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)
Designed for students who hold or will complete a bachelor’s degree prior to entering the program.
- 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)
Designed for licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants with a bachelor’s degree.
- Alabama’s only post-professional doctoral program in occupational therapy.
- Prepares students to contribute to evidence-based practice and serve in academic and consulting roles.
- Focuses on advanced clinical practice, professional leadership, research, and education.
- Flexible, 100% online format.
- Offers in-state tuition rates to all students regardless of location.
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Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate
Designed for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants with a bachelor’s degree, and other professionals involved in vision rehabilitation.
- Recognized as the leading low vision rehabilitation program for occupational therapists worldwide. 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.
- Provides working professionals with advanced training in low vision rehabilitation.
- 15-credit program with all classes online plus a single three-day on-campus seminar.
- Offers in-state tuition rates to all students regardless of location.
Learn more about the Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate.
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Multitiered Approach to Trauma Graduate Certificate
Designed for occupational therapists and professionals in social work, healthcare, education, public health, child welfare, mental health, and policy.
- Prepares students to implement trauma-informed practices across disciplines.
- Combines foundational coursework with application-focused modules tailored to specific practice areas.
- Offers optional phase I training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics™ (NMT).
- 100% online, five-course graduate certificate tailored for working professionals.
- Offers in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of location.
Learn more about the Multitiered Approach to Trauma Graduate Certificate.
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PhD in Rehabilitation Science
Designed for students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational or physical therapy or other health-related professions.
- Interdisciplinary research-focused program sponsored by the departments of occupational therapy and physical therapy.
- Prepares students to become 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 pursue careers in academia, government, policy, or industry.
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