The School of Occupational Therapy offers an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree and prerequisites.

Occupational therapists help people do the things they want to do, improving their sense of satisfaction and contributing to their subsequent well-being. They work in business and industrial workplaces, community-based programs, health agencies, hospitals, schools and rehabilitation centers. There are a growing number of career opportunities available to occupational therapists.

The first two years of the program are delivered on campus in Hillsboro, Ore., while Year 3 is offered in a distance-based learning environment. Integrated fieldwork opportunities offer local, national, or international experience.

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapists, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). All states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. For additional details, see the certification and licensure page. 

The School of Occupational Therapy at Pacific University is a professional entry-level occupational therapy program and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).  Accreditation has been granted for the entry-level doctorate in 2014/15 through 2021/22.  

ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage. 

Questions regarding accreditation by ACOTE should be directed through their website or to their administrative office at the following: 

6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929

301-652-AOTA | acoteonline.org

The School of Occupational Therapy also partners with the School of Healthcare Administration and Leadership to offer a graduate certificate in gerontology option along with the OTD.

Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Pacific University, School of Occupational Therapy Graduation/Retention Rates (pdf)