By: Dr. Christine Myers
O-T-D. Everywhere you look it seems like more and more occupational therapists have these initials behind their names. Many OT’s with bachelor’s and master’s degrees are now wondering, “Why should I go back to school and get my doctorate? What’s in it for me? How would this help my clients and their families?” These are important questions when considering advanced education. The answer lies in the benefits offered by the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree.
One of the most important benefits of earning the OTD degree is that it will give you the edge you need to provide occupational therapy services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Healthcare is changing rapidly in many ways. There is an increased emphasis on evidence-based practice as funders strive to decrease skyrocketing healthcare costs. The profession of occupational therapy has opportunities to reach more consumers as a result of the ACA, however advocacy and leadership are necessary. Occupational therapists already understand the power of occupation to transform lives, but may wonder, “What is the best way is to implement occupation-based practice in this changing healthcare environment?” The post-professional OTD at EKU offers licensed occupational therapists the opportunity to gain the skills they need to lead the profession as evidence-based and occupation-based practitioners under ACA. The EKU OTD Program is focused on producing ethical leaders who have the knowledge to transform the profession. In future blogs I will explore other benefits of the OTD for practicing occupational therapists.
Learn more about the online OTD Program at EKU.