Occupational Therapy

Transform the health and quality of life of individuals from diverse and global communities.

Since 1943, the UIC Department of Occupational Therapy has been integrating research, education and clinical practice in service to one vision: Creating Tomorrow’s Practice. We prepare students to be culturally responsive, client-centered and occupation-focused occupational therapists who become leaders and advocates in the profession.

We enact our mission in the context of a research-intensive university located in a world-class city that embraces diversity, social justice and community engagement. Faculty and students thrive in this rich environment that draws scholars committed to creating tomorrow’s practice.

We’re shaping the profession through our engagement in our Scholarship of Practice (SOP) model. Our SOP philosophy emphasizes a strong, reciprocal relationship between practice, evidence and stakeholders in the communities we interact with. Those stakeholders include individuals in community-based, non-medical practice settings and schools, as well as traditional, medically-oriented (clinical) practice settings. Applied to the E-OTD program, this philosophy underscores the importance of embedding learning in situations that link practice, evidence, and community.

Academic programs and deadlines

Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to participate in daily living. With strong knowledge of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup, in addition to contextual influences, occupational therapists use a holistic perspective to evaluate how a condition (or risk for one) affects a client’s body and mind and collaborate with the client toward meaningful outcomes. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and clients’ ability to participate in the important activities in their life. Occupational therapists are skilled health care professionals who use research and scientific evidence to ensure the effectiveness of their interventions.
Program	Description	Fall	Spring	Apply
Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate	For individuals who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another subject and want to become occupational therapists	Dec. 1		Apply
Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy	For registered occupational therapists that want to become advanced practitioners, educators, leaders or managers	Mar. 1	Nov. 1	Apply

Tuition and fees

Tuition is determined by the University of Illinois at Chicago. You can always see the most up-to-date information on the UIC Admissions website.

Financial aid

Finding your education can be complex, but we believe that money shouldn’t be a barrier to reaching your goals. We’re committed to making college affordable by helping you through the financial aid process.

Loans, grants, scholarships and student jobs can make college more affordable and accessible. Familiarize yourself with the options available to you, and contact us whenever you need help.

Office of Student Financial Aid

Scholarships and awards

College-specific scholarships and awards

Students in good standing who demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply to college-specific scholarship and awards. For a full listing, visit the AHS tuition and aid page.

Program-specific scholarships and awards

We offer academic achievement and financial need scholarships and awards to students who enroll in our programs. We do not offer scholarships or awards to applicants. View a complete listing of our program-specific scholarships and awards.

Lillian B. Torrance Scholarship
The Lillian B. Torrance Scholarship award provides tuition and fee assistance for BVIS, OT and PT students who have expressed an interest in rehabilitative activities or studies.

Complete program-specific scholarships and awards listing

Questions?

Understanding the financial process can be overwhelming, but we’re here for you. Reach out and we’ll help you find the answers you need.

You can contact Maria Larson-Juat at:
Email otdept@uic.edu
Phone 312.413.0124
Address 1919 W. Taylor St.
344 AHSB, MC 811
Chicago, IL 60612