OTD Application Process and Tips
Application Steps
All applicants to the UTEP Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program must open an account and follow directions listed on OTCAS ( https://portal.otcas.org). The program is no longer accepting applications for the Master of Occupational Therapy degree.
The application process is completely online and all of the information needed to apply is located here and on the application portal. UTEP Admissions and the OTD program do not accept hard copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation, or observations hours. In order to receive a full review, the application fees must be paid by deadline.
The 2023-2024 application cycle through OTCAS will open July 17, 2023 for anticipated admissions in August 2024. The application deadline is October 15, 2023 .
- Complete application on OTCAS portal
- Pay OTCAS application fee
- Pay UTEP Non-refundable $45 application fee HERE
- Admissions committee reviews completed applications
- Notifications about decisions are sent to students
All requirements for admissions are here and can also be found on OTCAS by going to the UTEP tab under the Participating Programs on the side panel. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required items are received no later than the application deadline: October 15, 2023 .
- OFFICIAL Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts of ALL academic coursework must be submitted to OTCAS no later than the deadline of October 15, 2023. - Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements
Minimum 3.0 overall and prerequisite GPA. The program considers all coursework and utilizes calculation of GPA which combines all grades, including all attempts for any re-taken courses. - Degree Requirements
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The official degree must be conferred by December 31, 2023. Official transcripts must be submitted no later than January 15, 2024. - Personal Statement
Using APA style , Your Personal Essay should address why you selected occupational therapy as a career and how this degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background help you achieve your goals. This essay is an important part of your application and allows you to clearly and effectively express yourself. Do not personalize this essay for a particular program, as it is shared with all your programs ( Maximum 1000 words).
Once you submit your application, you cannot edit previously uploaded documents, but you can add new documents, if applicable. - Letters of Recommendation
A minimum of three electronic letters of recommendation, and at least one reference provided by an OT professional. All recommendations must be submitted directly to OTCAS. Do not ask evaluators to send letters of recommendation directly to the program. - Observation Hours
A minimum of 40 verifiable observation hours with occupational therapy professionals, preferably in more than one clinical setting. All sign-in documentation must be verified by an Occupational Therapy professional with a signature. You may use the attached Observation Hours Log HERE any other log form to record and upload your hours. - Notice of Ineligibility for Licensing A person with a felony conviction may not be eligible to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or attain a state OT license.
For more information click HERE
A person convicted of an offense or placed on probation may not be eligible for a Texas OT license issued by ECPTOTE Texas law HB1508.
For more information click HERE - International Students
All foreign coursework must be evaluated by a Foreign Credentialing Service. We require TOEFL/IELTS Scores for any applicant for whom English is their second language (scores are considered on a case-by-case basis). - Resume
- Additional Questions Requested in OTCAS
- The UTEP OT Program does not require nor accept GRE scores.
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Prerequisite Courses |
Credits |
|
2 semesters of human anatomy and physiology with labs (can be 2 separate semester courses of A&P-I and A&P-II; or one semester course of human anatomy and one semester course of human physiology. In either scenario, the courses should have lab portions. The course credits can be two 3-credit courses plus 1-credit labs, or two 4-credit courses (lecture and lab combined) |
8 |
|
Introductory Psychology |
3 |
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Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan, Developmental Psychology, or multiple courses that address human growth and development (e.g., Psychology addressing infancy, early childhood, school-age, adolescent, adulthood, ageing, etc.) |
3 |
|
Abnormal Psychology |
3 |
|
Statistics (preferably a behavioral sciences statistics course) |
3 |
|
Behavioral Science elective (suggested course in psychology, sociology, anthropology or health promotion) |
3 |
|
Medical Terminology (online course or certificate accepted) |
1 |
|
Total Credits |
24 |
Course Substitutions and Transfer Review
Course substitution
It is not necessary to request a course substitution for a course with the same title and credit hours obtained from an accredited institution of higher learning. To request a course substitution, complete the “Prerequisite Substitution Request form” below with supporting documents and scan and email them to: OTadmissions@utep.edu for review. If approval is granted, follow uploading instruction on the email. Course substitution requests will not be accepted or processed after October 15, 2023.
Prerequisite Substitution Request
Transcript review
The Transcript Form provided below is a self-assessment tool/ checklist to document progress toward prerequisite course completion. The UTEP admissions committee will review transcripts after completed applications are verified through OTCAS (See I. Process). It is for personal use and should not be sent to UTEP nor uploaded to OTCAS.
