How to Apply
The application process for incoming class of 2013 is now open. There are two options.
Option one - You can printout the application. (pdf)
Option two - You can fill out an online application.
The OT Admissions Committee meets from December through the end of March. Applications should be turned in November through January 11th.
Please contact us if you would like information about the upcoming admissions cycle for 2013.
(Note - We do not require the GRE. We do not use of the OTCAS application process.)
Admissions Cycle
Applications are accepted between August 15 and January 11. Below are some important admission dates
- Application Deadline December 5th through January 11th
- On-Campus Interviews January-March
- Admissions Decisions March
- Program Start August
Requirements
Observation Experience (20 hours minimum)
Applicants must demonstrate the accumulation of 20 hours of paid or volunteer experience. The method to document this experience is through the School of Occupational Therapy application. Please note: The Admissions Committee will consider the total number of hours accumulated, "at the time" you submit your application. No consideration will be given to hours projected for the future.
The Admissions Committee encourages seeking out observation experiences in diverse settings to provide an understanding of inpatient and outpatient populations. Examples may include, but are not limited to: hospitals, clinics ( pediatrics and hand therapy), private offices, and schools.
Interview
Based on the review of the application by the Admissions Committee, the most competitive applicants are invited for a personal interview. The interview is required and is a strong contributing factor in the admission decision. It allows the Admissions Committee to assess essential skills and factors which may not be reflected in the application. In the interview, consideration is given to candidates’ knowledge of the profession, motivation toward a career as an Occupational Therapist, ability to think clearly and logically, self-confidence, and verbal expression of ideas.
The interview requires approximately half a day and will include multiple events, listed below.
- The Interview
- A Q&A Session with Current Students
- Faculty Interaction
- A Classroom Visit
- A Writing Sample
- A Tour of the Health Professions Campus in Hillsboro, Oregon
- An Overview of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Life
Invited interview candidates will receive a 2-3 week notice to allow time to arrange travel and accommodations. The interview packet will provide further information about the area and recommended places to stay. The interview will take place at the new Health Professions Campus and can be accessed via the MAX Light Rail Transit train from the Portland metro area. Interview candidates for whom the on-campus interview is not feasible may request a telephone interview option that includes several components of the on-campus interview.
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. Individuals convicted of a felony may not be eligible for certification or licensing in Occupational Therapy. Students are urged to contact the appropriate certification or licenser agency for further information. Please select the following link to obtain information: The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy 12 South Summit Ave. Suite 100, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150, phone (301) 990-7979, fax (301) 869-8492.
