The University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) has much to offer. Currently, Pitt’s OT program is ranked #1* in the nation and is the highest ranked program in the state of Pennsylvania. Our 19 full-time faculty, researchers and changemakers are experts in a wide range of areas, including pediatrics, older adults, acute care, post-acute care and so much more.
Want to learn more about Pitt OT? Here are five things you may not know about our OT Department:
- We offer four different OT programs for very different students:
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) - for people with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in starting a career in occupational therapy
- Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy - for occupational therapists with a bachelor’s degree who want to advance their career with a post-professional degree
- Doctor of Clinical Science (CScD) in Occupational Therapy - for occupational therapists with a master’s degree who want to develop advanced skills to the lead the field in evidence-based occupational therapy practice, education, advocacy, and system change
- Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science (PhD) - for individuals who want to become research scientists in the field
- Our department is located at Bridgeside Point, which is about a quarter of a mile from the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus. In addition to beautiful views of the Monongahela River and the city of Pittsburgh, we have a Research Apartment, a Training Apartment and three fully equipped teaching laboratories, including a pediatrics lab.
- The Doctor of Clinical Science (CScD) program is designed for working occupational therapists. Offered 100% online, the program can be completed on a part-time basis.
- Classes start in the Fall and Spring of each year.
- Through this program, you will earn a one-of-a-kind Advanced Practice Certificate. This certificate is also offered on a stand-alone basis.
- If you are interested in coming to Pitt from another country to study occupational therapy, the post-professional Master of Science (MS) program offers students the opportunity to personalize their plan of study to meet their professional goals, whether they are related to clinical practice or research.
- Pitt OT has a rich legacy of leadership. Incoming American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) President Alyson Stover is not only a three-time alumna (BS, MOT, JD) but an associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy. In 2017, the department had three of its faculty named to the AOTA’s list of the 100 most influential people during the field’s 100-year history: Drs. Elizabeth Skidmore, Margo Holm, and Joan Rogers.
Left to right: Joan Rogers, Margo Holm and Elizabeth Skidmore.
*Shares the #1 spot.
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Written by: Joanne Baird
PhD, OTR/L, CHSE, FAOTA
Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
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Updated April 23, 2024