Graduation Requirements

Didactic Coursework

To graduate, you’ll need to complete all required coursework following the program’s semester‑by‑semester sequence. You must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and only grades A, B, or C count toward the degree. Because the program is designed as a full‑time experience, all didactic semesters must be taken full‑time.

You must successfully pass all required didactic coursework in order to move on to Level II Fieldwork.

Professional Behavior Expectations

Being a future occupational therapist means developing strong professional habits early. Throughout the program, you’re expected to demonstrate  professionalism, integrity, and respect—in the classroom, labs, community settings, and clinical experiences. Serious issues such as academic dishonesty or unprofessional conduct can lead to dismissal from the program.

Advising

Every student is paired with a faculty advisor who supports your academic and professional growth. You must meet with your advisor at least once each Fall and Spring semester. These meetings help ensure you stay on track, address concerns early, and keep your professional development records up to date.

Fieldwork

You will complete Level I and Level II Fieldwork Experiences. Your Level I Fieldwork will give you an introductory experience into occupational therapy practice. Your Level II Fieldwork gives you real‑world experience as an emerging clinician. You must complete two 12‑week full‑time placements, totaling 24 weeks/960 hours. You  are granted one chance to repeat a failed Fieldwork course. If you fail a fieldwork course, you are allowed a single repeat attempt across both Level II placements. You must pass this second attempt to remain in the program.   Fieldwork must be completed within 24 months after finishing your coursework.

You must pass all didactic coursework and both Level II Fieldwork courses to be eligible to begin the Doctoral Capstone Experience and to graduate from the program.

Doctoral Capstone Experience

Once coursework and Level II Fieldwork are complete, you’ll begin your Doctoral Capstone, which includes a Capstone Project and a Capstone Experience.

• Preparation for the Capstone begins in the Capstone I course, in the 5^th semester. You must pass a Capstone proposal defense at the end of Capstone I in order to proceed to Capstone II and Capstone Experience.
• The Capstone Experience lasts at least 14 weeks.
• You’ll work with a site mentor, a subject matter mentor, and your faculty advisor, and you’ll wrap up by sharing your project outcomes.

You must successfully pass Capstone I, Capstone II and Capstone Experience courses to graduate.

Other Program Requirements

Service & Professional Development Hours

You must complete 16 total hours of service and professional development—

• 8 hours serving the UTEP OTD Program, College of Health Sciences, or the University, and
• 8 hours participating in professional development or service to the OT profession.

These hours must be finished before starting Level II Fieldwork and documented with your advisor.

Health & Compliance Requirements

To ensure safety in clinical settings, all students must maintain up‑to‑date compliance, which may include:

• Required immunizations and titers (TB, MMR, Varicella, Hep B, etc.)
• Annual influenza vaccine
• CPR (AHA BLS) certification
• Health insurance
• Background check and drug screening
• Community‑Wide Orientation (CWO)

All documents must be submitted through the Medicat portal. Missing or expired documentation will prevent you from participating in fieldwork and may delay your progress in the program.