Improve the Lives of Others Through Occupational Therapy
(Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy, OTD)
A Transformative Education to Launch Your Career
Combine academics with experiential learning for an unparalleled OTD learning experience. Since launching an Occupational Therapy Program in 1985, Creighton University has set new standards in the profession. We were the nation’s first entry-level OTD program and the first to offer innovative hybrid pathways. Our interprofessional approach to healthcare focuses on patient care, values-centered teaching by an exceptional faculty and a deep commitment to service.
Here at Creighton, we educate the whole person. That means you’ll find the opportunities, interdisciplinary approach and faculty to become a highly competent, empathetic, passionate, principled global citizen—a Creighton graduate.
Top 20 OT Program in the Nation
We launched the country’s first entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program in 1999 and have been leading the nation in OTD training ever since.
Four Pathways to Choose From
Learn on a traditional campus in Omaha or a combination of online and on-campus with our hybrid pathways in Anchorage, Denver or Phoenix.
Successful and Supportive Faculty and Peers
Share perspectives and gain insights alongside this program’s diverse and collaborative academic community.
Experiential Learning
Complete practice learning activities within real-world settings, applying knowledge and skills from the classroom and laboratory.
Program Pathways
The Creighton OTD program offers four unique location-based entry-level pathways. Choose to learn on campus in Omaha or hybrid in Anchorage, Denver or Phoenix.
Omaha Program
Since 1985, this traditional pathway has offered innovative study in a full-time setting at Creighton’s Omaha campus. Our program includes coursework and fieldwork in a variety of settings locally, nationally and abroad.
- A full-time, traditional campus setting in an educational experience focused on innovation, collaborative care and service with others.
- You’ll directly develop your clinical education trajectories with individualized clinical advising from a dedicated team of faculty and staff.
- The optional Research Specialty Track is comprised of electives and core courses focused on scientific inquiry in occupational therapy research.
- Creighton OT students are involved in service opportunities, both locally and internationally such as: Autism Center of Nebraska, Jays for Peds and Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC).
Alaska Hybrid Pathway
- You’ll gain clinical training and interprofessional skills to pursue a career in hospitals, infant learning programs, schools and much more.
- Directly develop your clinical education trajectories with individualized clinical advising from a dedicated team of faculty and staff.
- Students are involved in local service opportunities at sites such as: Food Bank of Alaska, F.I.S.H., The Arc of Anchorage, Fairbanks Community Food Bank and Fairbanks Pioneer Home.
Phoenix Hybrid Pathway
- Ranked the No. 19 Occupational Therapy program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- Learn in an environment focused on innovation, collaborative care and addressing the health needs in the Southwest.
- Located in midtown Phoenix, the state-of-the-art 195,000 square-foot Creighton University Health Science Campus – Phoenix is designed to promote interactive and interdisciplinary learning for future clinicians in occupational therapy.
- Directly develop your clinical education trajectories with individualized clinical advising from a dedicated team of faculty and staff.
- Students are involved in service opportunities, both locally and internationally such as: First Place, Jays for Peds, Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC) and St. Vincent de Paul’s Virginia G. Piper Medical Clinic.
Regis (Denver) Hybrid Pathway
- The Rocky Mountain region faces a shortage of occupational therapists. OT Regis Pathway students help fill needed positions in local communities.
- Directly develop your clinical education trajectories with individualized clinical advising from a dedicated team of faculty and staff.
- Students are involved in opportunities, both locally and internationally at service sites such as the Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC), Denver Rescue Mission, Best Buddies and STAR Institute.
Admission Requirements
- An official transcript from each institution you have attended and/or are currently attending.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Observation in an OT setting supervised by a licensed occupational therapist.
- International applicants must submit a foreign transcript evaluation to OTCAS through an evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
Go here to see the full list of admissions requirements.
Scholarships and Aid
Admitted Student Scholarship Opportunities
The majority of an incoming Doctor of Occupational Therapy class are awarded scholarships from the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. The scholarships hold a max of $50,000 over the course of your degree. All admitted candidates will automatically be considered at the time of qualified admission, no additional application is needed.
Additional Creighton Scholarship Opportunities
Once enrolled in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, occupational therapy students can apply for additional scholarships on an annual basis. These scholarships range from $500 to full tuition in value and can be stacked on top of the initial merit award.
My experience taught me to observe and reflect on the differences we all have in our communities and around the world. Creighton was the right place for me to receive a holistic education from a caring and compassionate faculty. Your support allowed us to be the best health care professionals possible for our future patients.
– Bri McMahon, OTD
Take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GRE required?
A GRE is NOT required as part of the application process for Creighton’s OTD.
How long is the program?
Three years. Each OTD cohort starts in August and graduates in May, just shy of three years later. OTD candidates complete eight semesters in total, including two summer terms throughout the three years of the program.
Do I need a degree to apply to Occupational Therapy School?
Should I wait to apply until all my prerequisites are done?
Students can apply for the OTD program with outstanding prerequisites. If you are admitted, you will have to finish all prerequisites before August 1 of the year of matriculation. Applicants must earn a C or higher in each of their prerequisite classes.
Are observation hours required?
How does clinical education/fieldwork work?
What is a hybrid pathway?
Not Just Any OTD Degree
Tell us a little about yourself. An admission team member will get in touch to help you navigate every step of the application process.
Helping you realize and reach your goals is what we do.