The Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone is the culminating component of the OTD and aims to provide in-depth exposure to one or more of the following areas of focus: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development (ACOTE®, 2018). The Doctoral Capstone includes the doctoral capstone project and experience. The doctoral capstone process is integrated throughout the curriculum to support the OTD student in creating and implementing an individualized project that showcases their learning, growth, and advanced skills in practice or scholarship.
Doctoral Capstone Components
Sequence of the Capstone Timeline and Process
Spring: Year 1
OT 749: Capstone Overview
- Build foundational knowledge about the capstone process and experience
- Brainstorm ideas for capstone
Fall: Year 2
OT 759: Capstone Planning
- Develop an initial idea for capstone project
- Explore capstone tracks and commit to a track
- Identify potential capstone sites and mentors
Spring: Year 2
OT 769: Capstone Proposal Development
- Design and develop individual capstone projects in track-specific sections
- Choose a capstone site and mentor
- Collaborate with capstone site to complete literature review, needs assessment, learning objectives, MOU
Spring: Year 3
OT 779: Capstone Project
- Demonstrate synthesis and application of knowledge gained
- Disseminate project
OT 789: Capstone Experience
- Complete 14-week in-depth exposure in an area of focus