The occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) capstone project is arguably the most significant milestone of any OTD program. The capstone project is where everything you've learned from academic coursework, fieldwork and professional experience combines with your unique passion for the profession to create a project that is meaningful in the field of occupational therapy.
It's both an intense and rewarding process, and this article will help you understand the basics of the OTD capstone project.
What Is an OT Capstone? Understanding the Doctoral Capstone Experience
The doctoral capstone experience is a student-led process, during which you'll work closely with a primary advisor and other secondary advisors and mentors. The entry-level capstone process formally begins after completing all coursework and Level II fieldwork; however, students may begin working with their advisor to choose a topic before completing all coursework. The post-professional capstone process may begin much earlier in the program, including choosing and refining a topic, as well as initiating a preliminary literature review and planning.
An entry-level OTD capstone is the culmination of experiential learning combined with in-depth knowledge to complete a project. As an OTD student, the capstone project is where you synthesize all that you've learned in OT school, along with your fieldwork and other experiences, to complete a comprehensive project. Entry-level OTD capstone project topics can be tailored to specific areas of need in general practice.
A post-professional OTD capstone also involves synthesizing academic knowledge and professional experience to create a comprehensive understanding of the field. However, post-professional OTD programs are designed for licensed occupational therapy practitioners with expertise in the field who seek to advance their practice, gain in-depth knowledge and acquire advanced academic and clinical skills. Post-professional OTD capstone projects may focus on specialized areas of practice, emerging practice areas, leadership, advocacy, research and scholarship.
Each OTD program will progress through the capstone at a slightly different pace and sequence of tasks, although they will all include a similar process. Regardless of which type of OT program you attend, the OTD capstone project involves completing three distinct stages of the process:
- Develop an idea and plan the project
- Implement the plan
- Dissemination of the findings
Develop an Idea and Plan the Project
Developing an idea involves selecting a topic and collaborating with your advisors to refine the topic. During this stage of idea development, you can expect to conduct a literature review, to summarize published work about your subject and to identify gaps where further knowledge is needed. Identifying these gaps in published work helps to demonstrate a need for additional research on your topic.
Once you complete this phase, you'll likely submit a proposal for your project, which your advisory board will approve. It is at this time that you'll specify your topic and describe the need for your research or project as demonstrated by the literature review. You will also need to submit your project or research for approval from your school or university to ensure that all ethical implications of your project or research are considered.
Planning the project involves deciding how you will gather data for your research or project, identifying your participants, and determining how and where you'll carry it out. Suppose your project is to create and provide a continuing education course to educate teachers about how to apply universal design for learning strategies to support students with visual impairment, for example. In that case, you need to plan where you'll provide the course, to whom and how you will gather data about effectiveness and learning outcomes (such as through pre- and post-tests).
Implement the Plan
Implementing the plan is the action part of your capstone and involves executing it in real time. During this phase, you will create a course, conduct research or participate in advocacy according to the specifics of your project.
Data is gathered and analyzed during this phase of the capstone. For example, analyze the percentage of participants who scored better on your post-test than on your pre-test to demonstrate the effectiveness of your course or presentation.
Dissemination of the Findings
Written Dissemination
The OTD capstone paper will serve as an in-depth, detailed review of your project idea, planning, implementation, findings and analysis. It is a scholarly, academic paper worthy of publication, demonstrating doctoral-level knowledge and skills.
Present Findings
During this phase of the OTD capstone, you present your findings to your advisory board, other mentors and possibly to other invited faculty and alums from your school or university.
Describe the subject of your topic, and describe the need for your project to fill a gap in the literature and research, as well as discuss how the project was interesting or meaningful to you personally.
- Describe how you carried out the plan for your project.
- Summarize your findings and what your data means for your project and the field of occupational therapy.
- Discuss the need for future research related to your topic.
Types of OTD Capstone Projects
Although each OTD program will vary, the types of capstone project opportunities typically include these types of projects:
- Research in a clinical or academic setting focusing on the effectiveness of an intervention.
- Program Development
- Administration and Leadership
- Advocacy and Education
Three Tips for OTD Capstone Success
1. Start Planning a Topic Early
Consider your interests, what excites you, and why you chose to pursue occupational therapy as a career.
2. Be Realistic About Implementation
You may be very passionate about a topic or intervention, but it's essential to consider how you'll gather data. Consider whether it's realistic to conduct clinical research where you work or to present a short course in your community. You may need to adjust your topic or setting to implement your project effectively.
3. Build Strong Connections
Building relationships with your advisors, mentors, and other OTD students is essential for staying on track, refining your topic, and overcoming hurdles (there will always be a few). Listen carefully to advice and be open to receiving both positive and constructive feedback.
Why the OT Capstone Matters: Advancing Occupational Therapy Practice
The capstone project is the cornerstone of the OTD journey, distinguishing the doctorate-level degree from a master's degree. It involves an intensive, multi-step process that is an opportunity to focus on an area of interest and need in the field of occupational therapy.
Although it is a student-led experience, there will be strong mentorship throughout the process, and you'll gain not only in-depth knowledge about a topic but also develop scholarly skills that will continue to be valuable throughout your occupational therapy career.
