Q&A: Tufts’ New Online Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PP-OTD) with Peggy Morris, OTD ‘11

1. What are you looking for in a candidate?
 
Candidates are required to have an entry-level degree in occupational therapy from a program that is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy and at least one year of work experience in any branch of OT. We’re looking to enroll a dynamic class of students who are interested in making a change in their practice, whether that's instituting a new process in their current role, undertaking a research project, moving to a leadership position, or teaching occupational therapy. Our students will form an online community of practitioner scholars who are driven to advance their expertise in a specific area of occupational therapy. 
 
Our application requires a resume, transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement. The personal statement is particularly important. We want to know about your motivations, strengths, areas for growth, and how the Tufts PP-OTD Online can help you achieve your career goals. A big part of the PP-OTD Online involves working on a personal project, and we’re asking applicants to describe what they’d like to work on if they are admitted. 
 
I’m always happy to chat with prospective students, answer any questions they may have, and help them craft their personal statements. Applicants can reach out to me directly at margaret.morris@tufts.edu. I’d love to hear from you!
 
2. How is the program structured to support students’ career growth?
 
We’ve structured the program to support each individual student’s unique career goals. The doctoral program consists of ten courses, five of which are didactic and include classes on leadership and advocacy, evidence-based practice, outcomes measurement, occupation-centered practice, and educational theory for allied health. The other five consist of a series of project-based courses that build upon one another. In these courses, students design and implement individual projects.
 
Tufts faculty members will provide one-on-one mentorship and guidance as our students’ projects progress. We’ll assist in developing the projects, navigating institutional review boards, implementing the projects, and evaluating their effectiveness. Many students will select a project that directly impacts their current work and deepens their expertise in a particular area. Whatever a student’s passion is, we’re here to help them build a project around it that's evidence-based and achievable within the length of our program. 
 
3. How does the program support working professionals?


While our program is rigorous, it is also designed to meet the needs of working professionals. We understand that our students are whole people with full lives. We expect them to be working full- and/or part-time jobs and juggling personal roles and responsibilities, while dedicating time to this program. Currently, the PP-OTD Online is only offered part-time and the courses generally take place in the evening. Courses include both synchronous components (taking place at a specific time) and asynchronous components (taking place at a flexible time). We are responsive to our students’ needs and the importance of maintaining flexibility and work-life balance.  


4. What makes the Tufts PP-OTD Online unique?
 
Tufts is the oldest occupational therapy school in the nation and we take our commitment to developing exceptional practitioners seriously. We have tailored the program to center the unique goals of each student, and we offer considerable one-on-one mentorship and small group peer cohorts. Whether our students are seeking a leadership position or advanced expertise in a particular area, we are dedicated to helping them achieve their goals.
 
We’ve also put a lot of time and thought into making our courses clear and compelling. They’re presented in a format that’s straightforward and easy to navigate as well as designed to encourage community and connection among students. We are excited to welcome a dynamic class of occupational therapists from across the country to learn and grow together.
 
For more information on the PP-OTD Online program, including course descriptions, faculty bios, and admissions information, please visit our program page. If you would like more information or to schedule a Zoom meeting, please reach out to Peggy Morris directly at margaret.morris@tufts.edu.