Admission Process

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Division of Occupational Therapy has elected to phase out its Distance Education track. This will be done by accepting one final class into the Distance Education track for which individuals may apply between November 15, 2009 through February 15, 2010. These students would start the Distance Education track in the Summer 2010 and would be scheduled to graduate in May 2013. Note: this affects only the Distance Education track. No changes will take place within our excellent traditional on-campus track.

Admission criteria include the following: Overall GPA, Prerequisite GPA, Essay Score, Interview Score, The Two Reference Forms (contact the Program for specifics), and Overall Folder Review (all application materials).

The admissions process for the Distance Education Track (for both the OTA and for the individual (non-OTA) with a bachelor degree in any major from an accredited college/university can be divided into two parts: admission packet and admission interview.

Admission Packet:

Admissions packets are available for candidates to pick up starting on December 1st of each year. Candidates can obtain an admission packet by stopping by the Health Science Center Admissions and Records office at or by calling (304) 293-3521 and having a packet sent to them. Completed packets are due each year around the 15th of February. The exact due date is clearly stated in the directions and applicants should check the due date.

In addition to completion of the admissions forms applicants will also have to arrange to have an official transcript from each of their previous higher education institutions sent to the Admissions and Records office. Directions and addresses for the transcripts are included in the application packet.

After the admission packet is complete the folder is sent on to the Occupational Therapy admissions committee.

Interview Process:

Applicants who are judged as qualified based on the review of the admissions packet will then be contacted to set up an interview on campus. While on campus applicants will complete a brief interview (approx 20 minutes) and complete an onsite essay. The essay is a broad question that is intended to demonstrate the applicant's ability to express themselves in writing. Applicants will also have the opportunity to tour our facilities and talk to current students about the program.

After Completion of both phases of the admissions process the admissions committee will review the complete package of admission materials and make a recommendation of admission status to the chair of the occupational therapy division. Once the final decisions have been made the applicant will be notified in writing of their admission status. Notification of admission status is usually completed within just 2-3 weeks of the on campus interview.

For more information on admission requirements please see the admission requirements link.