Admission Requirements
Applicants must apply through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application (OTCAS) which is available on our apply now page.
Candidates must have completed the following prerequisite courses with a "C" or better prior to beginning the program (Click here to view course descriptions). If you would like to have your courses evaluated to determine whether they meet the requirements, please utilize Transferology for this purpose. Click here to access our Transferology Guide for instructions.
- Evidence of completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution prior to beginning the doctoral program.
- Completion of the
Occupational Therapy Central Application Service (OTCAS) and Traditional College program supplemental application materials.
- Three satisfactory professional recommendations.
Selection of Applicants
A number of factors are considered during the selection process. Categories include:
- GPA (minimum 3.0)
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Involvement in extracurricular and community service activities
- Understanding of the profession
- Professional recommendations
- Written and verbal skills
- Leadership
While the application criteria serve as general guidelines, final decisions are based on a review of the student's entire record.
Students enrolled at the University of Findlay are given special consideration.
First-Time Freshmen
Application to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program is a two-step process. Your first step is to apply to the University of Findlay and then get accepted into the program during your senior undergraduate year.
Early Assurance Program
High school seniors have the option to apply for Early Assurance. These applicants are required to complete their bachelor's degree at the University of Findlay. Students can choose any bachelor's degree that meets the required prerequisites for the OTD Program. We recommend working toward a bachelor's degree in
exercise science, intervention specialist, psychology, social work, or wellness & health promotion, as they have clear pathways to the OTD Program.
If granted undergraduate admission and the following criteria are met, the applicant will be sent a supplemental early assurance application:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- 24 or higher on the ACT or 1180 or higher on the SAT
The supplemental early assurance application allows high school seniors to provide the reviewers with information regarding extracurricular activities and community service as well as performance in other areas pertinent to granting an invitation to participate in the Early Assurance Program.
In order to maintain early assurance candidacy status, once they begin undergraduate courses at UF, students will be required to:
- Meet with an identified occupational therapy advisor once per semester to ensure that the student maintains the requirements of the Early Assurance Program.
- Have all Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program prerequisites completed by the end of senior year.
- Complete and submit the intent to enroll application and the occupational therapy advisor verification of status during the application cycle prior to their intended start date.
Bachelor Degree Holding Students
Students who already possess or are completing a baccalaureate degree from any university, and are seeking admission to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program must apply to the University of Findlay through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) through our
apply now page.
Minimum Standards for Technology
Students are expected to have their own computers and are required to use laptop computers during on-campus classes and class activities. Students must acquire and maintain the minimum technology requirements set forth by the University of Findlay. Minimum requirements can be found
HERE.
OT Program Technical Standards
The OT program encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or status as a veteran of any conflict and disability status. The University of Findlay Master of Occupational Therapy program exceeds the entry-level standards established by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association and prepares graduates who we believe are competent for entry-level practice. It is the intent of the
Technical Standards to describe the overall academic skills, professional role skills, and therapeutic skills required to successfully complete the program and practice as an occupational therapist.
Accreditation Status
The University of Findlay’s entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has been granted Accreditation with a 7 year review cycle by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is
www.acoteonline.org.
Graduates 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, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.