How do you choose the OT school that is right for you? Well, there are quite a few factors to consider. While contemplating which schools you would like to attend, take the following into consideration. They are not ordered in terms of importance.
1) The quality of the program: Program websites provide statistics such as graduation and testing rates.
1) The quality of the program: Program websites provide statistics such as graduation and testing rates.
- Upon completion of OT school. students must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). You must pass this to practice. https://www.nbcot.org/en/Educators/Home#SchoolPerformance provides passing rates for each school, filtered by school
- Certain schools have things that enable you to learn better. Some have cadaver labs, others have simulation labs, and some are closer to large medical centers, which makes clinicals and hands-on learning easier.
- Is this school located in an area that will be comfortable and affordable for you?
- Out of state programs are usually more expensive because you are not a resident, and this is something to keep in mind when considering applying.
- Some cities have higher housing and transportation costs.
- Tuition rates can be found on program websites, but do not hesitate to apply for a program simply because of the price. Your education is an investment.
- If you call or email the institution in consideration, they will more than likely be able inform you about the many tools you can utilize to lower your overall expenses.
- Some offer Masters programs, post-professional Doctorates (for after you've completed a Masters), and Bridge Programs.
- Duration will vary from school to school.
- Master's programs range from 2-2.5 years.
- Doctorate programs range from 2.5-3.5 years
- Post professional Doctorate's and Bridge programs will be shorter.
- Find a program that fits your ideal time-line and provides you with the level of education that you wish to attain.
- For the most part, all programs follow a general requirement list. For example, all programs will require sciences, psychology courses, observation hours, letters of recommendation, the GRE (General Record Examination for Graduate school competency) and an interview.
- However, every program is a little different and you need to make sure to cover all your bases.
- Some programs have unique requirements that you may be unable to fulfill.
- For example, UTHSCSA requires that you hold a Bachelor's Degree the fall semester before the program starts.
- Refer to the OT Schools tab above to see a comprehensive description of each program in Texas.
How Do I Apply to OT School?
Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS) is the system/website that you will apply on.
- You will typically apply one year- six months in advance of your start date
- It is good to understand the requirements on OTCAS and to be familiar with the application system ahead of time
- Above is a basic checklist to help you get started on OTCAS
- Applications typically open mid July
- This is a general list of requirements that many programs require, but be sure to check individual schools. Prerequistites will differ slightly from school to school. You should start to prepare as soon as you know you'd like to pursue Occupational Therapy:
- Courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Medical Terminology
- Physics
- Statistics
- Courses:
- 20-80+ Observation Hours
- Some school want to see quantity of hours. Some prefer breadth of experiences (Texas Woman's). You can't be perfect, but try to be well-rounded and get a substantial amount of hours/settings.
- Explore our volunteering page to find out more information on requirements and opportunities.
- 3+ Letters of Reference
- These can make or break an application. These can be OTs, professors, or other professionals who can vouch for your work ethic and passion. Begin forming relationships with those you would like to support you in the application process.
- GRE
- This is a general test taken to enter many graduate programs. It is a sort of grown-up SAT/ACT. Programs value your scores, but they are not the most important factors.
- Explore the GRE tab for more information.
- Grades
- OT seats are limited and the field is growing, meaning so is the competition. Your over GPA should be high but special emphasis is put on the prerequisite GPA. If its not as high as you'd like, that ok, but other factors in your application must balance it out. Schools have note that GPA's in the range of 3.4-4.0 are acceptable, while 3.6-4.0 are more competitive.
- OT seats are limited and the field is growing, meaning so is the competition. Your over GPA should be high but special emphasis is put on the prerequisite GPA. If its not as high as you'd like, that ok, but other factors in your application must balance it out. Schools have note that GPA's in the range of 3.4-4.0 are acceptable, while 3.6-4.0 are more competitive.
Who Can I Ask For Help/Advice?
We have great resources! You are not on this journey alone.
- Speak with officers and other members of OTS.
- We all have to take the same classes, volunteer, and we are all of different majors
- Many of the officers are soon to apply or have already applied; contact them for advice or questions.
- When we have speakers, please ask questions. They have come to A&M to help you.
- We have an OT Adviser!
- Brie Garcia is our OT Adviser and she is amazing. She will help with anything from course equivalency questions to personal statement reviews.
- The OPSA (Office of Professional Advising) Handout
- This is phenomenal resource for a general overview of all TX OT schools and their requirements. Click link above for access.