Occupational Therapy Assistant

We are fortunate to have a large number of talented students seeking admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program each year. Unfortunately, clinical placement availability and classroom space limit the number of students admitted to the professional phase. As such, an advisory panel of local OT's and OTA's assisted the OT/OTA faculty in determining selection criteria. The criteria have been effective in selecting students who are able to successfully complete the program. Students often ask what criteria are used. The criteria identified below are used during the review of applications. 

All applicants must meet the minimum criteria as stated in the University Catalog as well as complete application materials to both the University and the Occupational Therapy Program by April 1st of the year preceding desired admission to the professional courses. All applicants receive a numerical score in three areas. Each area is weighted as one third of the total points.

Area 1 (one third weight): Volunteer reference (applicants need 20 hours). The volunteer reference is given a numerical rating based on the quality of the reference.  Students who do not waive their right to review the volunteer reference may have points deducted prior to rating the reference. This is due to potential reluctance of the reviewer to make unfavorable comments.

Area 2 (one third weight): Autobiography writing sample. The writing sample is scored blindly, and independently by two faculty members. These scores are averaged.

Area 3 (one third weight): Grade point average based on previous High School and/or College coursework. College level algebra, biology and chemistry receive .5 points higher than high school level. In instances where a student may have more than one course which meets the prerequisite, the higher grade will be used in calculating the GPA.  If you repeat a course for a higher grade, please send a letter indicating what course has been repeated and when it was repeated to: Nita Roark, Health Sciences Representative.

* Interview for a possible 1 point bonus

The program accepts an average of 25 students per year.  

After the April 1st deadline, students who have completed application materials may be considered for acceptance on the basis of space available in the program and the academic qualifications of the student.