OTD FAQs

What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)?
Overall 3.0 GPA is the minimum requirement. All coursework is included to provide an overall GPA score and when a course is repeated once or more, all grades are included in the overall GPA calculation. The average GPA score for all those admitted into the UTEP OTD Program over the last three application cycles is 3.5.

Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required for admission to the program?
The GRE is not required for admission to the OTD Program.

What are the prerequisite courses for the program?
In addition to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, the following prerequisite courses are required for admission to the OTD degree: Anatomy & Physiology I with lab, Anatomy & Physiology II with lab, Introductory or General Psychology, Human Growth and Development/Lifespan (or equivalent course/s), Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, at least one Social or Behavioral Sciences elective, Medical Terminology. For more details on required prerequisite courses, visit: OTD Application Process and Tips

Can I apply to the program before I have all prerequisite courses completed?
Yes. Applicants must complete all prerequisite courses by the fall semester, December 2026.

Can any of the prerequisite courses be waived or substituted?
No, prerequisite courses cannot be waived. However, any course that does not exactly meet the prerequisite requirement must be accompanied by the "Petition for Prerequisite Course Substitution Form" available on the following link:  https://www.utep.edu/chs/ot/_Files/docs/Prerequisite-substitution.pdf

Can I receive advance placement credit for prerequisites?
The only prerequisite in which we will accept advance placement credit is for introduction to psychology course.

How many observation hours does the OTD program require and do they have to be completed at a particular setting?
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.

When does the OTCAS 2025-2026 application cycle start? The 2025-26 application cycle is expected to begin in late July. The application is available at:  https://portal.otcas.org

What do I upload into the catalog course description section in OTCAS?
This is an optional section; it only applies to those applicants who have an approved course substitution request or medical terminology certificate

Does the UTEP OTD Program accept transfer credits?
No. Courses from the OTD curriculum cannot be waived, substituted or given credit for, for any coursework taken at any OTD program.

Can I receive credit for prerequisite or OTD coursework for experiential learning?
No, credit for experiential learning will not be accepted.

Can I receive credit for prerequisite or OTD coursework for work experience?
No, credit for working experience will not be accepted.

The UTEP entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree (OTD) has been granted full Accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).

In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

 You can contact ACOTE at:

ACOTE Website:  https://acoteonline.org/

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD  20814

(301) 652-AOTA (2682)

accred@aota.org

How many students does the program admit per year?
The program admits up to 24 students per year.

Admission to the OTD program is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screening. If you have had a felony conviction, you may not be able to sit for the NBCOT exam.

Does the OTD program require internships and will there be any expenses associated with them?
Yes. The program incorporates several fieldwork rotations (internships) into the curriculum. Any living expenses and/or travel costs are the responsibility of the student. Fieldwork rotations are scheduled by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and may be completed anywhere in the nation. Additionally, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is required prior to assignment to clinical rotation/fieldwork or service learning. 

All OTD Program students must become members of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA).

How long is the program?
The OTD degree is nine (9) consecutive semesters, spanning 36 months, and begins each fall semester. Students must complete 105 credit hours to complete the program.

How much is tuition?
The current cost of tuition for the duration of the degree program (105 credit hours/ 9 semesters) is approximately $50,000 for in-state students or $104,000 for out of state students. Visit Tuition and Mandatory Fees for more information. Be aware that the above estimates do NOT include other university fees, living expenses, clinical education expenses, books and supplies. Expenses are subject to change each year.