Admissions
In making admission decisions, the School of Occupational Therapy Admission Committee reviews the application and considers many factors including
- Interpersonal and self-management skills, which include the ability to assume responsibility for one's own personal and professional development
- Academic performance prerequisite courses are considered most critically
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing
- Letters of reference
- Evidence of observation and understanding of the role of occupational therapy services for clients across the age span and in multiple arenas of practice, including
- Rehabilitation
- Mental Health
- Public Schools
- Completeness of application forms and the care expended in preparing their content
- General knowledge and self-generated interest in the study of human occupation (the way people use their time in self care, work and leisure activities
Based on the criteria listed above, selected applicants are invited for on-campus interviews. The on-campus interview process is required and is a major factor in the admission decision. It allows the applicant the opportunity to assess her/his "fit" with the program and also allows the admission committee to assess essential skills and traits that may not be reflected in the application. In the interview, the committee considers
- Knowledge of the breadth and scope of the profession
- Motivation for pursuing a career in occupational therapy
- Interpersonal and interactive skills
- Self-confidence
- Verbal expression of ideas
- Ability to articulate personal values and beliefs regarding issues of "health"
More Information
Health Professions Campus Video Tour
GRADUATES OF THE PROGRAM WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO SIT FOR THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION FOR THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ADMINISTERED BY THE NATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFICATION IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (NBCOT). AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS EXAM, THE INDIVIDUAL WILL BE AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, REGISTERED (OTR). IN ADDITION, MOST STATES REQUIRE LICENSURE TO PRACTICE; HOWEVER, STATE LICENSES ARE USUALLY BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION. A FELONY CONVICTION MAY AFFECT A GRADUATE’S ABILITY TO SIT FOR THE NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION OR ATTAIN STATE LICENSURE.
