Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy

The Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Bond University is a four-year (12 semesters) program. This includes the two-year, accelerated Master of Occupational Therapy program, followed by two additional years of doctoral-level study involving a capstone internship and doctoral thesis.

Yes, the Bond OTD is globally recognised. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as occupational therapists in Australia, the USA, Canada, and many other countries. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) in the United States and is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). It is noted as the only program located outside of the United States to be accredited by the US accrediting body for OT.

Through engagement in an industry-based doctoral capstone internship experience, students will build upon the comprehensive clinical, business, and research skills developed during the Master of Occupational Therapy program to design and implement an innovative and applied response to a current practice issue through doctoral-level research, contributing to the development of new knowledge in the field. The combined pathway provides over 1,600 hours of practice-based education.

Yes, students who are accepted into the Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy are eligible to apply for a Research Training Program (RTP) and Bond Scholarships for Years 3 and 4 of the OTD pathway.

The Bond OTD is the highest level of academic qualification in the field, classified as AQF Level 10. It is a higher degree by research program awarded for a combination of coursework, clinical placement, and internship followed by a doctoral thesis. The thesis represents a significant contribution to the knowledge or understanding of an aspect of occupational therapy and demonstrates the capacity of the student to carry out independent research at a doctoral level and generate new knowledge.