Healing through holistic care
Des Moines University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program supports the health, wellbeing and occupational engagement of all people, communities and populations by preparing compassionate and competent leaders of occupational therapy practice.
Our program prepares students with the knowledge, skills and experience to provide occupational therapy services that improve engagement in everyday activities and promote enjoyment of life to its fullest. Our students develop the expertise to become caring and competent providers in diverse local and global communities. The program curriculum prepares students to be reflective practitioners who facilitate health promotion, prevention, and wellness through occupation- and evidence-based practice, professional reasoning, scholarship, interprofessional collaboration and innovation.
The Future of Health Care Education is Here
Discover the new home of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences.
Accreditation Status
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association, located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered. In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Des Moines University submitted an application for the O.T.D. program and was approved by the Higher Learning Commission in May 2022.
University Partnerships
Des Moines University has partnered with other universities and colleges to create opportunities for students to receive a guaranteed interview and/or concurrently earn credit toward undergraduate and O.T.D. degrees.
The O.T.D. program offers many unique opportunities to students. It has recently partnered with The University of Iowa Health Care to invite a second-year student to the Iowa Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program.
Transforming Health Sciences From the Ground Up
8025 Grand Avenue is the new home of Des Moines University.
Located on 88 acres in West Des Moines, DMU’s state-of-the-art campus serves as the foundation for powerful, evolutionary trends in education and health care delivery.
Diversity at DMU: Your culture creates ours
Cultural competency and humility is part of the personal and professional development that happens at DMU. Our campus environment is shaped by individuals who bring cultural differences, life experiences and distinct characteristics.
Welcome to Campus: See for Yourself What We’re All About
DMU offers opportunities to get involved in experiences outside the classroom. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all our students.
Living in Greater Des Moines: Your new favorite place
Besides being a great place to live and work, the greater Des Moines metro is a vibrant area with communities from all walks of life. Ethnic grocery stores, restaurants and year-round events ensure that there’s always something for everyone.
