How do I apply to the OTD Program?
Visit our听Program Admission page听for requirements and instructions.
What GPA is required?
A minimum 3.00 grade point average (on a 4.00-point system), calculated on the prerequisite courses and undergraduate degree.
Is there an application deadline for the selection process?
The Doctor of Science in Occupational Therapy (OTD) application will be available October 1 to February 15 of the academic year (for Fall semester start date).
Do you require the GRE?
No, the OTD Program does not require the GRE.
Is there an alternate list in case I am not invited?
Yes. Students who are not among the top 18 ranked students for the Fall 2025 start date will be placed on an alternate list.
For the Fall 2026 start date, the OTD program will accept 30 students. Students who are not among the top 30 ranked students for Fall 2026 will be placed on an alternate list.听
When will I find out if I am accepted?听
We have a rolling admissions process where students that have particularly high overall and prerequisite GPA's can be notified early. Example: 4.0 - 3.9 GPA (Weighting consists of 60% prerequisite GPA, 40% undergraduate). For those below 3.9 range, decisions will go out the first week of March.
What is a conditional invitation?
A conditional invitation is offered to students who are invited, via the selection process, to begin the professional program, but who have prerequisite work remaining and/or bachelor degree completion. These students are invited on the condition that the grades earned in the remaining prerequisite work and/or courses for degree completion, do not significantly affect their ranking among those who participated in the selection process.
Will I need to leave the area for one or both of the extensive fieldwork opportunities?
Probably. A student is assigned to a fieldwork site based on a number of factors, including the sites available, the student鈥檚 interests and the student鈥檚 educational needs.
Fieldwork Level I occurs in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, school systems, community sites and other health and wellness facilities and may be located across the United States.
Fieldwork Level II is completed in two different settings: one an hospital setting and the other a community type of setting. Level II fieldwork may be located throughout the United States, depending on the student鈥檚 individual assignment.
Before starting fieldwork experiences, student may be required to undergo additional drug testing, criminal background check, CPR certification, and/or additional health requirements.
What degree(s) will I have an opportunity to earn?
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy
I have a bachelor鈥檚 degree (e.g., psychology, health services, biology)鈥攚hat prerequisite courses do I need?
- BIOL 121: Anatomy and Physiology 1
- BIOL 122: Anatomy and Physiology 2
- PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology
- PSY 261: Lifespan Developmental Psychology
- PSY 322: Abnormal Psychology
- EXSC 383: Kinesiology or EXSC 392: Biomechanics
- HP 302: Biostatistics, or PSY 353: Research Methods and Statistics II, or STAT 241: Principles of Statistics
I already have taken some of the prerequisite courses with my Bachelor鈥檚 Degree. Is there a limit on how long ago I took the prerequisite courses?听
The required prerequisite courses听must听have been completed within the last听seven (7) years.
Are there any additional costs?
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In addition to regular university fees, student should expect to spend approximately $2,000 on textbooks, and approximately $300 on health requirements while in the program.
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Students should be prepared to assume living and travel expenses associated with fieldwork experiences. Fieldwork assignments may be out of state.
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Upon acceptance into the OTD program, students must submit a signed letter of acceptance and a non-refundable processing fee of $500 (required to hold a place for you in the OTD class) simultaneously. The fee will be deducted from the students fall tuition.
Are there health requirements for the OTD Program?
Prior to entering the OTD program, admitted students are required to have (specific information will be given to the accepted students upon receiving a signed letter of acceptance and a non-refundable processing fee):
- Current Immunizations
- CPR Certification
- Health Insurance
- Physical Exam
- Completion of the CNHP鈥檚 OSHA and HIPAA exams
- AOTA Membership
- Two-Step TB Test
- Influenza
- Criminal Background Check
- Drug Test
Visit the Health Requirements page for more information.
Will I have the opportunity to work while I am in the OTD Program?
The class schedule for full-time occupational therapy students is rigorous, although part-time employment during the evening or weekend hours is possible for some students.
What is the pass rate for the OTD Program?
Information regarding our pass rate can be found on OTD Student and Program Outcomes page.