country where they intend to practice.
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 including Level I and II Fieldwork, the Mentored Doctoral Experience, and a Doctoral Capstone Project within 5 years of matriculation and achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.75.
Academic history is balanced by personal traits that reflect those needed within the healthcare environment and by skills and background characteristics to provide an opportunity for admission of students with a wide variety of strengths. This process promotes a learning community that can learn together and from each other, as we all focus on developing toward excellence while celebrating differences. All admissions requirements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Meet all admissions requirements.
Gather the documents you need to apply.
Complete your application through OTCAS.
Applications may be submitted with pending requirements; however, applications will not be reviewed until all requirements are met. Eligible applications with all the completed prerequisite coursework, including transcripts for undergraduate credit hours, will be reviewed upon submission.
The OTD program admission standards do not allow advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning.
In addition to the other prerequisites listed below, you may apply for the OTD Phoenix Metro program if you have completed a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. An accredited college or university is an institution that holds active accreditation recognized by the Department of Education.
All prerequisite courses must be completed at an accredited college or university. Applications may be submitted with pending prerequisite courses; however, the application will not be reviewed until the official transcript for each pending course is uploaded by OTCAS. Official transcripts verifying successful course completion for all submitted applications must be uploaded to OTCAS by the recommended date of December 9, 2024.
Pass/fail grades will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, however, please note that pass/fail grades are not calculated into the OTCAS GPA.
Students who are missing a prerequisite course requirement or are looking to improve their GPA can choose to take an SCU Accelerated Science course and complete the requirements in as little as five weeks. SCU’s Accelerated Science courses are prequalified and guaranteed acceptance for this program. Click here to learn more.
Core science courses must be completed with a minimum 3.0 grade or above. Each course used to satisfy the requirements below must include a lab and have been completed no earlier than 5 years from the current admissions cycle. Introductory-level courses are accepted, but upper-level courses are preferred. Online courses and labs are accepted.
An additional core science course of 3 credit hours will satisfy the core science prerequisites, any of these courses can satisfy the additional 3 credit hours.
*A combination human anatomy & physiology courses will be accepted, however, you cannot use the same course to fulfill both the anatomy and physiology prerequisites. If not titled “Human”, a course description must demonstrate a human focus.
*The core science prerequisite GPA includes human anatomy and human physiology.
Online courses and labs are accepted.
*Any course not titled “English Composition” must be a writing-intensive course that includes instruction on comprehension, investigation, evaluation, explanation, and refutation.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate professionalism in their interactions with the program and our faculty and staff. Applicants who demonstrate unprofessional behavior at any time will not be considered for admission.
Academic or licensure infractions, misdemeanors, and/or felonies may prohibit participation in required supervised clinical practice, eligibility to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam and/or eligibility for state licensure. Due to this, all academic or licensure infractions, misdemeanors, and/or felonies must be disclosed on OTCAS and will be assessed by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis. Failure to disclose the above will result in the applicant’s denial and recension of an enrollment offer, if applicable. Additionally, programs are required to report an applicant’s failure to disclose this information to the American Occupational Therapy Association.
All admissions decisions are made in accordance with our program mission, vision, and goals. Additionally, preference is given to applicants with evidence of the following:
*SCU does not refund OTCAS application fees under any circumstance, including loss of accreditation during the application cycle.
Once the class is fully seated, information about additional requirements will be provided. These may include the following requirements which must be completed prior to matriculation.
*Any student that has resided or is currently residing in New York may be subject to additional fees for the criminal background check retrieval per state law of New York.
$110,103 tuition to complete the program.*
SCU’s Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee for degree programs allows you to plan your educational investment.
Benefits of our Fixed Tuition Guarantee:
If you would like to learn more about fixed rate tuition, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at FinancialAid@scuhs.edu.
You can also visit the Office of Financial Aid website to learn more about available scholarships, loans, and more.
*Tuition rate reflected above represents the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on this website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information.
**Some limitations apply. View the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee page for more information.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy Merit Scholarship is available to incoming students who have demonstrated academic achievement. The scholarship award is $2,000 and will be awarded over 7.5 terms. To be eligible for consideration, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and be continuously enrolled. Scholarships are limited.
| Charges from SCU by Term | Charges from Third Parties by Term | ||||||||
| Term | Tuition* | Program Fees** |
EXXAT Fees |
OTu Subscription Fee |
Petition to Graduate Fee |
Background Check |
Medical Equipment Fee |
Total*** | |
| 1 | $20,580 | $241 | $263 | $99 | $150 | $50 | $21,383 | ||
| 2 | $20,580 | $241 | $20,821 | ||||||
| 3 | $19,551 | $241 | $19,792 | ||||||
| 4 | $15,435 | $241 | $150 | $15,826 | |||||
| 5 | $16,464 | $241 | $16,705 | ||||||
| 6 | $17,493 | $241 | $225 | $17,959 | |||||
| Totals | $110,103 | $1,446 | $263 | $99 | $225 | $300 | $50 | $112,486 | |
Per term tuition amounts listed above were calculated using the current curriculum plan for credit hours in the term shown times the rate per credit hour and assumes that the student stays on cohort and follows the normal academic progression.
*Tuition is charged at $1,029 per credit hour. Tuition is billed by credit hour and rates reflected above represent the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on the website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information. Restrictions on our fixed rate tuition guarantee apply. To remain eligible for the fixed rate guarantee, students must graduate either on time or within one additional term of the published program length they are enrolled in. Refer to the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee section of the academic catalog for more information. Actual tuition per term will vary depending upon the number of credit hours enrolled.
**Program fees listed are for the 2024/2025 academic year and are subject to change. Program fees include charges for technology, malpractice insurance, professional affiliation, and ASB, and are charged every term that the student is enrolled.
** Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in this tuition and fee schedule may be required for this program. Total graduate indirect Cost of Attendance (COA) cost components for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows: books/course materials $700, transportation $1,694, miscellaneous expenses $1,968, loan fees $414, living expenses $11,500. The actual COA varies and depends on multiple factors, including your program of study, when you entered your program, and whether you are a full-time student, among other things.
SCU’s Phoenix Metro Campus is located at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Tempe, AZ. The Phoenix Metro campus at Sonoran University of Health Sciences seamlessly integrates modern amenities such as labs, a student lounge, study rooms, a library, a yoga studio, a chi fitness room, and an on-site cafe, with the natural beauty of its surrounding desert landscape.
The SCU Phoenix Metro Campus at Sonoran University demonstrates both institutions’ commitment to sustainability, holding a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-platinum certification, the highest honor awarded for using best-in-class building strategies and practices.
Students will take all experiential learning requirements on the campus.
The campus is conveniently located in Tempe and is a short nine-minute ride from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Occupational therapists (OTs) maximize health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities by facilitating participation in everyday living. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
As an occupational therapist, you’ll have many career options available to you across a wide range of environments, from home health to hospitals to assistive living and outpatient clinics (e.g., hand therapy) as well as many emerging and traditional practice areas including community-based service organizations, corporations, prisons, physician offices, schools, and academia.
The diversity of the occupational therapy field allows OT professionals to explore many career options. OTs are found in diverse areas of practice such as teaching in academia, consulting for large and small corporations for lifestyle health and ergonomic assessments as well as in traditional medical practice settings. These include Orthopedics, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Elite Sports, Tactical Sports, Family Medicine and in emerging practice areas inclusive of Community Mental Health Centers. OTs can also start their own business and fill state contracts for patients in need of occupational therapy services.
Your business can be as large or small as you like. You could be the only employee, or you could hire a team of interdisciplinary care providers (OTs, PTs, SLPs) and become an administrator overseeing clinical practice and office operations.
Expected growth between 2018 and 20281
U.S. News & World Report Best Health Care Jobs3
Median annual wage for occupational therapists in Arizona2
View the links below for additional career and job information.
If you are curious about what you can do with a degree in occupational therapy, watch What Can Occupational Therapy Do For You? This informative video was produced by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
You wouldn’t be looking at this program if you weren’t interested in helping people find their healthiest life. Your dedication and enthusiasm for the growing movement toward whole-person wellness are what makes you the perfect fit for SCU. Now, begin to discover why we’re the perfect fit for you.
Our approach to Interprofessional Education is unique in Arizona and across the country. Here, modern medicine unites with ancient and traditional healing arts to create an environment of engagement. SCU’s groundbreaking IPE model combines curriculum and clubs to help you develop a broader base of knowledge and gain a deeper appreciation for different perspectives on care which leads to a seamless transition from student to practitioner.
We bring together aspiring students from different disciplines so you can learn and excel side-by-side. The depth and breadth of this dynamic experience will prepare you to one day take the lead in a collaborative, interprofessional practice.
View our application requirements above or fill out a request for information to start speaking with an enrollment advisor today.
Students at SCU have many financial assistance opportunities available to them in order to cover their educational expenses. It is the policy of the Financial Aid Office to assist our students as much as possible to afford their education. Talk with a financial counselor by calling (562) 947-8755 ext 766 or click here to learn more
Fixed Tuition Guarantee Benefits:
We invite you to our monthly virtual experience tailored specifically to SCU’s Phoenix Metro OTD program. This specialized session goes beyond the general SCU virtual information session, providing a deeper dive into program-specific details, the admissions process, and the unique opportunities available to our OTD – Phoenix students. Designed to deepen understanding of the OTD program, this webinar serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking information before embarking on their occupational therapy doctoral journey at SCU – Phoenix Metro. Join us monthly to connect directly with program representatives.
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