Doctor of Occupational Therapy

University of the Pacific

Help people thrive with a doctorate in Occupational Therapy.At University of the Pacific, our innovative Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is tailored to empower students to enhance lives through dedicated care. Grounded in a biopsychosocial model, our curriculum is thoroughly client-centered, addressing the varied needs within our communities. The program is carefully crafted to enable individuals to partake in meaningful occupations, fostering a high quality of life through personalized intervention strategies.Comprehensive Curriculum and Hands-on Learning in Northern CaliforniaOur Occupational Therapy degree offers an accelerated 32-month, in-person full-time, 120-unit program that spans eight trimesters, each designed to build from foundational knowledge to advanced practice. Our students gain critical insights into effective treatments through interdisciplinary courses and simulation labs. Each phase of learning is integrated with fieldwork, ensuring that theoretical knowledge meets practical application, essential for addressing life challenges across different age groups.State-of-the-Art Facilities and Interprofessional CollaborationPacific's OTD program is enhanced by modern facilities and innovative learning strategies that include virtual reality and real-world simulations. This interprofessional environment fosters collaboration within the School of Health Sciences, allowing OT students to work closely with peers in related fields, enriching their educational experience. Our comprehensive approach prepares graduates to promote wellness and vitality effectively, advocating for health behaviors that span a lifetime.Dedicated Support and Community EngagementWe are committed to supporting our OT students beyond the classroom. From providing required textbooks through a book-sharing program to offering study materials for the NBCOT exam, Pacific ensures every student has the resources to succeed. Moreover, our program emphasizes community engagement, with numerous volunteering opportunities that prepare students to become leaders in their field. The recent $1.7M state grant highlights our dedication to supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including those from foster care, and underscores our commitment to community health and wellness.Pathway ProgramsCurrent Pacific undergraduate students now have two exciting pathways to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Choose between a pathway offering guaranteed interviews or one that guarantees admission.Designed to integrate University of the Pacific’s values and mission of ‘preparing individuals for lasting achievement and responsible leadership in their careers and communities,’ the curriculum prepares learners to be competent socially conscious practitioners who embody the professional identity of serving the occupational needs of their communities. Courses are built upon the biopsychosocial model and the following concepts are integrated throughout the curriculum:Student-centered scholarship of teaching and learningAdvocacy/Occupational JusticeClient-Centered LeadershipReflective Evidence-Based PracticeOccupation-based Community practiceThrough the eight-trimester sequence, students learn to become general practitioners. However, with the doctoral level program, students will have the opportunity to focus on specialty areas of practice such as clinical research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education and theory development.

School of Health Sciences