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School of Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences

Director with students in lab

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Now Open for Registration: UM OT Virtual Open House - Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 @ 5:00 PM MT (Zoom)

Prospective students, learn about UM OT. Use the form below to sign up to register for the UM OT Virtual Open House, scheduled for Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 5 p.m. We'll send you an email with a videoconference link the week of Monday, November 10th.

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Forging New Frontiers in Healthcare Education

The 91次元 is proud to launch the state’s first public Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, opening new frontiers in healthcare education. Set against the backdrop of wide-open landscapes and a culture that values grit and independence, this program offers a distinctive path for future occupational therapists. Here, students are encouraged to think boldly, serve their communities, and embrace the journey as much as the destination. 

We are thrilled to announce that we have received approval of our accreditation candidacy from ACOTE ().  Please refer to this Statement on Candidacy Status for more information.

  • 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814
    (301) 652‑6611

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) helps people of all ages participate in meaningful daily activities—like self-care, work, or play—despite challenges from illness, injury, or disability. Combining science and creativity, OT empowers individuals to live fully and independently by promoting physical, emotional, and social well-being across diverse settings.

OTs work in settings such as  hospitals, schools, homes, rehabilitation centers, and community programs, among many others. With strong job growth, diverse specialties, and flexibility, OT offers a dynamic, rewarding, and stable healthcare career path.

Learn more about what a doctorate in occupational therapy from the 91次元 can do for you by clicking here

why choose OT

UM OT Program Highlights

Length & Start Date

Length & Start Date

The journey begins each fall in this dynamic, 3-year occupational therapy doctorate program designed to launch you into a rewarding career with purpose and momentum: Learn more
Program Type

Program Type

The clinical entry-level doctorate prepares you to become a licensed occupational therapist, ready to lead, innovate, and make an immediate impact in diverse practice settings: Learn more
Location

Location

Located in-person at the 91次元, this program offers an immersive learning experience in the vibrant and scenic city of Missoula: Learn more
Location

Fieldwork & Capstone

Fieldwork: Engage in four in-person Level I Fieldworks across Missoula County and two Level II Fieldworks at diverse sites throughout the country, gaining real-world experience in a variety of settings: Learn more

Capstone: Design and complete a 14-week Capstone experience tailored to your interests, allowing you to make a meaningful contribution to the field and prepare for advanced OT practice: Learn more

Why Choose UM OT?

Why Choose UM OT?

UM OT offers state-of-the-art labs, hands-on assistive tech access, dedicated faculty mentorship, and robust clinical experiences. Located in scenic Missoula, the program fosters interprofessional collaboration and supports students in achieving balance through world-class outdoor and recreational opportunities.
Learn more about why you should choose UM OT!
Student Experience

Student Experience

Students in our small, close-knit cohorts (20–30 students) benefit from individualized faculty mentorship, hands-on clinical experiences, and rich interprofessional learning with Physical Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, and many other UM programs. With a vibrant local culture and ample outdoor access, students thrive through learning, outdoor recreation, and community engagement that enhances both education and well-being.
Learn more about the student experience!
Admissions Process

Admissions Process

Apply to the 91次元’s in-person OTD program in Missoula. Applications open July 19, 2025. Priority deadline is October 15, 2025; final deadline is January 9, 2026. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, prerequisites, observation hours, and recommendations.
Learn more about applying to UM OT
Career Outcomes

Career Outcomes

With national licensure eligibility, OTD professionals can work in settings such as hospitals, schools, skilled-nursing facilities rehabilitation centers, community-based programs, and private practice, among many others. In Montana and other states, OTs may also practice in mental and behavioral health settings, where they are recognized as qualified mental health professionals.
Learn more about what you can do as an occupational therapist

UM OT News and Updates

More Updates

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