Doctoral Capstone
Our dynamic curriculum accounts for the ever-changing state of the healthcare field. The curriculum prepares the student to work in any occupational therapy treatment setting, with enhanced knowledge related to emerging practices, technological advances, and global practice. Students will use the knowledge that they gain in the areas of leadership and scholarship to assist in guiding their capstone experience and project. Our doctoral students are prepared with the unique knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for meeting the community and global societal needs in the present and future.
Capstone Course Sequence
Capstone Project Proposal, 2 credits
This course is the first of the capstone sequence and will prepare students for their Capstone Residency and Project. Students will explore their interest area(s) for their residency and identify relevant projects. Students will create a plan for development of their capstone with clear learning objectives that demonstrate a focus on in-depth knowledge. This course provides students with foundational work for the 14-week Capstone Residency and Project (HAO 691 Capstone Residency and HAO 692 Capstone Project Completion and Dissemination). Students must demonstrate proficiency on a certification practice exam to demonstrate entry-level practice competency, a requirement prior to their doctoral studies. After passing the exam, students will be provided with an overview of the residency experience and identify their desired outcomes for their residency experience.
Capstone Residency, 14 credits
The full-time, 14-week doctoral capstone experience is the second course in the doctoral capstone sequence. The capstone residency enables students to achieve specialized skills in one or more of the following areas: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and/or policy development, advocacy, education, theory development, or other innovative practice. Under the supervision of an expert mentor, students will execute their doctoral capstone plan established in HAO 690 by meeting the individualized objectives and completing a relevant culminating capstone project. Doctoral residency develops students with the advanced skills (beyond the generalist level), necessary to achieve higher-level practice-scholar competencies. The students will implement the capstone project proposal developed in the Capstone Project Proposal course.
Capstone Project Completion and Presentation, 2 credits
This course builds upon previous capstone course work (HAO 690 Capstone Project Proposal and HAO 691 Capstone Residency). The student will complete their capstone project results and disseminate them in a written or oral format. The dissemination process provides students with the opportunity to share the knowledge that they have created through their capstone project. Students are required to present their individual capstone projects to the students and faculty of the School of Health Professions. Students are also encouraged to submit their work for written publication and conference presentations.
