Occupational Therapy, Entry-Level (ELOTD)

Tuition fees are 20,268 USD per year, while the program admits students on a rolling basis.

This is an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ELOTD) program for students holding a bachelor's degree. It offers real-world experience through a doctoral project in students' areas of interest, preparing them for roles in leadership, advocacy, research, program development, and advanced clinical practice. The program emphasizes leadership development with dedicated advisors and opportunities for advocacy and professional service.

Focus areas include Leadership.

This is a seven-term, 99-credit-hour program structured as a full-time cohort.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) exam to become certified occupational therapists (OTR®).

A bachelor's degree is required. Applications are submitted via OTCAS.

The programme totals about 99 credit hours. Full-time, cohort program, completed in 28 months. For international students, tuition is below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 70% of applicants.

Chatham University in Pittsburgh, founded in 1869, is a coeducational institution of about 2,800 students offering 61 academic programs. The campus is known for its green setting and an institutional focus on sustainability that informs many majors and campus practices. Small class sizes and accessible faculty mentoring create a supportive learning environment where applied projects and community engagement are central to the student experience.

Academically, Chatham emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research projects, and community partnerships that help students translate classroom learning into practical skills. Popular areas include sustainability studies, health sciences, business, and creative fields, with flexible graduate and undergraduate pathways that encourage interdisciplinary study. International students, while a smaller portion of the community, receive targeted orientation, advising, and career support to help build networks and find internships in the Pittsburgh region.

Campus life blends focused study with active student organizations, sustainability initiatives, and hands-on learning opportunities. Pittsburgh’s cultural scene, hospitals, and tech and nonprofit sectors expand internship and employment possibilities for students. Prospective international applicants should connect early with Chatham’s international student office to plan visas, housing, and funding options; highlight practical experience or sustainability projects in applications to align with the university’s strengths.