Oct. 23, 2025
South College Atlanta has officially started its Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program with the first cohort beginning classes in June after earning candidacy status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
“We’re pleased to have the first cohort on campus and look forward to seeing our students progress through the doctorate program,” said Josh Huffaker, president of the South College Atlanta campus. “There is significant demand for healthcare practitioners in Atlanta, and we are committed to offering degree programs that empower professionals to further their skills and expertise while supporting the needs of employers in our region.”
The program can be completed in two years for full-time students and offers a hybrid learning model with online courses taught by highly qualified faculty members and immersive learning at on-campus laboratories with modern equipment.
Doctoral students will undergo instruction for patient screening and evaluation of best practices; evidence-based care for patients across the lifespan; research methods, design and analysis; professional leadership and advocacy; and community-based practice and health promotion.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2024 median pay for occupational therapists is $98,340 per year. The field is expected to grow at 11% through 2033 with nearly 10,000 openings projected each year over the next decade to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force for reasons such as retirement.
For additional information about the doctoral program, visit south.edu/program/doctor-of-occupational-therapy or call admissions at 404-282-3632. The campus is located at 2600 Century Parkway NE in Atlanta. Visit south.edu/location/atlanta for additional information.
Across its national footprint, South College offers an array of academic programs in business, education, healthcare and other fields. The institution was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1882 and now includes 10 physical campuses, online learning and competency-based education (CBE).
To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves nearly 17,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
