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If you're considering becoming an occupational therapist and you have a bachelor's degree in another field, check out our prospective student events and information for the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program.

Info Sessions

The Division of Occupational Therapy and ������ý's Graduate Recruitment and Admissions team hold virtual information sessions where prospective applicants can "meet" faculty members and students in the program, learn more about the Entry-Level OTD program and ask questions. .

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. Where can I obtain information about ������ý's Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program?

  A: Explore the pages of this Entry-Level OTD program website, and email us at bingot@binghamton.edu if you have any questions.

• Q: What are the admission requirements for the program?

  A: The requirements are:

  ●      A bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75

  ●      3 letters of recommendation (1 from an occupational therapist)

  ●      Prerequisite coursework with minimum B- to enroll

  ○      Abnormal psychology or psychopathology, 3 credits 

  ○      Developmental psychology, 3 credits

  ○      Behavioral sciences/sociology/anthropology, 3 credits

  ○      Human anatomy and physiology I and II with dissection lab, 6 credits

  ○      Statistics, 3 credits

  ●      No GRE or observation hours are required

  Applications are accepted through the OTCAS common application; see our Admissions webpage for complete details.

• Q: How long is the program?

  A: ������ý's Entry-Level OTD program requires 3 years for completion. 

• Q: Is this program affordable compared to other programs? What is the total tuition cost?

  A: The total for the fall and spring semesters is $24,390 for New York state residents and $30,700 for non-residents*.  This is very affordable compared to private New York tuition rates, which are closer to $25,000 for one semester. 

  See our Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid webpage for more information.

  *Tuition and fees are subject to change.

• Q: Is ������ý an affordable place to live?

  A: Yes! The cost of living in the ������ý area is very affordable compared to other parts of New York, such as New York City and Long Island. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the NYC/Long Island area costs $3,442 a month, whereas in ������ý, the average cost is $1,500 a month.

• Q: How does this program prepare students for the licensure exam with the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)?

  A: Upon successfully completing all courses and fieldwork, students will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam (as an occupational therapist). Note that licensure requirements vary from state to state.    

• Q: What kinds of hands-on learning opportunities are there for students?     

  A: Students in the Entry-Level OTD program will experience:

  • Working with standardized patients in Decker College's accredited Innovative Simulation and Practice Center 
  • Conducting community outreach by interviewing community-dwelling older adults
  • Gaining exposure to and navigating an acute care setting
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams during activities in the simulation lab
• Q: What kind of academic support is there for students?

  A:  Each student has a faculty advisor who will support them throughout the program. During fieldwork, the academic fieldwork coordinator provides support and mentorship. During capstone, the doctoral capstone coordinator provides support, along with a faculty mentor.

  The Decker College Division of Advising and Academic Success offers professional academic advising to all Decker students.

  ������ý also offers a variety of student support services through programs such as our writing center, library services, Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). 

• Q: What types of fieldwork placements are available?

  A: Students will be placed in a variety of settings and locations throughout the area. Fieldwork placements are decided with consideration for students' location preferences, professional qualities and interests. 

• Q: What are the expectations about the capstone project?

  A: Students in the Entry-Level OTD program must complete a culminating scholarly project known as the doctoral capstone as a condition of graduation. This is a 14-week experience that is completed in collaboration with a team of content experts and faculty mentors. 

• Q: How does the program help students transition from graduation to professional practice?

  A: ������ý offers career advisement to help students in resume writing, interview preparation and more through the Fleishman Career Center.

  Additionally, professional development is emphasized throughout the EL-OTD program, so students graduate with the skills they need to stand out in professional practice. 

Program Overview Audio Presentation 

Learn about the program requirements, application requirements, curriculum and more in this !