Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) at Duke University

Programme overview

The Duke OTD develops leaders who work to reduce barriers to occupation, so people can take part in meaningful, health-supporting daily activities. It emphasizes active learning, community engagement and holistic admissions. The entry-level programme is ACOTE accredited and graduates can sit for the NBCOT exam to become Occupational Therapists, Registered (OTR).

Faculty: School of Medicine | Department: Occupational Therapy | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durham, NC, United States

What you will study

Active-learning curriculum with fieldwork and capstone presentations; optional certificates include Theology and Healthcare.

Career pathways

Graduates can sit for the NBCOT certification exam to practise as OTR; all states require licensure.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Duke OTD: bachelor's degree in any discipline; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above as calculated by OTCAS; evidence of knowledge in eight foundational domains instead of prescribed prerequisite courses. No GRE, no observation hours; virtual interviews. Applications through OTCAS with a USD 60 Duke fee.

Graduate School Ph.D. programmes list application deadlines for students beginning graduate study in fall 2027.

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate starts in August for applicants admitted in both the fall and spring rounds.

Fall 2027 Ph.D. deadlines (11:59 p.m. Eastern): most programmes 12/01/2026 including Biochemistry, Biology, Biostatistics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Immunology and Physics; Computer Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Policy, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Religion and Statistical Science 12/15/2026; English 12/08/2026; Economics 01/06/2027; Earth and Climate Sciences and Music 01/07/2027; Nursing 11/19/2026; Business Administration 12/14/2026; Political Science and Sociology 12/17/2026; Romance Studies 12/30/2026. Computational Media, Arts and Cultures and Public Policy Studies are not accepting applications for 2027 enrollment.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate 2026-27 application deadlines: Fall round Thursday, October 8, 2026; Spring round Tuesday, January 12, 2027 (applications through OTCAS). Fall applicants are notified the first week of December 2026 and spring applicants the first week of March 2027.

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences