Decker welcomes occupational therapy students

In August, Binghamton University’s Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences welcomed its first cohort in the new Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program for practicing occupational therapists. This is the first OTD program in the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

“The post-professional OTD program was approved in May by [the New York State Education Department] and our students began classes in September, so it has been a whirlwind of activity to get this program launched,” says Jane Bear-Lehman, founding director and professor, Division of Occupational Therapy.

The program is 100% online: The students will not come to Binghamton’s campus. This online format means students can access the program from any location — home, work or even a café. And, while students must attend courses at specific times, they have the freedom to complete assignments and participate in discussion boards according to their own schedule.

“The program is flexible because it is created for practicing occupational therapists who want to advance in their field by earning a clinical doctorate,” Bear-Lehman says.

She adds that the program is structured to build on the students’ existing foundation as occupational therapists, while providing them with the advanced skills and knowledge they need to explore opportunities in occupational therapy education, clinical research, clinical practice, leadership or advocacy.

Because the program is for practicing occupational therapists, courses are offered during late afternoons and evenings, so they’re easier for students to fit into their schedule. The 36-credit-hour program can be completed in five consecutive semesters (each semester is composed of two 7-week sessions). The program requires two years to complete.

Binghamton’s online post-professional OTD program is open to graduates of an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or from a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved occupational therapy program. Applicants must also hold a master’s degree.