Department of Occupational Therapy
North Central College is a premier destination for current and aspiring professionals licensed in occupational therapy fields. Our wide range of programs offer specialized pathways for students to advance in their career goals. Our committed faculty and staff strive to support you and prepare you to meet the increasing demand for occupational therapy services in a post-pandemic landscape.
Regardless of your current educational credentials, we have a program tailor-made to help you reach the next stage in your professional journey.
Programs
Bridge Master of Occupational Therapy
Dual-Admission Bachelor's + Master of Occupational Therapy
Master of Occupational Therapy (Entry-Level)
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (Entry-Level)
Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Location and Facilities
North Central's campus is situated just west of Chicago in beautiful, thriving downtown Naperville. North Central's Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering houses state-of-the-art equipment and a multitude of spaces for students to learn, study, and socialize. Occupational therapy students will spend time in a variety of settings, including:
- Occupational Therapy Lab with a fully functioning kitchen, laundry room, bedroom, and non-functioning bathroom to work through a variety of mock evaluations and interventions
- Small group learning rooms
- Community space complete with kitchen, lounge, showers, lactation room, and independent study areas
Take a virtual tour

Accreditation
The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Level II fieldwork must be completed within 24 months of completing of the on-campus academic program.
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 30 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
Occupational Therapy (Bridge), M.O.T.
The purpose of the Bridge Program is to enable certified Occupational Therapy Assistants the opportunity to advance their degree (Associate's or Bachelor's degree) to become Occupational Therapists (Master's degree).
The entry-level occupational therapy master's degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
78 credit hours to include:
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MOCT 500 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy
MOCT 500 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy
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MOCT 501 - Theories in Occupational Therapy
MOCT 501 - Theories in Occupational Therapy
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MOCT 502 - Documentation, Reimbursement, Appeals
MOCT 502 - Documentation, Reimbursement, Appeals
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MOCT 503 - Health and Wellness Literacy
MOCT 503 - Health and Wellness Literacy
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MOCT 520 - Assessment Theory
MOCT 520 - Assessment Theory
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MOCT 521 - Pediatric Theory
MOCT 521 - Pediatric Theory
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MOCT 522 - Mental Health Theory
MOCT 522 - Mental Health Theory
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MOCT 523 - Physical Dysfunction Theory
MOCT 523 - Physical Dysfunction Theory
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MOCT 524 - Neurological Dysfunction Theory
MOCT 524 - Neurological Dysfunction Theory
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MOCT 525 - Geriatric Theory
MOCT 525 - Geriatric Theory
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MOCT 530 - Assessment Application
MOCT 530 - Assessment Application
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MOCT 531 - Pediatric Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 531 - Pediatric Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 532 - Mental Health Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 532 - Mental Health Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 533 - Physical Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 533 - Physical Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 534 - Neurological Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 534 - Neurological Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 535 - Geriatric Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 535 - Geriatric Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 600 - Evidence-Based Practice and Application
MOCT 600 - Evidence-Based Practice and Application
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MOCT 602 - Management
MOCT 602 - Management
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MOCT 603 - Specialty Intervention
MOCT 603 - Specialty Intervention
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MOCT 604 - Preparation for Academic Work
MOCT 604 - Preparation for Academic Work
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MOCT 620 - Level I Fieldwork: Pediatrics
MOCT 620 - Level I Fieldwork: Pediatrics
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MOCT 621 - Level I Fieldwork: Adult
MOCT 621 - Level I Fieldwork: Adult
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MOCT 622 - Level I Fieldwork: Mental Health
MOCT 622 - Level I Fieldwork: Mental Health
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MOCT 630 - Level II Fieldwork A
MOCT 630 - Level II Fieldwork A
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MOCT 640 - Level II Fieldwork B
MOCT 640 - Level II Fieldwork B
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MOCT 695 - Capstone-Research and Grant Writing
MOCT 695 - Capstone-Research and Grant Writing
Occupational Therapy, M.O.T.
The Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT) is a two year program including two summer terms. All courses in the program are required and sequential. The program requires completion of 82 credit hours through courses offered online, traditional and blended, as well as two 12-week Level II Fieldwork Experiences*.
*MOT students have three attempts to pass two Level II Fieldwork Experiences. If they are not successful after three attempts, they are permanently dismissed from the program.
The entry-level Occupational Therapy Master's degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
82 credit hours to include:
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MOCT 500 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy
MOCT 500 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy
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MOCT 501 - Theories in Occupational Therapy
MOCT 501 - Theories in Occupational Therapy
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MOCT 502 - Documentation, Reimbursement, Appeals
MOCT 502 - Documentation, Reimbursement, Appeals
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MOCT 503 - Health and Wellness Literacy
MOCT 503 - Health and Wellness Literacy
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MOCT 504 - Functional Anatomy
MOCT 504 - Functional Anatomy
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MOCT 520 - Assessment Theory
MOCT 520 - Assessment Theory
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MOCT 521 - Pediatric Theory
MOCT 521 - Pediatric Theory
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MOCT 522 - Mental Health Theory
MOCT 522 - Mental Health Theory
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MOCT 523 - Physical Dysfunction Theory
MOCT 523 - Physical Dysfunction Theory
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MOCT 524 - Neurological Dysfunction Theory
MOCT 524 - Neurological Dysfunction Theory
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MOCT 525 - Geriatric Theory
MOCT 525 - Geriatric Theory
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MOCT 530 - Assessment Application
MOCT 530 - Assessment Application
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MOCT 531 - Pediatric Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 531 - Pediatric Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 532 - Mental Health Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 532 - Mental Health Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 533 - Physical Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 533 - Physical Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 534 - Neurological Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 534 - Neurological Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 535 - Geriatric Assessment and Intervention
MOCT 535 - Geriatric Assessment and Intervention
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MOCT 600 - Evidence-Based Practice and Application
MOCT 600 - Evidence-Based Practice and Application
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MOCT 601 - Professional Advocacy, Ethics and Cultural Implications
MOCT 601 - Professional Advocacy, Ethics and Cultural Implications
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MOCT 602 - Management
MOCT 602 - Management
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MOCT 603 - Specialty Intervention
MOCT 603 - Specialty Intervention
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MOCT 604 - Preparation for Academic Work
MOCT 604 - Preparation for Academic Work
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MOCT 620 - Level I Fieldwork: Pediatrics
MOCT 620 - Level I Fieldwork: Pediatrics
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MOCT 621 - Level I Fieldwork: Adult
MOCT 621 - Level I Fieldwork: Adult
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MOCT 622 - Level I Fieldwork: Mental Health
MOCT 622 - Level I Fieldwork: Mental Health
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MOCT 630 - Level II Fieldwork A
MOCT 630 - Level II Fieldwork A
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MOCT 640 - Level II Fieldwork B
MOCT 640 - Level II Fieldwork B
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MOCT 695 - Capstone-Research and Grant Writing
MOCT 695 - Capstone-Research and Grant Writing
Occupational Therapy Doctorate, O.T.D.
This is an entry level clinical Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD). Students who graduate with an OTD are able to sit for the boards and enter into practice settings, similar to the MOT program. However, the education at the doctoral level program is not only for competency in treatment, but also a greater emphasis on leadership skills and scholarly research in the field. This emphasis is seen in additional coursework in these areas and a significant research capstone requirement. Unlike the MOT and OTD program, the Post-Professional OTD does not lead to licensure and is intended to expand the knowledge and skills of an already-licensed OT. With these three programs, North Central will provide Occupational Therapy degree programs to meet a variety of student professional needs.
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 30 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at: www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
112 credit hours to include:
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DOTD 701 - Leaders and Theories in Occuptational Therapy
DOTD 701 - Leaders and Theories in Occuptational Therapy
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DOTD 702 - Documentation, Reimbursement, Appeals
DOTD 702 - Documentation, Reimbursement, Appeals
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DOTD 703 - Health Wellness, Literacy in a Leadership Role
DOTD 703 - Health Wellness, Literacy in a Leadership Role
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DOTD 704 - Functional Anatomy
DOTD 704 - Functional Anatomy
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DOTD 705 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy
DOTD 705 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy
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DOTD 719 - Assessment Theory
DOTD 719 - Assessment Theory
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DOTD 721 - Pediatric Theory
DOTD 721 - Pediatric Theory
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DOTD 722 - Mental Health Theory
DOTD 722 - Mental Health Theory
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DOTD 723 - Physical Dysfunction Theory
DOTD 723 - Physical Dysfunction Theory
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DOTD 724 - Neurological Dysfunction Theory
DOTD 724 - Neurological Dysfunction Theory
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DOTD 725 - Geriatric Theory
DOTD 725 - Geriatric Theory
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DOTD 729 - Assessment Application
DOTD 729 - Assessment Application
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DOTD 731 - Pediatric Assessment and Intervention
DOTD 731 - Pediatric Assessment and Intervention
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DOTD 732 - Mental Health Assessment and Intervention
DOTD 732 - Mental Health Assessment and Intervention
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DOTD 733 - Physical Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
DOTD 733 - Physical Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
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DOTD 734 - Neurological Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
DOTD 734 - Neurological Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
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DOTD 735 - Geriatric Assessment and Intervention
DOTD 735 - Geriatric Assessment and Intervention
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DOTD 800 - Evidence Based Practice I
DOTD 800 - Evidence Based Practice I
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DOTD 801 - Professional Advocacy and Leadership
DOTD 801 - Professional Advocacy and Leadership
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DOTD 803 - Specialty Interventions
DOTD 803 - Specialty Interventions
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DOTD 804 - Preparation for Academic Work
DOTD 804 - Preparation for Academic Work
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DOTD 810 - Evidence Based Practice II
DOTD 810 - Evidence Based Practice II
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DOTD 812 - Management and Leadership
DOTD 812 - Management and Leadership
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DOTD 820 - Level I Fieldwork: Pediatrics
DOTD 820 - Level I Fieldwork: Pediatrics
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DOTD 821 - Level I Fieldwork: Adult
DOTD 821 - Level I Fieldwork: Adult
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DOTD 822 - Level I Fieldwork: Mental Health
DOTD 822 - Level I Fieldwork: Mental Health
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DOTD 830 - Level II Fieldwork: A
DOTD 830 - Level II Fieldwork: A
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DOTD 840 - Level II Fieldwork: B
DOTD 840 - Level II Fieldwork: B
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DOTD 892 - Capstone Project I
DOTD 892 - Capstone Project I
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DOTD 893 - Capstone Project II
DOTD 893 - Capstone Project II
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DOTD 894 - Capstone Project III
DOTD 894 - Capstone Project III
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DOTD 896 - Capstone Experience
DOTD 896 - Capstone Experience
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DOTD 898 - Capston Post Presentation
DOTD 898 - Capston Post Presentation
Post Professional Occupational Therapy, O.T.D.
The mission of this unique, fully online, post-professional OTD program is to create exceptionally qualified academic leaders in the occupational therapy education space. The program will provide occupational therapists with the necessary clinical expertise, who are interested in pursuing a career in academia, the knowledge and the skills to be a highly skilled academic leader or faculty member. This degree will provide them a professional edge and to contribute to the occupational therapy profession in a unique way. The OT program director qualifications include a terminal degree and eight years of experience as an OT. However, the position responsibilities, as per the ACOTE Standards (A.2.1) are: "The program director must be responsible for the management and administration of the program, including planning, evaluation, budgeting, selection of faculty and staff, maintenance of accreditation, and commitment to strategies for professional development." Post-professional OTD programs are generally designed for an advanced degree with emphasis in clinical expertise or research, not academic leadership. The development of a post professional OTD at North Central College would provide the education necessary to obtain the focused skills and knowledge necessary to work in an academic setting. The program has been developed to address two areas of academic responsibility: curriculum design and assessment and academic administration, culminating in an integrated capstone project. The program is designed to be completed in five full time continuous semesters, but can be completed part time by one class a semester by first completing the administrative responsibilities of a program director courses and followed by the courses that focus on curriculum development and assessment. Attending part time would require eight semesters of only seven weeks per semester and the second fall semester being full time along with the final semester being the capstone semester which is a full semester.
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DOTD 720 - Pedagogy
DOTD 720 - Pedagogy
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DOTD 730 - Higher Education Leadership
DOTD 730 - Higher Education Leadership
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DOTD 740 - Boyers Model of Scholarship
DOTD 740 - Boyers Model of Scholarship
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DOTD 750 - Budgeting
DOTD 750 - Budgeting
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DOTD 760 - Curriculum Development
DOTD 760 - Curriculum Development
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DOTD 770 - Effective Assessment
DOTD 770 - Effective Assessment
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DOTD 825 - Effective Distance Learning
DOTD 825 - Effective Distance Learning
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DOTD 835 - Development of Curriculum to Standards
DOTD 835 - Development of Curriculum to Standards
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DOTD 890 - Capstone
DOTD 890 - Capstone
Faculty and Staff
Click below to read about North Central College OT students and faculty in the news.
North Central strives to provide students with opportunities for professional development and to create meaningful connections in the occupational therapy community.
Community-Engaged Learning
Partnership with Stroke Survivors Empowering Others (SSEO)
North Central has an ongoing partnership with Stroke Survivors Empowering Others (SSEO), a non-profit organization that strives to "improve the quality of life for current and future stroke survivors by building a community that encourages, supports and guides stroke survivors and their families through their stroke journey." North Central and SSEO have collaborated on several projects, including providing free therapy and telehealth services to stroke survivors.
Collaboration with DuPage Children's Museum
Students collaborate with this community partner to design and implement play-based interventions focused on making play, learning, sensory exploration, and social interaction accessible.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Students can get involved in several clubs on campus. Groups include:
- Hand Therapy Club
- Pi Theta Epsilon Honor Society
- NCC Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
- NCC Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
Alumni Testimonials
"North Central faculty were not only experts in their specialty; they were dedicated mentors who provided personalized guidance...and the amazing facility and equipment that students have access to simulates real-life scenarios, which truly helps learning."
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Illinois Occupational Therapy Association (ILOTA)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
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Occupational Therapy Department
Pi Theta Epsilon Honor Society (PTE)
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NCC Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
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NCC Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
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