OTD Application Process and Tips

All applicants to the UTEP Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program must open an account and follow directions listed on OTCAS ( https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login). 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 2025-2026 application cycle through OTCAS will open July, 2025 for anticipated admissions in August 2026. The application deadline is October 15, 2025. Please visit this website regularly for updates on the 2025-2026 cycle. Application steps are below:

1. Complete application on OTCAS portal
2. Pay OTCAS application fee
3. Pay UTEP Non-refundable $45 application fee HERE
4. Admissions committee reviews completed applications
5. 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, 2025.

1. OFFICIAL Academic Transcripts
   Official transcripts of ALL academic coursework must be submitted to OTCAS no later than the deadline of October 15, 2025.
2. 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.
3. Degree Requirements
   Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. For those students graduating in December, 2025, your degree must be conferred and official transcripts uploaded to OTCAS by January 31, 2026. For those students expecting to graduate in May 2026, the official degree must be conferred by and official transcripts uploaded to OTCAS by May 31, 2026.
4. Required Prerequisites. Students must submit official transcripts of completed prerequisites at time of application. For those applicants with prerequisites pending, the deadline for submitting final official transcripts is May 31, 2026.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Progression, Retention, Graduation, Certification and Credentialing Requirements 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, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination.
9. Notice of Ineligibility for Licensing: A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licsenure.
   For more information click HERE
   A person convicted of an offense or placed on probation may not be eligible for a Texas OT license according to Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53.
10. 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).
11. Resume
12. Additional Questions Requested in OTCAS
13. The UTEP OT Program does not require nor accept GRE scores.

 All required course prerequisites must be completed no later than May 31, 2026. Students must submit official transcripts of completed prerequisites at time of application. For those applicants with prerequisites pending, the deadline for submitting final official transcripts is May 31, 2026.  A course may not be used to fulfill more than one prerequisite requirement.

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, 2025.

 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.

 Prerequisite Completion Form

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