Occupational Therapy program milestone highlights expansion of doctoral education on campus.
By Camila Chavarria, Co-Managing Editor
Cal State Dominguez Hills is set to mark a milestone in its 60-year history when the university’s first doctoral cohort walks the stage at Spring Commencement this May. The Occupational Therapy Doctoral program (OTD) will graduate students outside of education for the first time in the university’s 60-year history.
The program, which has offered a master’s program for more than 20 years, now also offers a three-year doctorate. Occupational therapists help patients dealing with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities regain strength and relearn skills for daily living.
The road to graduation this spring has been a long one for the OTD cohort. Professor and program coordinator Jennifer Taosuvanna told The Bulletin that the first cohort is currently completing its eighth semester at DH.
“We knew that it’s been a goal for over many years and it’s been in the works for many years. It’s actually taken quite a bit of time to actually begin this process,” Taosuvanna said. “I know our department chair, Dr. Terry Peralta-Catipon, started this vision over 10 years ago knowing she wanted to create a doctorate program to give diversity to our field and our community.”
A Toro alumna, Taosuvanna recalled hearing talk of a doctorate program years ago but never imagined what it would look like. Now, she said, “I feel amazing knowing we started the program and are on the path to finish our first class.”
In a Sept. 11 email to The Bulletin, Provost Philip LaPolt called the program a turning point for the university.
LaPolt said: “This pioneering cohort represents both their commitment to advancing occupational therapy and our university’s dedication to doctorate education, marking a significant milestone for our university.”
The university’s other new doctoral program, the Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership for Justice, will graduate its first cohort in 2027. According to LaPolt, a proposed Doctor of Nursing Practice is also awaiting approval, contingent on resources needed to support its launch.
Putting in the work
The entry-level OTD requires completion of 120 units over nine consecutive semesters. Students complete courses in human anatomy, statistics, abnormal physiology, kinesiology, and professional development, including how to design a business and financial plan. Taosuvanna said the OTD practicum, called interventions, focused on treating specific conditions and injuries.
“If someone has had spine surgery recently, they are taught how to help the patient get up from bed, how to move, and how to go back to living their daily life activities, like taking a shower or getting dressed,” Taosuvanna said.
The department maintains three lab rooms on campus outfitted with hospital beds, IV lines and other medical equipment, along with pediatric therapy tools such as swings and bolsters. Faculty use these to train students before they enter professional practice.
“Last semester, I took [an] OT in hippotherapy course about how OT can use horses as a part of therapy, which was super fun,” said Ysabelle Chivi, a second-year OTD student. “I’m also looking forward to a Neuro Rehab and a horticulture elective.”
Chivi said that the program received accreditation recently, adding that it’s been “interesting” to be part of a growing discipline at CSUDH. She noted that OTD students have provided their feedback to help shape and develop the program.
“I used to worry about choosing one job and getting stuck in it forever, but with OT, there are so many different roles you can take on—how could I get bored?” Chivi said. “It’s creative, it’s fun, and it’s still grounded in science, which felt like the perfect balance for me.”