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Should You Get a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy?
A doctorate can open more doors in Occupational Therapy leadership, teaching, advocacy, and research.
If you’re an occupational therapist thinking about your future, the decision between a master’s and a doctorate might feel like a crossroads.
You’re already committed to helping people. Now you’re wondering what kind of education will best support your long-term goals. That’s a smart question to ask.
I’m Jim Sheets, the enrollment representative for Roberts’ Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD). I work with future Occupational Therapy (OT) leaders every day. And I’ve seen how a doctoral degree opens doors - in leadership, teaching, research, advocacy, and beyond.
You can practice with a master’s. But if you’re even a little curious about doing more or shaping where the field is going, keep reading.
The Real Difference Between a Master’s and Doctorate in OT
Let’s start with this: both degrees will let you practice occupational therapy.
But a doctorate opens more doors. Leadership. Teaching. Research. Program development. Emerging fields. It gives you room to grow, pivot, and lead.
In 2019, the AOTA debated whether to require a doctorate as the only entry point into the profession. They ultimately kept both master’s and doctorate options.
But the trend is clear. EMSI, a labor market analytics firm, reported that between June 2020 and June 2021, over 62,000 healthcare managerial jobs required a doctoral degree.
Having a doctorate can be your edge - or your ticket to even be considered - in a competitive market.
And it's not as long a commitment as you might think. Most master’s programs take two or more years. The doctorate is just one more year beyond that.
I wanted a doctorate because I felt that it made more sense to earn a higher level education within the same time frame as it would to earn a master's degree."
– Brittany Daymon '24 (Occupational Therapy)
The Capstone
This is truly what sets the doctorate apart.
Dr. Julia Arau, our fieldwork coordinator, puts it this way:
“The capstone is really what sets the entry-level doctorate from an entry-level master’s degree. In the capstone, students have the opportunity to engage in projects that are meaningful to them and that provide in-depth experiences into areas of practice, such as advocacy, education, research, theory, and development.”
You’ll work one-on-one with a faculty mentor and a site member. You’ll design and carry out a project in an area you’re passionate about. Over 500 hours of fieldwork, your skills will go from good to specialized.
For example, you might design a caregiver training plan for a specific population. Or write curriculum. Or draft a grant proposal. Your capstone is the bridge to what’s next.
Leadership Starts Here
Dr. Kathleen Stoklosa, our program director, says it best:
“I love preparing students to be capable in all management functions, including roles like consulting. Because of the small class sizes, I can tailor my coursework to the students.”
She continues:
“The doctoral preparation is more extensive, as it includes more preparation to be an entrepreneur, to develop community programs, and to consider working in non-traditional healthcare, such as in a homeless shelter.”
That kind of flexibility matters. With just one degree, you are prepared to work in a nonprofit, become an ergonomic consultant, or design a brand-new OT program. The training sets you up for all of it.
The doctorate was right for me because I'm interested in management or teaching. I feel incredibly confident and satisfied with my decision."
– Shae Davis '24 (Occupational Therapy)
Here are some of the unique courses that better prepare you for those roles.
OTD: Educators
Occupational Justice: Ethics and Advocacy
Professional Development III: Emerging Practice Entrepreneurship
OTD: Leaders and Managers
Professional Transitions
A series of classes dedicated to research
These classes go deep - not just into practice but into how to expand and innovate in the field.
Having a doctorate opens many more doors, especially in conducting research or becoming a professor. I chose the doctorate because I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do yet, so having more options in the future was a draw for me."
– Gavin Marsh '24 (Occupational Therapy)
Reflection Questions As You Consider Your Future
Do I want to lead?
Do I want to teach?
Do I want to research?
Do I want to innovate?
Do I want to make a bigger impact?
If you answered yes or maybe to any of these, a doctorate is worth exploring.
You’ll be building more than a resume. You’ll be building capacity for leadership, innovation, and deeper service in your community.
And you won’t be doing it alone. At Roberts, you’ll be mentored by experienced faculty who know your name. Other curious, passionate students will surround you.
Let’s talk about your goals. Click here to set up a quick virtual meeting or you can email me directly at sheetsj@roberts.edu. I’d be glad to walk you through what the program can offer.
