Admission

Applying to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at East Tennessee State University

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Apply through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS) OTCAS login page

2. Students must also apply for graduate admission to ETSU through the ETSU Graduate School application

WHEN TO APPLY:

Applications open on July 19, 2024 for the Summer/Fall 2025 application cycle.

Early Admission Deadline: Applications for the Summer/Fall 2025 cohort will be due by October 1, 2024 for early admission consideration.  Applications must be submitted and completed by October 1st to be considered for the early deadline.
 
Final Admission Deadline: Applications for the Summer/Fall 2025 cohort will close on December 15, 2024. 

We do NOT require the GRE

• Application Information

  The Occupational Therapy Program admits up to 30 students to begin matriculation in the summer semester (mid-May) of each year. The program is full-time and 3 years in length. 
   
  Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications and supporting materials (letters of recommendation, official transcripts...) are complete by the final application deadline date of December 15th. Apply using the link above. 
  

   

  Admission Timeline (cohort will matriculate in May 2025): 

  • 
    
    
    Applications submitted and in complete status* by October 1, 2024, will be reviewed, and qualified applicants will be contacted for early bird interviews conducted in late October.  
  • Those who are submitted and in complete status* after October 1 through December 15, 2024, will have the chance to attend the second round of interviews (in late January) which fills remaining cohort slots.
  • Applicants are required to submit OTCAS and the Graduate School application by the appropriate deadline.
  • Admission offers will be emailed out by the ETSU Graduate School  
  • A $500 deposit will be required to hold your spot in the program.  This deposit is non-refundable and will be applied to your first semester's tuition. It must be submitted within 2 weeks of accepting an offer of admission.
  • Orientation and classes begin in mid-May

  * Complete status is an OTCAS status indicating all required documents have been received. Applications in verified status will also be considered.

• Observation Hours/Clinical Experience

  In the application, you must submit your log showing at least 30 observation hours in two different settings. Exceeding the minimum requirement is strongly recommended. A competitive applicant will have around 100 hours completed. 

  Please note that even though this log is listed as an "optional" upload in the application, it is meant to be required. Previously it had been required in the Supporting Materials section, so we changed it to an optional upload in the Program Materials section.  Please be sure to upload the logs into your application, otherwise we will be emailing you requesting them.

  It is helpful if your logs have total number of hours indicated on them. 

  
  
  
  Applicants have the option to complete 12  of the 30 required hours virtually via the Occupational Therapy Online Shadowing Experience (password: LucasQU). Applicants must submit documentation of online shadowing experience through OTCAS application.   If choosing the online option to assist in meeting the minimum observation hours requirement, the candidate must complete all 12 online hours plus at least 18 additional hours in person. 

• Eligibility Requirements

  To be considered for admission, applicants must have completed, submitted, or met the requirements in items 2-8 below by the application deadline for the application to be eligible for consideration. 

  
  Applicants may be enrolled in prerequisite courses (see #9) or in process of completion of the bachelor's degree (see #1) at the time of application; however, you must be able to successfully complete all prerequisite courses and/or earn the bachelor's degree by the end of the spring semester prior to starting the program.  

  
  Requirements: 

  1. 
     Attainment of a bachelor's degree* prior to beginning the program from a regionally accredited institution;
  2. Have an overall GPA of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate coursework for domestic students; 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for international students;
  3. Have a prerequisite coursework GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), completed within the past 10 years, with grades of C or better;
  4. Submit official transcript from ALL previous schools attended via OTCAS;
  5. Three recommendations with one letter from a licensed Occupational Therapist. (Submitted in OTCAS);
  6. Upload your Resume or Curriculum Vitae. Be sure to include your work experience, educational, organization affiliations, and activities. This includes honors, awards, and internships. (Submitted in OTCAS);
  7. Writing Sample (Submitted in OTCAS) Please respond to the OTCAS prompt, but you can upload this same statement in the ETSU Graduate School application;
  8. Log of 30+ Observation hours in at least 2 different settings (Submitted in OTCAS)
  9. Completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better;
  10. A positive evaluation after an interview with the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee.

  *While we require completion of bachelor's degree, we do not recommend or require a particular undergraduate program of study. 
   
  **Any student convicted of a felony may not be eligible for certification and/or credentialing in occupational therapy. ** 
   

• Prerequisite Coursework

  Courses   -   Credit Hours 

  
  Statistics or Research Methods – 3 credits 

  
  General Biology* 1 with lab or Biology for non-majors with lab - 4 credits 

  
  Kinesiology or Biomechanics or Physics - 3-4 credits 

  
  Anatomy and Physiology – 6-8 credits 

  
  Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology – 3 credits 

  
  Psychology (including Introduction, Developmental or Lifespan, and Abnormal)** - 9 credits 

  
  Medical Terminology – 1-3 credits 

   

  
   *No other sciences will be accepted as a substitute for the Biology requirement. 

  **This can be complete in a combination (maximum of two) of courses such as Child/Adolescent Development and Adult Development. Another accepted substitution is Lifespan Psychology or Human Development, as long as it covers the lifespan.

   

  
  Requests regarding prerequisite substitutions must be sent to Melanie Falkenberg (falkenberg@etsu.edu), Graduate Admissions Coordinator. For a course to be reviewed and considered, a copy of the complete course syllabus must be included in the request.  

• Program Requirements

  The OTD program will require that you have a laptop (not an ipad or tablet) and internet access to use for coursework within the program.

• ETSU OTD Minimal Technical Standards

  The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) provides students with the necessary academic foundation and clinical training to become highly skilled occupational therapists. Given the specialized and demanding nature of the profession, students are expected to meet high academic and technical standards throughout the program. The OTD program is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience to navigate complex clinical environments effectively.

  Students must be able to meet the program's Minimal Technical Standards with or without accommodations. Adherence to these standards is necessary for the safety and welfare of students and clients. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to help students meet these standards when appropriate, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These standards cannot be waived. Prospective students with disabilities are encouraged to reach out to Disability Services for further information.

  Before beginning the program, all applicants must confirm their ability to meet these standards. If, at any time, a student or faculty member determines that these standards cannot be met—even with accommodations—the student may be ineligible for admission or continued enrollment in the program. ETSU encourages prospective students to engage in conversations about the Minimal Technical Standards and how they may be impacted by individual circumstances. It is important to note that while ETSU provides reasonable accommodation within the university setting, affiliated clinical sites may not be able to offer the same level of support. ETSU has no control over requirements set forth by affiliated clinical sites.

  Minimal Technical Standards

  Cognitive and Intellectual Capabilities:

  The ability to engage in rigorous learning activities across different settings—classrooms, clinical simulations, and fieldwork—is vital to success in the OTD program. Students must possess strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These skills allow students to make proper assessments, sound judgments, appropriately prioritize therapeutic interventions and measure and record client care outcomes. Candidates must have the ability to measure, calculate, reason, and analyze data. This includes the ability to synthesize information, evaluate complex situations, make evidence-based decisions, and adapt therapeutic strategies based on the data and client needs. Candidates must have the ability to use technology for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. In addition, candidates must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of anatomic structures. Students are expected to handle both written and oral instructions, retain and apply knowledge, and work collaboratively with peers and faculty in addressing clinical challenges.

  Communication Competencies:

  Effective communication is a cornerstone of occupational therapy practice. Students must be able to express themselves clearly and respectfully in a variety of settings, including one-on-one interactions, group discussions, and through written and electronic communication. They must be able to communicate with diverse groups, such as clients, caregivers, healthcare professionals,

  insurance providers, and policymakers. Students should be able to elicit relevant information, give clear instructions, and document clinical observations accurately. Proficiency in creating digital content, utilizing health information systems, and navigating electronic records is also essential for modern practice.

  Observational Abilities:

  To succeed in the OTD program, students must demonstrate the ability to accurately perceive, and process information presented in both academic and clinical contexts. This includes recognizing the spatial relationships between various body parts and understanding nonverbal cues during client interactions. Students must be able to observe, assess, and interpret complex details regarding client behavior, physical condition, and response to interventions. This skill is vital for making informed decisions in client assessments and treatment planning.

  Social and Interpersonal Skills:

  Occupational therapists must cultivate effective, empathetic, and professional relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Students should be capable of demonstrating emotional intelligence, including empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building rapport with clients, their families, and members of the healthcare team. In addition to communication, students should be able to manage stress, balance competing demands, and exhibit flexibility when faced with changing circumstances in both clinical and academic environments.

  Gross Motor and Fine Motor Skills:

  Students must demonstrate physical abilities adequate for moving between rooms, maneuvering in tight spaces, and performing both gross and fine motor tasks necessary for safe and effective occupational therapy care including the manual dexterity to engage in procedures involving grasping, manipulating, pushing, pulling, holding, extending, and rotating. Occupational Therapy Program candidates must have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by touch, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other standardized and non-standardized evaluative procedures. Candidates must be able to provide general occupational therapy, including the ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, lift and transfer patients, and to stand/sit long periods of time.

  Professionalism and Ethical Conduct:

  Students are expected to exhibit professional behavior at all times, demonstrating personal responsibility, integrity, and respect in all interactions. This includes adhering to high standards of punctuality, reliability, and cooperation in both classroom and clinical settings. Students should consistently maintain a professional appearance and demonstrate initiative in their learning and work. They must also understand and comply with ethical and legal standards in occupational therapy practice, including maintaining client confidentiality and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals they work with.

  Technological Proficiency:

  Students must be comfortable using basic technology tools, including email, internet searches, and office software applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel). Additionally, students should be able to navigate electronic health records, participate in telehealth sessions, and use other digital platforms commonly employed in healthcare settings. Proficiency with

  these tools is critical for managing client information, documenting therapy sessions, and participating in remote or virtual learning experiences.

  Clinical and Pre-Clinical Skills:

  In addition to academic knowledge, students must be prepared to apply their skills in real-world clinical settings. This involves the ability to work with clients who have a variety of diagnoses and functional limitations. Students must use sound clinical judgment when assessing risks and safety concerns and respond effectively to emergency situations. The ability to plan, execute, and document individual and group therapy interventions within established timeframes is crucial. Students must also demonstrate competency in conducting safe and effective evaluations and interventions using appropriate clinical reasoning across various environments, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community settings.

  Download a printable document of the Minimal Technical Standards

Admission 

• The application deadline is not a suggestion! Submit your application materials well in advance of the application deadline. Applications will be processed in the order that they are submitted and completed. 
• Make sure you request transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions you have attended (even from ETSU). Official transcripts, from all schools, regardless of the number of credits completed. These must be requested through OTCAS.
• Submission of more than three (3) recommendations will not help your application. Please submit only three (3), with one letter from a licensed Occupational Therapist. Do not submit letters from family members or friends. 
• When in doubt about prerequisite courses, ASK! Each OT program has its own set of admission and prerequisite course requirements. Courses accepted by one program may not be accepted by another, so verify course acceptance with the Admissions Coordinator. 
• Admission and eligibility requirements apply to all applicants. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements. Applicants who do not meet admission/eligibility requirements will not be considered for the program.
• There are no advanced placements,  credit for experiential learning, or credit for prior work experience. Previous OT coursework is non-transferrable to the ETSU OTD Program.

For general program questions, please email etsuotd@etsu.edu

For any application process questions, please contact:
Melanie Falkenberg (falkenberg@etsu.edu) , Graduate Admission Counselor.