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One of the most significant differences between a doctoral level program occupational therapy and a master’s level program in occupational therapy is the addition of the 14-week capstone experience. The goal of the capstone also known as a doctoral capstone experience (DCE) is to provide in-depth exposure to an area of focus (ACOTE, 2018). Students complete the experiential field requirement during their last trimester in the program. Students in the 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ OTD program will participate in a 10-credit course consisting of 560 hours (14-week internship) that must be completed prior to graduation.  Prior Level II Fieldwork experience may not substitute for this capstone experience.

Students will work closely with a faculty mentor and a community mentor in developing an individual plan to integrate new knowledge gained in OTD courses into their project.  Through the capstone project, students demonstrate their understanding of advanced occupational therapy concepts and the ability to lead and practice at the highest level of professional practice. 

The capstone provides the student with an opportunity to demonstrate skills as an innovative leader and scholar-practitioner at the doctoral level. The capstone project an individually mentored project that is the culmination of the capstone experience course. Students disseminate their findings based on the area(s) selected for the capstone experience.