This new interdisciplinary, advanced training program prepares students to support children with high intensity social-emotional needs.
Occupational Therapy Program
-
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, offered through a partnership between UAA and Creighton University, offers more than career training. Join a network of professionals who work together to care for patients, serve communities and change lives.
The OTD program is a partnership between the University of Alaska Anchorage and Creighton University. This unique hybrid program includes synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. Lectures are delivered online via Creighton's learning management system. Lab courses occur on the UAA campus and are taught by expert OT clinicians from the Anchorage community.
Employers value the clinical training, interpersonal skills and professionalism of UAA/Creighton University OTD alumni. Graduates pursue a wide range of careers, such as:
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospitals
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Public health care systems
- Infant learning programs
- Schools
The UAA/Creighton Alaska pathway is 2.5 years in length and includes 5 semesters of didactic coursework and laboratory components followed by 2 semesters of clinical rotations. For the final semester of the program, students complete a Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) and design their own curriculum and learning goals with the assistance of a faculty mentor. After successful completion of the program, students will receive an OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate) from Creighton University and be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination.
The UAA/Creighton University Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA).
Why choose the UAA/Creighton University Occupational Therapy Program?
Recognized as a top-15 occupational therapy program by U.S. News & World Report, UAA has partnered with Creighton University to offer an interprofessional approach to healthcare to prepare passionate students to advance new knowledge and serve others. Benefits of the Alaska distance pathway are studying in a dynamic environment with diverse communities, unique learning experiences and exciting outdoor activities.
Learn from nationally and internationally known clinicians and researchers whose specialties include mental health, pediatric occupational therapy, hand/orthopedic rehabilitation, acute care occupational therapy, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation.
Design your own Doctoral Experiential Component (DEC). Guided by a faculty mentor, the DEC is a self-directed learning and research opportunity to explore clinical areas of interest or to gain additional expertise in a clinical practice setting. Students often lead research projects specific to Alaska populations and the health care needs of local community partners.
Complete two three-month clinical internship rotations. Clinical opportunities include over 800 sites across the U.S. and in countries such as in China, Dominican Republic, Italy, United Kingdom, Chile, South Korea, Uganda, Japan, India, Vietnam and Costa Rica.
Program Information
Ready to learn more about the UAA/Creighton OTD program? Want to explore program costs, application details, and tuition and financial aid? Visit the Creighton website to learn more:
Creighton University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
Featured Stories
OTD students from the Alaska AHEC partnership with Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield will be distributed baby boxes to rural communities in Alaska.
The OTD program is among four programs that will benefit from a four-year, $1.92M grant to train future behavioral health professionals in Alaska.
Finding a career in medicine has always been Jacqueline Solano's goal.
Message from the Director
Hello and thank you for your interest in the UAA/Creighton University occupational therapy doctoral program. Our Alaska hybrid pathway incorporates didactic classes primarily in an asynchronous format and supporting labs taught by clinicians with expertise in the subject matter. The program aims to prepare students for healthcare delivery by incorporating occupation, professional practice, and development of professional identity. Additionally, fieldwork and capstone experience immerse students in the exploration of diverse practice environments. Furthermore, students in the Alaska pathway are eligible for specific fellowships, core training, and rotational site placements within the state of Alaska that prepare for future practice and job placement. Students will graduate with leadership skills and the clinical expertise to provide evidence-based care for the unique healthcare needs of Alaska. Please do not hesitate to reach out for additional information regarding prerequisites, admissions, curriculum, and clinical education.
-Danielle K. Keller, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Opportunities
Students in the Alaska pathway benefit from small group instruction through lab experiences and unique opportunities through UAA. Creighton students in the Alaska pathway are eligible for grant funded experiences in behavioral health, early childhood training, rural healthcare delivery and leadership in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. These experiences enhance the occupational therapy curriculum and prepare students to meet the unique healthcare needs of underserved populations. The support of these two institutions allows students in the Alaska pathway to forge a unique and valuable professional identity as an occupational therapist.
Receive advanced training to support children with high intensity social-emotional needs.
AHEC Scholars is a two-year program designed to supplement and broaden a student’s healthcare training.
The Alaska Interprofessional Distance Learning Consortium (AK-IDLC) aims to train grad students in culturally responsive behavioral health care.
The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) program provides grad level interdisciplinary leadership training.
Contact Us
Program Contacts
Danielle Keller
OTD Academic Program Director
Email: dkenglish@alaska.edu
Jessie Richardson
Associate Director of Recruitment
jessicarichardson@creighton.edu
(402) 280-2623
Physical Address
UAA Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Drive, Suite 117B
Anchorage, Alaska, 99508
Mailing Address
UAA/Creighton University Occupational Therapy Program
3211 Providence Drive, PSB Suite 146
Anchorage, Alaska, 99508
Request Information
Request Information
Plan a visit!
Plan a visit
Apply to UAA
Ready to get started?