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Occupational Therapy

Admission Requirements to the Entry-Level OTD Program

The OTD Program encourages a diverse applicant pool to apply as all are welcome at Xavier University.

Application via the online application system, OTCAS. OCTAS will open late July for the 2025-26 cycle of applications. Information considered for admission includes:

  1. Demographic information
  2. Personal statement (essay)
  3. Experiences and achievements
  4. Licenses and certifications
  5. Minimum of bachelor degree or higher conferred by a regionally-accredited institution completed by start of the first OTD semester.
  6. Preferred minimum 3.20 cumulative undergraduate GPA as obtained from most recent degree completed
  7. Official transcript(s) from regionally-accredited institution(s) showing grades earned in pre-requisite courses
  8. Three letters of recommendation as specified in OTCAS (identified in OTCAS as Evaluations)
  9. GRE test scores are waived for current admission cycle; upcoming admission cycles are subject to change. Taken within past five years; Writing section score: 3.5 or higher preferred; Competitive score on verbal and quantitative sections
  10. Two separate observation or work experiences under direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapy practitioner who has no personal connection to applicant; minimum of 20 hours at each of the two different types of settings and each with a different population. Supervisor must complete Volunteer or Work Experience in Occupational Therapy form. 
  11. Three to 3-½ minute self-recorded video responding to the following three prompts: A. How does the occupational therapy profession align with your interests, skill set, and strengths? B. What in your personal and professional background is preparing you for success in a doctoral program? C. What else would you like the Occupational Therapy Admissions Team to know about you?
  12. Confirmation of review, understanding, willingness and ability to meet the Department of Occupational Therapy’s Essential Functions for Coursework and Fieldwork with or without accommodations
  13. Verification age will be 18 years or older by OTD Program start date

 Pre-requisite course requirements

  1. All pre-requisite coursework earned at regionally-accredited institution(s)*
  2. All courses completed within past 10 years preferred
  3. Courses taken for Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit are accepted for pre-requisite courses if said courses appear on an official transcript from a regionally-accredited institution(s)*
  4. Minimum grade of B- preferred on 4.0 scale (grades lower than C are not acceptable) [Due to COVID-19, courses with status of P/F or U/S will be considered relative in merit to other related course grades]
  5. Anatomy & Physiology: Cadaver lab preferred
  6. Majority of prerequisite courses completed by time of application submission

*Prior determination of equivalency is recommended using Xavier University’s Transfer Equivalency System (TES)

 Required Pre-Requisite Courses

  • Abnormal Psychology or Psychological Disorders (3 cr. hour)
  • Anatomy & Physiology I (3-4 cr hr); Lab required for A&P I or A&P II
  • Anatomy & Physiology II (3-4 cr hr); Lab required for A&P I or A&P II
  • Developmental Psychology (lifespan) (3 cr hr)
  • Medical Terminology (1 cr hr)
  • Sociology or Anthropology – introductory level (3 cr hr)
  • Statistics (3 cr hr); through Math or Psychology department recommended

Application and Acceptance Process 

A diverse applicant pool is encouraged to apply. Application deadline is rolling with applications reviewed monthly until all slots are filled. Offers of acceptance will be determined by the following: 1). Applications will be reviewed and accepted as criteria are met; 2). Candidates meeting criteria will be offered acceptance until cap is reached; 3). Remaining applicants who meet criteria will be wait-listed and offered acceptance as slots are available until admissions close. Note: For incoming Xavier University freshman or rising sophomore students, slots will be reserved for those who qualify for the “Direct Admit Pathway.”

Upon acceptance into Xavier's in-person OTD program, additional Program requirements and student responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Students receive course materials and notices through a learning management system. To ensure access of these tools, please follow student computer suggestions. The OTD Program has no additional computer requirements.
  2. To participate in the required Total Immersion Diversity Experience (TIDE) fieldwork Level I experience in Year 3 students must have a valid passport, or the ability to obtain a valid passport for travel. For non-US passport holders, students may need to obtain a visa for travel outside the US. 
  3. Documentation on record of immunizations:
    • Measles/Mumps/Rubella
    • Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chicken Pox)
    • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
    • Covid-19 full vaccination including booster.
  4. Documentation on record of annual updates without lapse throughout program duration:
    • Physical exam
    • TB test and seasonal influenza vaccination
    • FBI/BCI criminal history record check (a felony conviction may affect certification and licensure)
    • Negative drug screen results per request
    • CPR certification
    • HIPAA and Universal Precautions/Blood Borne Pathogen training
    • Liability insurance through Xavier University
    • Student health insurance
    • Membership in OOTA and AOTA
  5. OTD program continuation including but not limited to the following
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • Students at risk for not meeting continuation criteria may be required to complete remedial work for program progression (e.g., weekly tutoring sessions)
    • Ethical behavior commensurate of a future health care provider
    • Meet Department of Occupational Therapy’s Essential Functions for Coursework and Fieldwork.

Note: The Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program (OTD) is Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Ste 510E, North Bethesda MD, 20814. www.acoteonline.org. 301‐652‐AOTA.

Graduates are 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; 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. Please visit the Xavier University license disclosure website to ensure this Program meets your State license requirements.  

 

Updated: 6.05.2024