Admission into the OTD program at NDMU is competitive. Students are considered for admission with the following:
- Bachelor's degree - minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (4.0 scale)
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Human service observation hours
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Interview
Note: All observational hours need to be completed within the past two years.
Prerequisites
Completion of the following prerequisite courses within the past 5 years with a minimum cumulative grade point average of B (3.0 based on 4.0) is required for admission into the OTD program. Transcripts of bachelor’s degree and completed prerequisite courses must be submitted. Some courses may be taken online or in person from an accredited institution.
NOTE: Students may have a maximum of 2 prerequisite courses with a grade of C (as long as their cumulative grade point average is 3.0 across all prerequisites).
Required Courses & Credits
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I Course and Lab (4)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II Course and Lab (4)
- College Writing (3)
- Basic Statistics (3)
- Introductory Psychology (3)
- Psychopathology OR Abnormal Psychology (3)
- Human Growth & Development or Developmental Psychology Across Life Span (3)
- Introductory Sociology (3)
- Medical Terminology (3)
- Neuroscience or Cognitive Psychology or Brain and Behavior (3)
Total Credits: 32
NOTE: Advanced Placement (AP) credits are not accepted as fulfillment of prerequisite courses. Course credits from other occupational therapy programs are not accepted. No prior work experience is required for entry into the program.
Letters of Recommendations
Provide three letters of recommendation, from individuals who have taught the applicant in an academic setting. Letters of recommendation should address academic, professional and personal attributes, and potential for successful graduate education.
Human Service Observation
Applicants must complete a total of 30 observation hours across three distinct occupational therapy practice areas or settings. Each experience must include 10 hours.
- One 10-hour observation must be completed in the practice area you intend to pursue after graduation and must be supervised by an occupational therapist.
- One additional 10-hour observation must be completed under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).
- The third 10-hour experience may consist of work or volunteer experience with individuals with disabilities or other relevant populations. Examples include geriatrics, pediatrics, day camps, and mental/behavioral health settings.
All observation and qualifying experience hours must have been completed within the past two years and before admission to the program.
Note: Your application essay should reflect on the insights, experiences, and professional learning you gained through these observation and work experiences.
Personal Statement
A personal statement should cover your interest in occupational therapy with emphasis on the practice area that you intend to pursue after graduation, insights gained from the observations, your strengths, professional skills, personal attributes, and how these experiences have helped to shape your desire to become an occupational therapist. Required length is a minimum of 500 words to a maximum of 750 words.