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Doctor of Occupational Therapy

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at University of Western States is an accelerated and comprehensive six-semester doctoral program that produces exceptional occupational therapists. Applicants should be ready for rigorous coursework and are expected to have adequate undergraduate preparation that meets the prerequisite requirements listed below.  

What do you need?

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Prerequisite Entrance Requirements

Applicants must meet specific entry requirements for the OTD program: 

• Completion of a minimum of 90 credit hours of undergraduate consisting of four years of undergraduate courses (College Credit Plus courses taken in high school count towards the four years)

AND

• Active certification and license as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) with at least two years of experience with a pre-requisite course in statistics.

OR

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, exercise science, or pre-healthcare (or similar)

OR

• Any other bachelor’s degree with pre-requisite courses in abnormal psychology or human development, statistics, and human anatomy

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Credit Conversion:

• 1 quarter credit = .67 semester credits
• 1.5 quarter credits = 1 semester credit
• 5 quarter credits = 3.33 semester credits

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OTD Transfer Credits

• Policy 2007: Transfer Credits 
• Students may transfer a maximum of nine graduate credits from other institutions or UWS programs into the OTD program.  

• Transfer credits are applied toward courses in a University of Western States academic program through a review process coordinated by the registrar and the OTD program director. 

• Transfer credit is determined on a course-by-course basis. Each course is evaluated by reviewing the student’s official transcript and course syllabus in effect when the student took the course. The student is responsible for submitting the appropriate course syllabus, number of credits, the grade earned, course learning outcomes, and the content of the submitted syllabus to be used in the evaluation of a request for transfer credit.

• For transfer credit requests to be evaluated, applicants must apply to UWS and meet all program eligibility requirements. 
• Applicants must request consideration of transfer credits during the application process. Prior to matriculation, applicants must affirm in writing their agreement to the courses that will be accepted for transfer. 
• For the OTD program, credits requested for transfer must be from courses completed within the last five (5) years. 
• Transfer credit is awarded only for courses with a grade of B- or higher (or equivalent) toward the OTD degree.  

All lab and clinical courses required for the OTD degree must be completed within the University of Western States OTD program. The UWS OTD program does not grant advanced placement, credit for experiential learning, or credit for work experience.  

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International Students Studying in the U.S.

International students accepted into the OTD program must meet U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines for studying in the U.S. prior to crossing the border to enroll at UWS. Students should initiate this process with plenty of lead time, preferably several months before leaving home. Questions about enrolling as an international student should be directed to the Office of Admissions. 

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How to Apply

Application opening soon! For more information, please fill out the request for information form.

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Entry Terms and Application Deadlines

Entry Terms: Spring 

Admissions notifications will begin in August 2025 and will be rolling after that point. 

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Application Requirements

UWS admits new students into the OTD program in January of each year. Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the formal application process up to 12 months in advance of their anticipated entry date. It is not necessary for candidates to have completed all prerequisites prior to application.  

1. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in undergraduate coursework. Students with a GPA below 3.0 should contact the Office of Admissions for an individualized review of their coursework. 
2. Name and contact information for at least two non-relative professional individuals to complete a reference form.  
3. Successful virtual interview with OT faculty. An applicant is invited for interviews based on an evaluation of the submitted application and supporting materials.  
4. Demonstrated English language proficiency. See International Student Information. 
5. Ability to meet technical standards. UWS requires students to demonstrate the physical, cognitive, emotional, professional, and social capacity to be competent practitioners in a respective course of study. Applicants should review Policy 1206 Technical Standards to determine whether they are able to meet the standards of the program in which they intend to enroll with or without reasonable accommodations.  If students demonstrate a documented need for accommodation in any of these areas, the university will determine the extent to which it can reasonably accommodate the student’s needs. Regardless of disability status or accommodation, all students must successfully complete the requirements of their program to earn the degree. Just because a student qualifies for an accommodation through UWS does not guarantee there will be a fieldwork site willing or able to accommodate the student at the time of their fieldwork, which could impact the ability to graduate from the program.  
6. Technology requirements: Since this is a hybrid program, students must have access to a reliable computer, basic computer skills, and a dependable connection to the Internet. 
7. If accepted into the program, a deposit of $300 will hold a place in the next cohort of students. 

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Additional Requirements for Full Acceptance

Successful completion of a background check is required through our approved partner, Advanced Reporting. A link to complete this process will be sent upon offer of conditional acceptance to UWS. A FELONY CONVICTION MAY AFFECT A GRADUATE’S ABILITY TO SIT FOR THE NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION OR ATTAIN STATE LICENSURE.” See Policy 1009: Student Background Investigation and Verification Reporting Requirement.

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