Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Admissions

RUSH University Occupational Therapy Admissions Mission

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The Department of Occupational Therapy’s Admissions Committee is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive student body, embracing the differences that diversity contributes to the growth of our profession and the clients we serve. We seek to matriculate students with a commitment to learning, scholarship, service, and who demonstrate a passion for occupational therapy. 

Note: Special consideration will be given to applicants who have the potential to help us achieve our mission. Please ensure all portions of your OTCAS application are completed thoroughly outlining all life experiences.

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission into the entry-level occupational therapy doctoral program, you need the following:

• Complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants may apply with outstanding coursework if all coursework is completed and a degree is conferred by matriculation (September)
• Complete the online application through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS) at https://otcas.liaisoncas.com. You can find a video walking you through OTCAS below.
• Courses* (with a letter grade of “C” or higher) completed before matriculation with the following content:
  • Human anatomy with lab (cadaver lab preferred) = total of 4 credit hours
  • Human physiology (lab preferred) = total of at least 3 credit hours
    • *Anatomy and Physiology must be taken within five years before the start of the program. Two sequential courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs will also satisfy the prerequisites
  • Statistics (including descriptive and inferential statistics)
  • Sociology or Anthropology
  • Human growth and development across the lifespan (from birth through old age and dying)
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • One Psychology course (in addition to Human Growth and Development and Abnormal Psychology)
  • *Note: Exams testing out of coursework and AP coursework are not acceptable for prerequisite requirements. Pass/Fail classes will be accepted for any courses taken in the Spring 2020 semester only.
• Achieve a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the most recent two years of your education
• Personal Statement demonstrating your understanding of the profession and what characteristics and experiences support you in becoming an occupational therapist.
• Two Letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s academic/professional aptitudes. OTCAS will contact each reference with instructions on how to complete an online evaluation.
• Experience with occupational therapy through 20 hours (minimum) observation of occupational therapy. In the instance you cannot shadow, familiarity with OT can be demonstrated through completing the online shadowing experiences detailed below.
• Interview Session: selected applicants will be invited for a small group virtual interview session and must complete a RUSH supplemental application, with a $40 fee.

Please note that we no longer require or consider GRE scores.

Accepted applicants must complete a criminal background check and the required Health and Immunization History documentation. A felony conviction potentially negatively impacts a graduate’s eligibility for certification and licensure.

The OTD program requires students to complete all required courses in the RUSH University Department of OT plan of study. We do not allow credit for previous coursework and/or work experience.

International students requiring the F-1 visa to study at RUSH are not currently eligible to apply for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.

All application materials will be evaluated, and the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee will make decisions regarding the applicant's acceptability for the program. Academic and non-academic factors, including community service, work experience, research, and leadership, will be considered.

How to Apply to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program 

View a tutorial of the OTCAS application:

Complete the following steps to apply to the entry-level occupational therapy doctoral program:

• Submit an online application through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS) at https://otcas.liaisoncas.com
• You will also need the following ready to submit directly to OTCAS:
  • Official transcripts from every U.S. college or university attended. Include international course evaluations for coursework completed outside the United States.
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s academic/professional aptitudes. OTCAS will contact each reference with instructions on how to complete an online evaluation.
  • Personal statement.
• If your native language is not English, submit Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL scores.

You will be informed if you are required to complete the secondary RUSH application. Do not complete the secondary application until you have been asked to do so. 

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