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Advanced Practice Certificate in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice

This is the only advanced certificate of its kind being offered in occupational therapy, and allows occupational therapists to develop advanced skills for implementing evidence into real-world practice at the individual and system levels. 

“During this program, I was able to learn more about critical analysis of research and how to share research with different types of audiences.”
 -- Katie Caspero 
Read more about Katie’s experience. 

Applicants have two pathways to earn the 12-credit certificate

  1. as part of the online CScD in Occupational Therapy degree program
  2. or as an independent course of study.

Those who enroll in the Advanced Practice Certificate as an independent 12-credit course of study may choose to transition into the CScD in Occupational Therapy degree program after completion of the certificate and can apply the certificate credits toward the degree.

To apply to the Advanced Practice Certificate in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice only, you must complete and submit an online application, resume, official transcripts and application fee.

Apply now

Application Information

  • Complete the GradCAS application. 
  • $50 application fee (U.S.)
  • Resume: A professional resume indicating knowledge of rehabilitation through previous paid work experiences, internships or field experiences, or volunteer work experiences.
  • Upload unofficial transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended in the Academic History section of CAS. 
  • Upload a course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion for all higher institutions you have attended outside the U.S. in the Academic History section of CAS. The evaluation may be from World Education Services (WES), Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  • All admitted students will be required to provide official transcripts and, if applicable, credential evaluations to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.
  • If applicable, self-report unofficial English Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) test scores tin the Academic History section of CAS (for Duolingo, upload an unofficial score report under Documents in Program Materials) and request official test scores be sent to the University of Pittsburgh. Minimum scores accepted and instructions for sending official test scores follow: 

Your application will be reviewed once it is complete

*Note: the essay, professional letters of recommendation and virtual interview are NOT required for Advanced Practice Certificate ONLY applicants.

Certificate Requirements

The Advanced Practice Certificate in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice is offered 100% online on a part-time basis and requires completion of 12 credits. Students with an entry-level doctoral degree in occupational therapy, a post-professional doctoral degree in occupational therapy, a master's degree in occupational therapy or a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy and an advanced level master's degree in occupational therapy or another field are eligible to apply.

Curriculum and Course Descriptions

The Advanced Practice Certificate in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice requires completion the following four 3-credit courses:

  • OT 3010 - EVIDENCE INTERPRETATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION
  • OT 3020 - FOUNDATIONS IN IMPLEMENTATION
  • OT 3030 - THE BUSINESS OF IMPLEMENTATION
  • OT 3040 - ADVOCACY FOR IMPLEMENTATION

View Program Catalog and Course Descriptions

Academic Standards

In addition to following University-wide academic rules and regulations as detailed in the General Academic Regulations section of this Catalog, the CScD in Occupational Therapy program is regulated by the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Academic Standards, as well as the policies and procedures in the SHRS Graduate Student Handbook and the CScD in Occupational Therapy Student Manual.

University and SHRS COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements and Information

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