Application Process for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

Step 1: Complete Your Application
Create an OTCAS account and complete your application. Cycles open July 21, 2022 for the programs beginning the following academic year. Applicants who meet the September 1, 2022 soft deadline will be considered for an interview on November 12, 2022. Final deadline for application is January 31, 2023. Enrollment is limited and early application is strongly encouraged. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

For assistance using OTCAS, contact 617-612-2860 or otcasinfo@otcas.org.

Rockhurst students, please apply using the internal application at SLNCHS Graduate Admissions. 

Important dates:

• OTCAS 2022-2023 application cycle opens July 21, 2022.
• Rockhurst students deadline for application is September 1, 2022.
• OTCAS application soft-deadline is September 1, 2022.
• OT interview day November 12, 2022.
• OTCAS academic update opens December 12, 2022 (applicants enter updated grades from summer and/or fall semesters 2022).
• Application hard deadline is January 31, 2023. 
  • Applications will be accepted and reviewed following the initial interview date on November 12, 2022.
• OTD Class of 2025 begins program on May 30, 2023. 

Step 2: Submit Required Materials to OTCAS
Students submit all required materials directly to OTCAS and must follow guidelines found on the OTCAS web site. Your application is not complete until the following materials are submitted directly to OTCAS:

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. These must be sent to OTCAS Verification Department, P.O. Box 9120, Watertown, MA 02471.
• Summary of your observation hours, extracurricular activities, honors and awards.
• Three letters of recommendation. These can be sent electronically or mailed. OTCAS only accepts paper recommendations when they are accompanied by a completed Paper Reference Form – an evaluation grid available for download when you login to your OTCAS account – and it must be sent to the same address above.
• A personal essay - The essay should be no more than 1,000 words and addresses how the applicant's life experiences informed his or hers decision to pursue occupational therapy while also demonstrating knowledge of the profession. The essay should also demonstrate knowledge of Rockhurst University's Jesuit Core Values and how they can often inform the profession of occupational therapy. This is separate from the personal statement required by OTCAS.
• TOEFL - Internet based minimum score of 80, or iTEP score of 3.9 (Scores must be within the last two years), or proof of graduating from a college or high school where English is the primary mode of instruction. 

Step 3: You’re Accepted, Now What?
Once you accept an offer of admission to our OT program, you will receive a New Student Information packet with details on preparing for Rockhurst University and the Occupational Therapy program, including the date for orientation. All new OT students are required to attend orientation.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact the CNHS Graduate Admissions Office at 816.501.4059 or by email. To schedule an appointment, click Book Appointment.