Earn an OTD at WOU

Does a career in occupational therapy pique your interest? Did you know that almost any baccalaureate degree in arts or sciences will be accepted for Western Oregon University’s new OT Doctorate Program? Do you have any idea of the wealth of opportunities that await qualified OT professionals? Western Oregon University invites students to apply today for the fall 2024 Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, conveniently located at WOU Salem.

“We’re really excited that we’re the first Occupational Therapy program at a public university in the state of Oregon,” says founding program director, Sean Roush. “Salem is a great location for a health professions program. We’re a very short walk to Salem Health or to the state legislature for advocacy events, and we’re also close to the Oregon State Hospital as well as many other healthcare facilities. These are all areas in which OTs work, so it’s a great opportunity for our students to have all of these organizations easily accessible,” he explains.

Occupational Therapy is a very broad profession which offers a great deal of diversity. “We are a holistic healthcare profession and address everything from physical health to mental health, from birth through geriatrics,” relates Director Sean Roush. Practices may include working in a neonatal unit, in schools, in community mental health, in a hospital or physical disabilities clinic or helping individuals to age in place. Director Roush further explains, “The goal of Occupational Therapy is to help people do the things they want to do, the things they need to do or things they’re expected to do, and to have the most successful engagement in life that they can.”

Students are encouraged to keep an open mind as they enter the OTD program. Many times, they come in on their first day “knowing” the area of practice they want to pursue; however, they often discover an area or opportunity they didn’t know existed. Additionally, in a field with so much variety, OT professionals have the advantage of changing practices without having to change professions!

Why choose Western Oregon University? They have the longest history of educating professionals in the state of Oregon. They continue to work hard for YOU! They are committed to being among the Hispanic-serving institutions in Oregon and welcome diversity in all areas.

For more details about the OTD program, visit graduate.wou.edu/occupational-therapy-doctorate. For inquiries, email
otd@mail.wou.edu or call 503-751-4054. Address mail correspondence to OTD Program, Western Oregon University, 345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361.