The Occupational Therapy Educational program at MUSC was the first professional, graduate entry-level program in the state of South Carolina. The entry-level OTD is distinguished among the nation’s finest occupational therapy doctoral programs through its commitment to supporting health and participation in life. The program embraces the university’s core values: compassion, collaboration, respect, integrity, and innovation.
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree prepares students for lifelong and rewarding careers. Graduates are prepared to improve the quality of life for people who experience difficulties and challenges to everyday living.
The final semester involves a Doctoral Capstone course. The 14-credit capstone course provides an in-depth, customized experience specific to the interests, skills, and professional goals of the occupational therapy student.
Submissions from 2026
Post-Stroke Depression (PSD) and Occupational Therapy (OT) Intensity: A Retrospective Medicare Claims Analysis, Lauren H. Allen
Through the GILLS: Translating Neurorehabilitation Principles into an Adaptive Aquatic Game and Caregiver Toolkit for Children and Adolescents with Acquired Brain Injuries, Elizabeth J. Blincoe
The Importance of Optimizing Engagement in Early Childhood Classrooms: The Development of an Evidence-Based Teacher Resource Kit, Elizabeth G. Campbell
Developing a Community Partnership Toolkit to Expand Vocational Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities in a Day Program Setting , Bonnie Chapman
Implementation of Standardized Volunteer Training Protocol to Support Executive Functioning Outcomes in Therapeutic Riding, Sydney R. Cornwell
Holding Hope: Empowering Parents Through Perinatal and NICU Palliative Care, Huntington N. Cotten
Enhancing Workplace Readiness Through Social Skills Training for Adults with IDD, Caroline Crowe
Addressing Sensory Processing and Regulation to Improve Developmental Outcomes in a NICU Developmental Clinic, Faith Crumley
Understanding Preeclampsia in High-Altitude Bolivia: Clinical Profiles and Development of Culturally Appropriate Resources, Katie J. Dace
Promoting Caregiver and Staff Education for Motor Development and Feeding Skills on a Pediatric Heart Center, Karina Dharia
Enhancing Occupational Therapy Education in Cancer Rehabilitation, Elizabeth A. Dorn
Integrating Pilates into Outpatient Occupational Therapy: A Complementary Approach to Traditional Rehabilitation, Ellie Drechsler
Improving Implementation and Effectiveness of Self-Regulation Strategies in Clinical and Home-Based Settings, Carlie M. Foltz
Variation in Rehabilitation Related Durable Medical Equipment Use and Cost Among Stroke Survivors: A Retrospective Analysis of Medicare Beneficiaries, Madison Gersper
Developing Pediatric Educational Resources for Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Students and New Employees, Alyssa Gottheiner
Collaboration in Acute Care: Enhancing Occupational Therapy Outcomes Through Canine Therapy Integration, Deanna Hamke
Developing a Video Case-Based Learning Module to Enhance Clinical Skill Confidence and Competence in Occupational Therapy Students, Skylar Herman
Promoting Self-Regulation and Classroom Participation Through Social-Emotional Learning Interventions at a Title 1 Elementary School, Emma L. Hidalgo
The Impact of Sensory Modulation through Multi-Sensory Stimulation within Dementia Day Centers, Kristin Hood
Evaluating a Low-Burden, Client-Centered Home Activity Program for Stroke Survivors: A Mixed Feasibility Study, Latia A. Jones
Creating an Effective Video Case-Based Teaching Tool to Enhance Undergraduate Clinical Skills, Tyler Kam
Fostering Engagement in Healthy Lifestyle Choices: A Health Management Curriculum for Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Gabriela Kay
Supporting Holistic Wellness in Transitional Housing: Implementation of a Wellness Program for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness, Ashley Lauren Kirk
Finding a Home Away from Home: An Accessible Hotel and Short-Term Rental Guide, Atley E. Livingston
Interprofessional Collaboration: A Functional Vestibular Screening Framework for Children with Hearing Loss, Corinne Marascio
Enhancing Pediatric Outpatient Occupational Therapy Through Self-Regulation Interventions, Teresa L. Marinaccio
Communication Culture: Visual Supports and Staff Education in Therapeutic Riding, Isabel R. Miller
Aligning Clinical Documentation with Payer Requirements to Improve Wheelchair Access, Alexandria Morales
Supporting Emotional Wellness After Neurologic Injury: Development of a Workbook to Improve Self-Awareness and Healthy Habits, Erin L. O'Donnell
Occupational Therapy in Adaptive Sports and Recreational Activities: Addressing Social Skills Deficits in Individuals with Disabilities, Deanna P. Pelfrey
Interventions for Geriatric Patients with Dementia in Inpatient Psychiatric Settings, Kenya Raybon
Supporting Educators Through Executive Function Education and Tier 1 Regulation Strategies in the Classroom, Sarah Robbins
The Implementation of the Neonatal Eating Outcome Assessment to Evaluate Oral Feeding Skills in the NICU, Katelyn J. Roloff
Enhancing Family Centered Care, Participation, and Well-Being in the NICU, Abigail Schweickhardt
Wellness in Action: Implementation of an Experiential Wellness Elective for Occupational Therapy Students, Heather Short
Translating Self-Regulation Concepts into Practice: A Pediatric Outpatient Occupational Therapy Activity Toolkit, Catherine Spaulding
Empowering Women Through Surf Therapy: A Trauma-Informed Facilitation Toolkit, Ashlie Steppe
From Fog to Function: An Occupational Therapist's Guide to Evaluating and Treating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments, Lauren E. Toner
Optimizing the Utilization of Interpreter Services in a Student Run Clinic, Mallory Vaclav
Stronger Bodies, Sharper Minds: Promoting Wellness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Through Exercise and Health Education, Michael Webb
Implementation of a Classroom-Based Sensory Regulation Toolkit to Enhance Participation in Students with Severe Disabilities, Camryn R. Woods
Submissions from 2025
Empowering Families in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Grace A. Avin
Preparing Adults with Intellectual Disabilities for External Employment and Increased Occupational Engagement, Ann B. Barwick
Enhancing Quality of Life Through Participant-led Programming for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities, Hannah Bolton
At Home Camp Programming to Improve the Quality of Life in Children with Disabilities and Medical Illnesses, Megan R. Boyleston
Heart2Sleep: A Pilot Study on Safe Sleep Practices to Prevent SUIDs on the Cardiac Unit at SJCH, Ember M. Carpenter
Maternal Physical and Mental Health in the State of South Carolina: Creating High-Quality Educational Materials, Elizabeth Chard
Implementing a Palliative Care Approach in Acute Care Occupational Therapy Practice, Gianina Concepcion
After-School Program for Teens with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Hayden E. Davis
Enhancing Wellbeing Through Caregiver Support: Improving Quality of life for Individuals with Special Needs and Complex Medical Diagnoses in Nicaragua, Jenna K. Devchand
Educational Resource Development for College Students with Intellectual & Developmental Disability: A Focus on ADLs and Mental Health, Regan Fosmire
Occupational Therapy’s Role in Palliative Care: Helping Those with Serious Illnesses Participate in Meaningful Activities, Sophie Gainey
Enhancing Caregiver Understanding of Pediatric Spasticity Through Multimodal Educational Resources, Maia Grams
Home Activity Resources in Senior Activity Centers, Skylar B. Hayes
Occupational Therapy in Oncology: Enhancing Quality of Life for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors, Anna C. Hildebrand
Development of a Mental Health Screening Protocol and Educational Materials for CARES Therapy Clinic, Darlene C. Horn
What About Participation? Using Key Form Mapping to Emphasize Community Participation in Stroke Survivors, Sarah E. Humphrey
The Neonatal Care Project: Empowering Parents Through Education and Support, Waverleigh Jenkins
Enhancing Understanding of Infant Cues and the Role of Rehabilitative Therapies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Lexie Jones
Occupational Therapy Guided Interactive Workbook for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Transition into the Workplace, Makayla Kirkley
Enhancing Mental Health Awareness and Sustainability: A Playbook and Needs Assessment Approach, Kenadee Kline
Expanding Health Literacy Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Developing and Delivering Educational Sessions, Mary H. Lambert
Empowering Future Practitioners: Using Constructivist Learning Strategies to Teach Occupational Therapy’s Role in Oncology Rehabilitation, Erin L. Latimer
Mindfulness in Motion: Development of a Post-Operative Protocol for Rotator Cuff Repair using Reformer Pilates, Carrington M. Lee
The Use of Equine-Assisted Services to Develop Life Skills and Improve Educational Outcomes in Young Adults with Disabilities, Mackenzie Marcum
Empowering Parents: Enhancing Burn Education to Reduce Anxiety in Pediatric Hospital Admissions, Kate Maslowski
Supporting Families and Providers of Children with Low Vision/ CVI Through Comprehensive Resource and Website Development, Alexandria D. McDonald
From Data to Impact: Integrating Research, Data Analysis, and Data Visualizations to Shape the Future of Stroke Rehabilitation, Abigail McNaughton
Developing Staff Training Modules to Enhance Neurodiversity-Affirming Care in an Inpatient Psychiatric Setting, Haley Morris
Occupational Therapy Assessment & Intervention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Lauren G. Murphy
Occupational Therapy's Role in Supporting Sustainable Trauma-Informed Wellness Practices in a Surfing Program for Women, Margaret J. O'Hara
Home Exercise Program Adherence in Stroke Rehabilitation: Analyzing Barriers and Evaluating the Efficacy of Problem-Solving Consultations, Caroline R. Paulk
Social-Emotional Activities to Decrease Problematic Behaviors, Ages 3-5, Michael Perez
Developing a Training Course for School Health Nurses to Decrease Stigma Towards People with Disabilities in Accra, Ghana, Ashley Peterman
Web-Based Wellness, Katherine Shipers
Safe & Steady: A Toolkit for Injury Prevention in Pickleball for Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease, Morgan T. Shires
Cultivating Resilience Through Play: An Educational Tool for Early Childhood Development, Lauren Soltis
Enhancing Physical and Mental Health for Children with Disabilities in Nicaragua, Grace Sudberry
Developing a Scheduling Method for Animal-Assisted Therapy in Acute Rehabilitation, Abbegayle Sutterfield
Improving Home Exercise Program Adherence in Stroke Survivors: Examining Influencing Factors and Developing Educational Resources for a Behavioral Intervention, Megan E. Thompson
Creating Caregiver Education Resources for Caregivers of Adults with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Mary C. Upton
Educational Resources for Social-Emotional Regulation in Children, Gabrielle A. Walker
Pediatric Hearing Loss: Screening for Developmental Delays Among Children with Hearing Aids, Kelsey Wallace
Nurturing Potential: Building Teacher Capacity to Support Infant Development in Low Income Daycares, Jeanae A. Williams
Submissions from 2024
Supporting Preschool Educators Through Developmental Resources to Promote Proper Development for Children Ages 0-5, Erin Adkins
Developing Educational Resources for Powerfully You, a Self-Regulation Program, Emily Bott
Development and Evaluation of a Training Program to Increase Caregiver Understanding of TheraBracelet, Molly Brinkhoff
Promoting Engagement of Male Individuals with Alzheimer’s in a Memory Day Care, Tara Brophy
Sensory Regulation and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Education and Resources for Providers, Kylie Bugbee