Doctoral capstone: Secrets to student success

Entry-level occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) programs are increasing. In May 2023, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE, 2023) listed 217 OTD programs in some phase of accreditation (82 accredited, 71 in process, and 64 applying). In contrast, the master's programs had 202 in some phase of accreditation (166 accredited, 12 in process, and 24 applying), with 31 accredited master’s programs transitioning to the OTD. With such growth in the entry-level OTD, OT programs may consider how they can identify key pedagogical and curricular work that will support students in obtaining the necessary skills for a terminal degree in occupational therapy at the doctoral level. The doctoral capstone is one key differentiator that allows students to develop the skills necessary to complete an individualized project, demonstrating synthesis and application of in-depth knowledge (ACOTE, 2020).