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Westerfield University of Virginia
Flexible, Career-Focused Degrees

Doctorate in Health Sciences — Nursing & Occupational Therapy Online Doctoral Nursing & Occupational Therapy Program at WUV

Doctorate in Nursing & Occupational Therapy at WUV

Credit Hours54

Total Courses9

Term Length3–5 Year Self-Paced

Program Overview Why earn your Doctorate in Nursing & Occupational Therapy at WUV?

The Doctorate in Health Sciences — Nursing & Occupational Therapy at Westerfield University of Virginia is WUV's research-intensive doctoral program in nursing and occupational therapy. Students develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, prepare and defend an original thesis, and produce a substantial dissertation contributing new knowledge to nursing and occupational therapy science. The Doctorate is the terminal research degree and is designed for practicing professionals pursuing academic, clinical leadership, or high-level research careers.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodology
  • Thesis preparation, defense, and scholarly writing
  • Biostatistics and epidemiological analysis
  • Original dissertation research design and execution
  • Scholarly contribution to nursing and occupational therapy science
  • Academic and professional leadership in nursing and occupational therapy
Doctorate Nursing & Occupational Therapy program at WUV

Courses & Curriculum Research and dissertation curriculum

This 54-credit Doctorate program includes 9 doctoral-level courses — research methods, five preparatory thesis courses, and a final dissertation. Entry requirement: Master's degree.

Thesis Courses

Research methodology, thesis writing, and analytical foundations for doctoral study.

PHD-940Qualitative and Quantitative Research
PHD-941Preparing a Thesis
PHD-942Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Research Courses

Sequential preparatory thesis research guiding students through independent nursing and occupational therapy inquiry.

ST-943Preparatory Thesis I
ST-944Preparatory Thesis II
ST-945Preparatory Thesis III
ST-946Preparatory Thesis IV
ST-947Preparatory Thesis V

Dissertation

Original scholarly research culminating in a full dissertation submitted to the WUV doctoral committee.

T-948Dissertation

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A Master's degree in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or a related discipline is required for admission to the Doctorate program. Provide official transcripts from your graduate program.
After acceptance, work with WUV's doctoral faculty to define your research focus and begin your thesis and dissertation work at your own pace.

Career Outlook What can you do with a Doctorate in Nursing & Occupational Therapy?

A Doctorate in Health Sciences — Nursing & Occupational Therapy from WUV is the highest academic credential in the field and prepares you for leadership roles in academia, clinical practice, and research:

  • Nursing & Occupational Therapy Professor / Faculty — Teach and conduct research at colleges and universities.
  • Clinical Rehabilitation Research Scientist — Lead original rehabilitation research at academic institutions, government agencies, or private research organizations.
  • Director of Rehabilitation Services — Oversee occupational therapy departments and drive clinical quality improvement.
  • Occupational Health Consultant — Advise health systems and employers on rehabilitation and occupational health programs.