Doctor of Occupational Therapy – Phoenix Metro
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
Occupational therapists help people with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges regain independence in everyday activities. As an OTD, you’ll also be positioned for expanded opportunities such as senior leadership roles, program design, research, policy and advocacy work, and teaching in academic settings.
This is an entry-level OTD, designed to prepare you to become a licensed occupational therapist for the first time, not an advanced credential for OTs already practicing (that’s a “post-professional OTD,” offered by some other schools). If you’re not yet an OT, this program is the right fit.
About two years, in an accelerated hybrid format that’s faster than many traditional programs. For the exact term structure and credit hours, check the Program Details page.
No. In Year 1, you’ll complete most coursework remotely, with a couple of visits to the Tempe, AZ campus each term for hands-on clinical training. In Year 2, you’ll complete a capstone project and clinical rotations, which may be near your home or in a new city.
SCU enrolls a new cohort each fall. For the current start date, please check the Program Overview page.
It’s full-time and cohort-based. You’ll move through coursework and clinical training with the same group of classmates, and part-time enrollment isn’t an option. If your circumstances change, talk with your advisor about options like a leave of absence.
The program uses hands-on and simulated learning tools, including a Clinical Driving Simulator, 3D printing for splints and assistive devices, virtual reality, digital anatomy platforms like Complete Anatomy, and interactive study tools such as Draw It to Know It (DITKI).
SCU strongly discourages students from working while enrolled, given the rigorous nature of the didactic and clinical schedule.
Admissions
You need a completed U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, along with a competitive cumulative GPA. No GRE is required. For the current minimum GPA and full requirements, you can check the Admissions Requirements page.
Yes. SCU’s Phoenix Metro program requires that you have already completed a bachelor’s degree before you apply.
Please see the current list on the Admissions Requirements page before you plan your coursework.
There’s no strict minimum, but the admissions committee prefers applicants who’ve observed OT practice in two different settings, documented through OTCAS. It’s worth getting some firsthand exposure before you apply, even though it’s not required.
Admission is competitive, but SCU uses holistic review rather than ranking applicants on GPA alone. Your academic history is weighed alongside leadership, volunteer work, and demonstrated interest in the profession.
You apply through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).
No. The program does not allow advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning.
Tuition & Financial Aid
SCU offers a Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee, which locks in your per-credit-hour rate for the scheduled duration of your program so you can plan your finances without worrying about mid-program increases. You can check the Tuition and Scholarships page for current per-credit-hour rates and total program cost.
That depends on your circumstances and goals. You can compare program cost against occupational therapist salary data for your target market, factor in SCU’s Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee and available scholarships, and talk with Financial Aid about realistic repayment scenarios before you commit.
SCU offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, along with other institutional aid opportunities. You can check our SCU Scholarships page for what’s currently offered.
Your options typically include federal loans, private education loans, scholarships, and personal resources. Please visit SCU’s Graduate Student Aid page for the most current guidance and a personalized financing plan.
Accreditation, Exams & Licensure
The program has applied for accreditation and currently holds Preaccreditation Status from ACOTE (the American Occupational Therapy Association’s accrediting body). It must complete an on-site evaluation and earn full Accreditation Status before graduates are eligible for the national certification exam. Check the Accreditation, Exams, Licensure page for the current status.
Yes, and upon passing, you’ll earn the Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) credential. Since eligibility depends on the program achieving full ACOTE accreditation, confirm its current accreditation status before enrolling.
You can retake it, though fees and waiting periods apply, and you generally can’t practice independently until you pass. It’s worth taking the exam-prep resources built into your coursework seriously throughout the program, not just at the end.
Yes. All states require licensure, usually based on your NBCOT exam results. Note that a felony conviction may affect your eligibility for the exam or state licensure, so any legal or academic infractions must be disclosed during the application process.
NBCOT certification is a national credential, but state licensure requirements vary, and some states require more than just passing the exam. Check the licensing board requirements for any state where you plan to practice.
Location & Contact
2164 E Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282.
You can email Admissions@scuhs.edu or call 602-887-5780. You can also schedule a 1-on-1 call with an SCU admissions advisor to talk through your specific path and questions.