PRE-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Quick Links:
OTCAS
| How can I be competitive for Occupational Therapy school? |
Admission to Occupational Therapy school is a competitive process. It is vitally important that Pre-Occupational Therapy students prepare themselves to be competitive applicants during their undergraduate years.
Applicants are evaluated on a holistic level, with consideration on GPA, GRE scores, Occupational Therapy shadowing/experience, and volunteer and leadership experiences.
Work closely with your Pre-Health counselor who can assist you with:
- Pre-requisite academic planning
- Extra-curricular considerations (i.e. shadowing, Occupational Therapy experience, volunteering, etc.)
- OTCAS and the application process
- GRE planning
- Writing personal statements
- Letters of recommendation
- Mock interviews
| GPA AND GRE |
NOTE
: All grades received for college credit will likely be calculated into your GPA, even if you have retaken courses. If you have taken any courses at a different school or if you have retaken courses, your UVU GPA will not likely reflect the accurate GPA calculation for OT schools.
GPA is a vital part of your application to Occupational Therapy programs. OT programs will consider your science GPA, non-science GPA and cumulative GPA.
Average GPA considered: 3.2
The GRE revised General Test is a standardized examination required by many OT programs as part of your application. Research your schools of interest to determine if you need to take the GRE.
| OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SCHOOLS |
OT programs vary in their admissions requirements, program delivery, degrees awarded, missions, and quality. It is important to research Occupational Therapy schools to determine which schools fit your interests and needs most.
| PRE-REQUISITE COURSES |
Note:
Occupational Therapy programs determine their own individual requirements. It is important for you to research the specific requirements for each school you are interested in applying to.
Your Pre-Health counselor will help you plan your pre-requisite courses, ensuring a doable sequence and proper timeline. It is recommended you prioritize the registration of pre-requisite courses over major and general education requirements as you may often finish some requirements during the application process.
| EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES |
Many Occupational Therapy programs use the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). OTCAS allows you to apply to several schools without filling out multiple applications. OTCAS usually opens early July and runs for nearly one year per admissions cycle. Follow the application instructions required by each school you plan to apply to.
Plan to apply to Occupational Therapy school as soon as pre-requisites are completed (or almost completed), starting in July. Ideally, students will apply to OT programs approximately one year prior to graduation.
| THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY APPLICATION |
Extra-curricular activities help Occupational Therapy programs evaluate your potential as a clinician and professional. They can help you stand out as an applicant and demonstrate your motivation for pursuing a career in healthcare.
| FAQ'S |
- What if I my grades are poor from some of my earlier semesters? Can I still go to OT school?
- I have done a lot of volunteer and leadership with my church, but that doesn’t count, does it?
- What should I major in?
- How do I apply to schools that do not use OTCAS?
- How much money will I make as an Occupational Therapist?
- What is the job market like for Occupational Therapists?