The post-professional OTD curriculum is designed to prepare

practicing occupational therapists to become advanced practitioners

capable of serving as evidence-based leaders. The capstone

component is an integral part of the program. It is designed to

develop occupational therapists with advanced knowledge/skills in

one of the following eight areas: clinical practice, research skills,

administration, leadership, program and policy development,

advocacy, education, or theory development.

With a keen understanding of the responsibilities of the practicing

occupational therapist that holds a master’s degree, this mission is

accomplished by entering a two-year, part-time online program.

It combines web-based instruction with a one-time campus visit

to present the Capstone to faculty and students. Our program is

unique in that post-professional OTD students have an opportunity

to interact with both MSOT students at the Erie, PA campus and

entry-level OTD students at the Ruskin, FL campus.

The mission of the post-professional Occupational Therapy

Doctorate (ppOTD) program is to enable occupational therapists in

any practice area or other position in health, education, community

practice or other arenas to develop roles and skills beyond that of the

therapist-clinician; to educate them to become practitioner-scholars

who can translate knowledge (including cross-disciplinary theories

and research) into practice and who are capable of serving as agents

of change in new and expanded arenas. This mission is accomplished

with a keen understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the

practicing occupational therapist that holds a master’s degree by

offering a two-year, part-time online program. It combines webbased

instruction with one on-campus (Erie, PA) requirement at the

end of their program. Students come to campus and present their

capstone work in both poster and oral presentation format.

Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Gannon’s faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, The University offer a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility.

Gannon is located in Pennsylvania's fourth largest city and one of the busiest ports on the Great Lakes. Gannon’s urban campus, in the middle of downtown Erie, is within a two hour drive of Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. The unique location and facilities create a special atmosphere conducive to learning, scholarship, research, service, and personal growth.

Receive your degree in targeted, high-demand fields from wherever you are. Gannon’s distance programs provide flexible and current educational opportunities to expand your career options.

Think about what you love to study, or where you imagine yourself working, or what you want to accomplish in the future. It’s possible at Gannon. Over 100 academic programs, including online and traditional Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree options mean countless possibilities. Each of the majors includes opportunities to work and learn in professional settings.

Gannon is a community founded on honor, courage and achievement. These values carry into every aspect of life at Gannon: in athletics and academics, in our global travels, and in the communities we serve.