Innovative Programs. Established Impact. Historic Legacy.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Occupational Therapy offers nationally recognized, graduate-level education for both aspiring and licensed occupational therapists.
Our department emphasizes personalized mentorship, research, and career exploration. Faculty support begins with the admissions interview and continues throughout the student experience.
Programs include:
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Entry-Level Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- Ranked among the top 12 public university programs nationally (2025, U.S. News & World Report).
- Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
- Prepares students to become dynamic, evidence-based practitioners.
- Emphasizes hands-on fieldwork, interprofessional collaboration, leadership, and research.
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Post-Professional Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- 100% online, flexible format for licensed, experienced occupational therapists.
- Focuses on advanced clinical practice, professional leadership, research, and education.
- Graduates are expected to be prepared to contribute to evidence-based practice and serve in academic and consulting roles.
- Alabama’s only post-professional doctoral program in occupational therapy.
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Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate
- 15-credit program, online except for a single three-day on-campus seminar.
- Designed for occupational therapists and other professionals seeking advanced training in low vision rehabilitation.
- World’s preeminent low vision rehabilitation program for occupational therapists. More than half of occupational therapists with the SCLV designation are UAB alumni.
- Taught by faculty who contributed chapters to the AOTA-published textbook Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults with Low Vision.
- Affordable resident tuition for all students, regardless of location.
Learn more about the Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate.
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Multitiered Approach to Trauma Graduate Certificate
- 100% online, five-course graduate certificate tailored for working professionals.
- Prepares students to implement trauma-informed practices across disciplines.
- Core courses build foundational knowledge; final courses allow for application to individual practice areas.
- Optional phase I training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics™ (NMT).
- Ideal for occupational therapists as well as professionals in health care, education, public health, child welfare, mental health, and policy.
Learn more about the Multitiered Approach to Trauma Graduate Certificate.
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PhD in Rehabilitation Science
- Interdisciplinary research-focused program sponsored by the departments of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy.
- Designed for future leaders in academic teaching and rehabilitation research.
- Students learn to design research studies, deliver educational content, and apply research to practice.
- Emphasizes a holistic, evidence-based approach to improving rehabilitation outcomes.
- Graduates may pursue careers in academia, government, policy, or industry (non-clinical).
Our Purpose and Principles
Our Legacy
For more than 50 years, UAB’s Department of Occupational Therapy has been a leader in advancing the profession through innovation, education, and service. Our history reflects a longstanding commitment to excellence and a vision for continued impact.
Learn more about our history and milestones.
Ready to Learn More?
The Department of Occupational Therapy website offers a glimpse of how each of our programs can help you further your knowledge and career. If you have any questions, please contact us at 205-934-3568 or