Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Whitworth University's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is dedicated to education of the mind and heart. We create lifelong learners and future practitioners who utilize evidence-based practice and serve humanity.
Through our occupational therapy (OT) coursework, OT students gain clinical education through fieldwork and doctoral capstone experiences.
OT Training in Spokane
Whitworth University's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is developing a strong medical community within its home city of Spokane, Wash., where OT students will have access to a variety of clinical experiences for their OT training. Local occupational therapists are eager to support our Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program: Clinical Experiences
Clinical experiences support students in preparing for an OT career by providing opportunities to establish clinical reasoning, develop professionally, and apply theory and evidence-based practices.
We have established clinical partnerships locally, regionally and nationally where OT students are guided by skilled practitioners with a variety of clinical expertise and knowledge.
You will learn how to become an occupational therapist at clinical sites where you will be exposed to a wide range of experiences in various practice settings and with a variety of populations.
OT Training During Fieldwork Rotations
Our OT students start fieldwork rotations in the first year.
In our four Level I fieldwork rotations, occurring in the first and second years, you will gain OT training through a breadth of practical experience in a variety of practice settings.
Two Level II fieldwork rotations, occurring in the second and third years of the program, are designed to provide depth in practical experience. Level II fieldwork offers full-time learning, where you will hone clinical skills, optimize your compassionate patient care and use best practices.
Doctoral Capstone
In our Doctoral Capstone Experience (doctoral capstone), OT students collaborate with a community partner site and clinical educators as they experience Whitworth's mission.
The doctoral capstone provides an in-depth learning exposure to one or more of the following areas:
- Clinical practice skills
- Research skills
- Administration
- Leadership
- Program and policy development
- Advocacy
- Education
- Theory development
The doctoral capstone creates the opportunity for students and capstone sites to develop mutually beneficial projects. This OT training also facilitates the advancement of the profession through the dissemination of doctoral capstone work.
Want to Partner With the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program?
If you are a clinical educator who would like to partner with our Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, please contact us.
We highly value our community partners and are committed to providing diverse opportunities for clinical education for our OT students. Practitioners of excellence provide a depth of knowledge and clinical expertise that enhances students' clinical reasoning and brings the didactic curriculum to life.
We are always interested in developing relationships with sites throughout the United States.
Get Started in Our Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
The OT career outlook is positive, but to join this thriving profession, you will need to learn how to become an occupational therapist through clinical experiences and a doctoral capstone.
See how Whitworth University can prepare you for an OT career by requesting information or applying today.