Applications are open for Oklahoma Baptist University’s (OBU) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, launching in January 2026.
This hybrid, accelerated program is designed to equip future occupational therapists with the skills needed to meet growing healthcare demands. Students can complete the 105-credit degree in just two years (six semesters) through online coursework, on-campus lab immersions, extensive clinical experiences, and unique capstone projects.
The priority deadline for applications is June 20, 2025.
What makes the OBU OTD program unique?
Rooted in Christian values, OBU’s program integrates academic excellence, hands-on clinical training and spiritual growth to prepare individuals for rewarding and meaningful experiences in the field of occupational therapy. OBU’s program is accelerated, academically rigorous and relevant, providing individuals with a deeper understanding of how their work as an occupational therapist will serve as a meaningful contribution to the profession as well as a ministry within their community.
Meeting a Critical Healthcare Need
OBU’s new OTD program launches at a crucial time, as demand for occupational therapists continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 9,800 openings for occupational therapists are projected per year over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force via retirement or other reason.
A Hybrid, Career-Focused Approach
This new accelerated hybrid program makes it easier for students to balance their education with personal and professional commitments while receiving high-quality, hands-on training in occupational therapy. Combining online coursework with immersive, in-person experiences, the program provides a comprehensive approach to learning that prepares students for real-world practice.
The online component features a mix of asynchronous coursework and live interactive sessions, covering essential topics such as occupational therapy theory, research, and evidence-based practice. To enhance clinical skills and build professional connections, students also participate in on-campus immersion experiences, where state-of-the-art simulation labs provide a dynamic training environment.
In addition, the program includes extensive clinical fieldwork, incorporating three Level I rotations and two 12-week Level II fieldwork rotations, offering invaluable hands-on experience in patient care. Students further refine their expertise through a 14-week immersive capstone experience, where they have the opportunity to develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges in the field.
Experienced Leadership
Dr. Brandy Brown, OTD program director, brings years of experience in both clinical practice and academic leadership. Brown has clinical experience in pediatric and adult populations in a variety of practice settings. Before coming to OBU, Brown spent three years as the program director for a Master of Occupational Therapy program in her home state.
Brown leads an exceptional OTD faculty team that includes Dr. D. Scott Wengerd, director of clinical education/academic fieldwork coordinator and associate professor; Dr. Rachel Donis, director of admissions and assistant professor; Dr. Gejuanna Fletcher, director of capstone and research and associate professor; and Dr. Nashauna Richardson, director of curriculum and associate professor.
“OBU’s OTD program is a unique blend of faith and occupational therapy education,” Brown said. “In addition to preparing our students to become entry-level occupational therapy practitioners, we seek to cultivate their light within so they can spread that light and be seen as a source of hope and healing in their spiritual, personal, and professional lives. Through participation in our faith-integrated curriculum we hope that our students see their role in the profession as both a calling and a ministry and leave with an understanding of the value of unconditional love and the power of grace.”
Brown added, “God has blessed me with an amazing team of faculty members to develop and implement this program with. Each one of them has been an answer to prayer. They are invaluable to the success of this program in their differences in gifts, backgrounds, and experiences, but most importantly, their shared passion for transforming the lives of our future students. Together we’ve established our herd, and I can’t wait to see what our future on Bison Hill brings.”
How to Apply
“The ideal candidate for our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is an individual who is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for others while embodying the core values of empathy, service, and faith-based ethics,” Donis said. “Our program seeks students who are passionate about making a meaningful impact, particularly in ways that align with Christian principles. Our mission is to develop Christ-centered, servant leaders who pursue clinical excellence and scholarly practice. We seek candidates who demonstrate strong qualities of servant leadership, cultural humility, self-efficacy, and adaptability. These attributes are essential for those who will thrive in our program and, ultimately, in the diverse and dynamic field of occupational therapy.”
All information regarding pre-requisites, admissions procedures and requirements can be found on the program’s web page at okbu.edu/otd.
Interested applicants will need to create an account through the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy Programs (OTCAS) at otcas.liaisoncas.com.
Through this link, prospective students will receive specific instructions to properly complete the application process, including the submission of transcripts, references, test scores, OT observations hours, essay, supplemental materials and other important items.
For more information or questions, email the OTD program at occupational.therapy@okbu.edu or call 405.247.0061.
