Applying to Occupational Therapy School
Occupational Therapy programs require various prerequisites for admission and consider a variety of clinical and non-clinical experiences. This typically includes:
- A bachelor's degree
- Specific prerequisite coursework
- Standardized test scores
- Demonstrate an understanding of the field
Become an OT
Learn more about the profession -
Occupational Therapy doctorate (OTD) vs. Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA): https://www.aota.org/career/become-an-ot-ota/about-the-profession
Find a Program: https://www.aota.org/education/find-a-school
Common pathways @ ODU
What major should you choose? You can major in anything and apply to OT school. Admissions requirements vary from school to school, so you should do your research to make sure you have a plan to meet all of the requirements needed for your schools of interest. The Health Pathways page provides information about health-related programs at ODU. This is a good place to start exploring options to make sure you've chosen your best fit major.
Heading: How to Build a Competitive Application:
Most programs have a minimum GPA, typically at least 3.0 but many programs have an average GPA of 3.5 or higher for admitted students. You'll apply through a Centralized Application Service, or CAS. The link below explains how GPAs are calculated:
| Occupational Therapy | OTCAS |
The most common standardized test for OT graduate programs is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), although specific requirements and minimum scores vary by program.
Shadow:
Most OT programs require at least some observation experience in an OT related setting. ODU’s OTD program offers a virtual observation experience
Get OT experience:
- Become an OT Aide: No diploma or certificate is needed to become an OT Aide. Many clinics will train students on the job, so ask around and keep your eye out for OT Aide positions. Often if you start out by shadowing or observing in a clinic, that can be a great way to get your foot in the door to ask for opportunities to work as an aide. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm
- Interact with people or organizations with experience or work that’s relevant to OT: https://www.aota.org/publications/student-articles/career-advice/resume-building
Research
Research experience can be a great way to hone your analytical and critical thinking skills, demonstrate an understanding of evidence-based practice, and can help to strengthen your occupational therapy application.
As an R1 research institution, there are many opportunities on campus to gain research experience as an undergraduate. Look up faculty in the College of Sciences, Ellmer College of Health Sciences, and Joint School of Public Health and reach out to professor(s) whose research matches your interests.
Leadership
Join a club or organization and volunteer for a leadership position
- Global Medical Brigades
- Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
- Public Health Students Association
- Student Council for Exceptional Children
Unique Life Experiences
- Multilingual
- Study Abroad or travel outside of the US
- Peace Corps
- Military Experience
- Work full time
[WL1]What else?
Common Prerequisites
| Common Prerequisite Courses | Course Numbers | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab – 8 credits | BIOL 240 or 250 | BIOL 241 or 251 |
| Developmental Psychology | PSYC 203S | SPED 313 |
| Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology | PSYC 405 | |
| Social Science – 6 credits |
PSYC 201S SOC 201S PUBH 200 HLSC 320 ANTR 110S |
Any 300/400 level PSYC or SOC related to social, family, behavior, development |
| Statistics | STAT 130M |