Student Outcomes
Belmont University and the School of Occupational Therapy are committed to the successful outcomes of each of the occupational therapy students and graduates. The process for measuring success is determined in a number of different methods. Program evaluation looks at student retention and graduation rates, pass rates on National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy, and employment placement.
OTD Program: NBCOT Pass Rate (2010 – 2012)
The total number of graduates who passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination as first-time new graduate test takers in 2010–2012 was 59 out of 66, which is a pass rate of 89%. During that 3-year time period, the program had 66 graduates.
Student Retention and Graduation Rates
OTD
2010-2012: of the 76 students who started the program, 66 graduated with an OTD
degree. This demonstrates a 87% retention rate.
Employment Placement
The MSOT and OTD graduates typically have job offers at the time of graduation in the chosen Occupational Therapy field. Employment placements include hospitals, school systems, rehabilitation centers, long term care facilities, out-patient clinics and other settings.
ACOTE Standards
As stipulated by ACOTE's OTD Doctoral Standards (2006), a graduate from Belmont University's School of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program will:
1) Have acquired, as a foundation for professional study, a breadth and depth of knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences and an understanding of issues related to diversity.2) Be educated as a generalist with a broad exposure to the delivery models and systems used in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced and where it is emerging as a service.
3) Have achieved entry-level competence through a combination of academic and fieldwork education.
4) Be prepared to articulate and apply occupational therapy theory and evidence-based evaluations and interventions to achieve expected outcomes as related to occupation.
5) Be prepared to be a lifelong learner and keep current with evidence-based professional practice.
6) Uphold the ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the occupational therapy profession.
7) Understand the distinct roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in the supervisory process.
8) Be prepared to advocate as a professional for the occupational therapy services offered and for the recipients of those services.
9) Be prepared to be an effective consumer of the latest research and knowledge bases that support practice and contribute to the growth and dissemination of research and knowledge.
10) Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of delivery models, policies, and systems related to the area of practice in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced and where it is emerging as a service.
11) Demonstrate thorough knowledge of evidence-based practice.
12) Demonstrate active involvement in professional development, leadership, and advocacy.
13) Relate theory to practice and demonstrate synthesis of advanced knowledge in a practice area through completion of a culminating project.
14) Develop in-depth experience in one or more of the following areas through completion of a doctoral experiential component: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development.
Return to OTD Home