University of the Pacific Occupational Therapy (OTD)

  Photo by Ivan Samkov Think Now’s the Wrong Time for Grad School? Think Again. There’s a lot of chatter right now about student loans, cutbacks, and new federal policies shaking up higher education. Some of it feels heavy. Some of it feels unfair. And for many future students, it’s creating hesitation. But let me be clear. This is not the time to shrink back. This is the time to step forward. Here’s why enrolling in an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program— especially ours —is still one of the most innovative and powerful decisions you can make. Your Purpose Matters More Than Policy While laws and funding streams may change, our mission does not. We built this program for people who want to create change, stand up for others, and make a difference in the lives and communities. We are not here because it is easy. We are here because it is needed . If you have a purpose, we have a place for you. Affordability with Intention Yes, new loan limits are making headlines. But here’...

  Neurodivergent and Thriving: How OT Education Is Evolving to Be More Inclusive Occupational therapy (OT) is built on the foundation of supporting individuals in achieving their fullest potential—no matter their background, abilities, or needs. As awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow, graduate OT programs are responding by adapting curriculum, teaching practices, and learning environments to support all students—including those who are neurodivergent. If you’re exploring a future in OT, understanding how inclusive education is embedded into doctoral-level training can help you choose a program where you’ll thrive both academically and personally. What Does Neurodiversity Mean in OT Education? Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in the human brain and includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others. In education, this means recognizing that students learn and process information in different ways—and that these differences should be em...