Other OT-Related Information DrOT vs OTD?

[OT412]

I was wondering if anyone knows what (if any) is the difference between these two degrees? Thanks so much!

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[mgeagle]

Well I am not an expert but I am going to an OTD program so I decided to research this myself. DrOT from what I have found is like a post-professional title so in order to be a student at a DrOT program you have to already have a Bachelor's or Master's in Occupational Therapy. An OTD can be entry in nature meaning that you do not have to have a degree in occupational therapy prior to beginning the program. The DrOT is shorter of course since you already have gone through OT schooling and are looking to advance yourself in being more of an effective leader and innovator for the profession. Both are clinical doctorates so you are not doing near as much theoretical research as someone who gets their ScD or PhD in occupational therapy or occupational sciences. As stated before I am no expert and found this out from simple research so by all means correct me if I'm wrong so I can have the right facts for the future. Thanks y'all! 🙂

 

[RedHeadOT]

I think everyone will have different reasons, but here are the reasons I have decided to go for an OTD:

1) I like the areas of research I can participate in at the school I have been accepted to.
2) The research portion allows for a little more experince and specialization in an area I'm interested in.
3) My family has a history of back problems and I worry I might have inherited this problem. Instead of constantly worrying that my career might be over at some point, I feel more confident knowing I have additional options because of an OTD.
4) It doesn't take that much more time or money and you have an OTD instead of a MOT.
5) My programs allows me to switch down to an MOT if I decide I have changed my mind, so why not.

 

[Kidamnesiac]

Can I be the cynic and say it has to do with money? It might thin out applications if they force all OT's to finish an OTD, which is a longer degree. However, schools will get one more year of tuition, and I just don't buy the research angle. I'm going for an MSOT and besides having the option to research and write a thesis, I also am required to take research theory and method classes, and complete a research project. I think the academic rigor of the program is moreso a determining factor in what you do in your degree program than the name of the degree. JMO.

 

[Kidamnesiac]

Oops, java failure = double post. 🙂

 

[kt828]

At one OT open house (TWU), the program director was asked about their master's program and if it'd be wiser to get a doctorate instead. She said that the OT field will most likely be heading that direction in a few years but isn't there yet. For physical therapy, it is quickly becoming the norm to get a dr instead of masters degree. OT is just further behind on that trend but will likely do the same. At least that is how she explained it to us.

 

[Kidamnesiac]

At one OT open house (TWU), the program director was asked about their master's program and if it'd be wiser to get a doctorate instead. She said that the OT field will most likely be heading that direction in a few years but isn't there yet. For physical therapy, it is quickly becoming the norm to get a dr instead of masters degree. OT is just further behind on that trend but will likely do the same. At least that is how she explained it to us.

Which is what makes me feel that it is more about money than anything. However, I think the added benefit (and who knows, maybe the intention of the decision-makers) will be an eventual regulation in field saturation. I assume, like with OT's in the past, that MSOT's will be grandfathered in. This step will make it more difficult for smaller schools to open programs as well, I would think. Adding a D to a degree (and having the backing accreditation for it) isn't the easiest thing to accomplish.

 

[SJ2014]

I'd be very curious to hear someone explain why he/she prefers a DOT to an MOT. Typically someone with a DOT is interested in pursuing academic research and teaching positions. There is no pay differential between a DOT and an MOT, but there is the additional expense of extra tuition. It's quite a hard sell, if you ask me.

I will be attending an OTD program. For me it was about the opportunity to advance to a specialist/expert level in one area. I am really interested in pursuing specialization in pediatric neurological rehabilitation- something a residency will allow me to do. I am hoping to develop the experience and expertise required to skip the entry level jobs (skilled nursing seems to be most peoples first step) and walk straight into the job I really want at a hospital or rehab center.

 

[SJ2014]

It will be an extra year- so a full years tuition. I do not expect to make any more money than an MOT- there really is no benefit as far as pay grade. For me it is about getting into the specialization that I am interested in right away.