10 Benefits of a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

A post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (DrOT) opens the doors to advanced career opportunities commanding higher salaries and increased responsibilities. Additionally, there are a plethora of other benefits of a doctor of occupational therapy.

This article will share 10 benefits of earning your post-professional doctor of occupational therapy and how it can help you propel your career forward. Read on to learn about the various reasons you may want to consider continuing your education in occupational therapy (OT).

10 Benefits of Earning a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

There are plenty of reasons professionals choose to earn their post-professional doctor of occupational therapy, but here are 10 of the top benefits.

1. Higher-Paying Career Opportunities

With a DrOT, graduates can expect to gain access to higher-salary career opportunities in the field. Reach your professional goals by advancing your occupational therapy knowledge and building leadership skills. With more education and experience typically comes higher-paying job opportunities, no matter the industry. This is particularly true in occupational therapy. While a master’s degree is required to become a practicing occupational therapist, a DrOT will put you ahead of the competition.

2. Specialization

Most post-professional doctor of occupational therapy programs place a heavy emphasis on research, giving students the unique opportunity to delve deeper into an area of interest. This specialized knowledge can make a graduate an invaluable asset to an OT practice. Specialization in occupational therapy can include assistive technology, aquatic therapeutic exercise, brain injuries, pediatrics, mental health, etc.

3. Leadership Roles

A doctorate degree is akin to a stamp of approval in the eyes of many employers. Earning your DrOT may help you land clinical leadership positions within OT practices because it provides you with the advanced skillset necessary to succeed in these roles. In a DrOT program, you will enhance your leadership abilities and become better equipped to manage others in a clinical setting.

4. Apply Advanced Knowledge to Your Practice

If you are interested in staying at your current practice, a DrOT will help you improve your skills and knowledge of current OT practices. Continuing your education will position you as more valuable and better qualified to take on more specialized patients. These advanced clinical skills and up-to-date education will give you the keys to leveling up your care at your current OT practice. Improve client outcomes and lead other licensed occupational therapists in evidence-based practice.

5. Open a Private Practice

Another benefit of a doctorate in occupational therapy is the confidence it can give you in opening your own private practice. Opening a private OT practice can be a bit nerve-wracking, but with advanced education, you can feel more secure in your entrepreneurial decision. Opening a private practice allows you the freedom to tailor your services to meet the specific needs of your clients. You can create a warm and inviting environment that promotes healing and growth. Plus, you have the autonomy to implement innovative therapy techniques and approaches that you’re passionate about.

6. Pursue Academic Roles

A doctoral program in occupational therapy sets graduates up to pursue academic or research roles in the OT space. A doctoral degree provides you with the advanced research skills to conduct thorough and accurate research that can be used to advance the field of occupational therapy. Earning your DrOT equips you with the expertise and research experience to pursue academic or administrative-based roles in occupational therapy.

7. Work in an Emerging Practice Area

Another direction you may choose is to work in an emerging or unconventional practice area of occupational therapy. With a strong research background and a passion for helping others through occupational therapy, you could be on the cutting edge in advancements in occupational therapy services. Emerging practice areas include telehealth, virtual reality, and sleep management. These areas and others that are sure to emerge in the future are opportunities to move the needle forward and be ahead of the curve in OT.

8. Research and Publication Opportunities

With a DrOT, you will very likely have completed copious amounts of research which you could use for publication opportunities. Current occupational therapists with doctoral degrees are regarded as experts in the field and are given opportunities to conduct research and appear in industry publications such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This is an exciting prospect for some occupational therapists who enjoy diving head-first into industry research and being recognized for their efforts in advancing the field.

9. Personal Fulfillment

Increase your ability to think critically and gain confidence in your expertise with additional graduate-level education. Personal fulfillment is another important benefit of earning your post-professional doctor of occupational therapy. You can sit back and feel accomplished for achieving the highest level of occupational therapy education and being dubbed “Dr.” Graduates should feel immense pride for the work they completed to earn a doctorate degree in occupational therapy.

10. A Wider Range of Career Opportunities

With a DrOT, you can broaden your reach when it comes to career opportunities as a licensed occupational therapist. You will no longer be limited by the qualification of having a doctorate degree. After completing your degree, you will have access to a wide range of career opportunities in the field of OT that you might have never even considered. This gives you peace of mind that you will be a competitive candidate for roles in the occupational therapy world and other healthcare disciplines.

Valparaiso University’s DrOT Program Supports Career Advancement

Valparaiso University is a premier learning institution offering a post-professional doctor of occupational therapy 100% online. With this flexible occupational therapy program, students can continue their education without interrupting their professional lives.

Valpo’s DrOT does not require a master’s degree for admission and students with a bachelor’s degree and one year of work experience can apply.

Valpo’s online DrOT program is specifically designed to cultivate advanced occupational therapy professionals who possess a deep commitment to lifelong learning and a strong dedication to collaborating with other professionals in various disciplines.

Experience the benefits we discussed above by earning your DrOT from Valparaiso University. Apply now or book a call to learn more about our program to get started.