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School of Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences

Now Open for Registration - UM OT Virtual Open House - October 2025

Prospective students, learn about UM OT. Use the form below to sign up to register for the UM OT Virtual Open House. We'll send you an email with date, times, and video link when the event is announced (slated for mid-October)

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Curriculum: Your Journey to Becoming an Occupational Therapist

Explore the academic and clinical pathway that prepares you for a rewarding career in occupational therapy

The 猎奇重口 Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program is designed to guide you step-by-step through the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experiences needed to become a licensed occupational therapist. From foundational courses in occupational therapy, health science, and theory to real-world clinical rotation fieldworks and a doctoral capstone experience, our curriculum blends classroom learning with practical application. Whether you’re completely new to the profession or have a good understanding, this page will walk you through what to expect across your three years in the program.

Elevate Every Step鈥擲ummit Your Potential: Year-by-Year Overview

Just as the 猎奇重口’s iconic M Trail winds through 13 switchbacks to reveal a panoramic valley view, your OTD journey ascends from the Trailhead (Y1), along the Steep Switchbacks (Y2), to the Summit (Y3)—packing knowledge, finding stride, and planting a flag of expertise. Each deliberate “switchback” layers foundational coursework, immersive fieldwork, and a capstone culmination, ensuring you reach the peak practice-ready and inspired to serve.

M trail

Year 1: Trailhead (Foundations)

Year 1: Trailhead (Foundations)

Pack knowledge for the climb: Begin with core courses in occupational therapy theory, anatomy, health promotion, and clinical skills. You'll explore how occupation evolves across the lifespan and engage in three Level I Fieldwork experiences (adult, pediatric, and geriatric settings). Through reflective seminars and hands-on learning, you’ll begin integrating classroom knowledge with clinical practice. By the end of the summer, you'll be grounded in OT fundamentals and prepared for more advanced clinical application.
Year 2: Steep Switchbacks (Deepening Learning)

Year 2: Steep Switchbacks (Deepening Learning)

Find your stride upward: This year focuses on specialization and clinical reasoning. You’ll dive into neurorehabilitation, psychosocial function, assistive technology, and global perspectives in occupational science. Clinical skills sharpen in advanced labs and community screenings, while a fourth Level I Fieldwork experience further refines your hands-on abilities. You’ll also begin designing your doctoral capstone, explore leadership and research, and take electives that match your interests. Summer marks the start of Level II Fieldwork—an immersive, full-time clinical experience.
Year 3: Capstone and Clinical Integration

Year 3: Summit (Capstone & Beyond)

Plant your flag of expertise: Continue with a second Level II Fieldwork rotation in the fall, where you’ll take on real-world responsibilities under licensed occupational therapists. Simultaneously, you’ll finalize your capstone plan. In your final spring semester, you’ll engage in a 14-week capstone experience. The year culminates with your doctoral capstone project dissemination presentation, when you'll share your capstone project finds in front of a live audience at the 猎奇重口. Immediately following capstone, you walk the stage and receive your degree at graduation.

Complete Curriculum

  • Fall Semester
    OT 500 – The Foundation of Occupational Therapy (3 Credits)
    OT 510 – Applied Clinical Anatomy (5 Credits)
    OT 515 – Promoting Health & Wellness Through Meaningful Participation (3 Credits)
    OT 520 – Occupation Across Life Stages & Diverse Populations (3 Credits)
    OT 526 – Fundamental Clinical Skills (2 Credits)
    OT 530 – Reflective Professional Practice Seminar I and Fieldwork Level 1a (Adult) (2 Credits)
    Spring Semester
    OT 536 – Applied Neurosciences (5 Credits)
    OT 538 – Assessment, Activity Analysis & Outcomes in O.T. (3 Credits)
    OT 542 – Health, Well-being, Participation & Productive Aging in Adults (4 Credits)
    OT 545 – Development, Health & Meaningful Participation from Birth through Adolescence (4 Credits)
    OT 550 – Reflective Professional Practice Seminar II and Fieldwork Level 1b (Pediatric) (2 Credits)
    Summer Semester
    OT 555 – Scholarly Engagement to Enhance Practice (3 Credits)
    OT 560 – Reflective Professional Practice Seminar III and Fieldwork Level 1c (Older Adults/Geriatrics) (2 Credits) 
  • Fall Semester
    OT 567 – Neurorehabilitation for Functional Participation (3 Credits)
    OT 575 – Psychosocial Function through Occupation (3 Credits)
    OT 600 – Research Methods for Health Professionals (3 Credits)
    OT 606 – Assistive Technology and Innovation to Promote Occupation (3 Credits)
    OT 608 - Advanced Clinical Skills (2 Credits)
    OT 612 – On-Campus Clinic or Community Screening Clinic(s) (1 Credit) 
    OT 620 – Reflective Professional Practice Seminar IV and Fieldwork Level 1d (Psychosocial/Mental Health) (2 Credits)
    Spring Semester
    OT 628 – Professionalism, Practice and Leadership (4 Credits)
    OT 630 – Scholarship of Teaching and Research (3 Credits)
    OT 632 – Global Perspectives in Occupational Science (3 Credits)
    OT 640 – Clinical Synthesis (2 Credits) 
    OT 646 – Doctoral Capstone Design and Preparation (3 Credits)
    Electives
    Summer Semester
    OT 695-01 – Level II Fieldwork (8 Credits) 
  • Fall Semester
    OT 695-02 – Level II Fieldwork (8 Credits)
    OT 648 – Doctoral Capstone Preparation and Planning (2 Credits)
    Spring Semester
    OT 699 – Doctoral Capstone Experience, Seminar & Project (10 Credits)

Elective Courses (Sample List)

OT 599 – Equine and Animal-Assisted Therapy

Equine and Animal-Assisted Therapy

This elective introduces students to the clinical use of animals, including horses, in occupational therapy practice. Through site visits to a local ranch and hands-on interaction with equine-assisted programs, students explore the therapeutic benefits of human-animal interaction. The course emphasizes ethical considerations, treatment planning, and the integration of animal-assisted interventions to support occupational goals across populations, preparing students to utilize this emerging modality in a variety of practice settings.

Veterans, Service, and Occupational Well-Being

Veterans, Service, and Occupational Well-Being

Students in this course explore the occupational needs and challenges of veterans and service members. Emphasis is placed on understanding military culture, the impact of service on mental and physical health, and the transition to civilian life. The course highlights the unique role of occupational therapy in promoting occupational well-being, reintegration, and recovery for this population through evidence-based interventions, advocacy, and trauma-informed care across the continuum of service.

Adaptive Outdoor Recreation

Adaptive Outdoor Recreation

This hands-on elective focuses on helping individuals engage in meaningful outdoor recreational activities using adaptive technology and therapeutic strategies. Students explore the role of occupational therapy in supporting participation in activities like skiing, biking, and rafting. Visits to MonTECH and local adaptive sports venues, such as 猎奇重口 Snowbowl, offer students opportunities to interact with assistive equipment and experience it firsthand. The course prepares students to advocate for and implement outdoor participation in diverse client populations.
NICU and Occupational Therapy

NICU and Occupational Therapy

In this elective, students gain foundational knowledge about occupational therapy’s role in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The course covers premature birth, congenital conditions, and their impact on early development and occupational performance. Students learn to assess and support infants, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams within high-acuity medical environments. Topics include sensory regulation, feeding, family education, and trauma-informed care for fragile populations in critical stages of development.

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