Edgewood College is excited to introduce an innovative Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, designed to address the evolving needs of today’s health care landscape.

Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals engage in their daily lives, from being a parent or employee to participating in hobbies like golfing or volunteering. Crucial for those recovering from injuries or managing chronic health conditions, this field embraces valued activities to support recovery and enhance a client’s quality of life. Its meaningful impact extends to both the occupational therapist and the clients they serve.

What sets Edgewood College’s OTD program apart is its hybrid, accelerated format. Unlike traditional three-year, face-to-face programs, this two-year program allows students to remain in their own communities while advancing their education. The curriculum includes online coursework and on-campus immersive labs during the first year, followed by hands-on clinical experiences in the second year. This approach makes the program more accessible and allows students to enter the workforce faster.

The program’s director, Dr. Kelly Alig, brings more than thirty years of experience in occupational therapy and a proven track record in academic leadership. Kelly chose Edgewood College for its commitment to Dominican values—truth, community, justice, compassion, and partnership—values that resonate deeply with the core principles of occupational therapy.

Now accepting applications for the fall of 2025, the OTD program offers a transformative journey for students, poised to positively impact local communities. The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted pre-accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

The OTD program guarantees opportunities to gain practical experience and professional connections while benefiting from a flexible, rigorous academic structure. It is designed to attract students nationwide and produce graduates ready to promote healing and wellness, and to contribute to building a socially just world.