Admissions

How to Apply

Applicants for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program must apply through the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy Programs (OTCAS). By submitting an OTCAS application, the applicant certifies to Johnson & Wales University (JWU) that all information on their application and supporting documentation is true, correct and complete. Note that JWU does not retain all application materials submitted by the applicant.

The OTD Program begins accepting applications for our June enrollment in mid-July of the previous year. Johnson & Wales University enrolls on a rolling admissions basis, with the final application deadline in early April.

Admissions Process

• OTCAS verified applications are reviewed by the OTD Program Admissions Committee to evaluate applicants’ overall qualifications.
• Qualified applicants will be offered an interview to assess interpersonal and communication skills, as well as overall commitment to the field of occupational therapy.
• Post interview, qualified candidates may be eligible for full or conditional acceptance into the program. Candidates that are not offered admission after the interview may be placed on a waitlist.
• Deferring entrance is not allowed. An accepted student who wishes to delay their program start must apply for the next cycle through OTCAS. 

Admission Requirements

• Apply through the OTCAS system.
  • Exception: students enrolling in one of the bachelor’s/OTD combined programs
• You must have received your bachelor’s degree from a U.S. accredited institution (or be in the process of attaining it).
• You must have completed or be in the process of completing the required prerequisites.
• You must hold a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, as calculated by the OTCAS system.
• Submit a personal statement.
• Submit three letters of recommendation.

Prerequisites

Applicants must complete required prerequisite classes listed below with a grade of “C” or better. JWU’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program does not accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits to fulfill prerequisite courses. The program does not accept experiential learning credits or transfer credit. Students can apply with prerequisites outstanding or in-progress but an official transcript reflecting a grade of “C” or better must be provided before classes start the first week of June.

Statistics: A one-semester course in general statistics is required. Business statistics, psychological statistics or biological science statistics courses are accepted. (3 credit hours)

Anatomy and Physiology: A complete year course sequence in anatomy (one semester) and physiology (one semester) is required. Students may take a combined anatomy/physiology sequence, but they must take both semesters in order to fulfill the requirement. Labs are required. (8 credit hours)

Developmental Psychology: A one-semester psychology course in child and adolescent development, adult development and aging, or lifespan development is required. (3 credit hours)

Abnormal Psychology: A one-semester course in abnormal psychology is required. (3 credit hours)

Note: To participate in JWU’s OTD program, each student — with or without reasonable accommodations — must be able to safely and effectively meet the following technical standards.

Matriculation Requirements

Articulation Agreements

JWU’s OTD Program maintains articulation agreements with the following institutions. Interested students should contact the pre-health advisor at their institution.

• Albertus Magnus College
• Assumption University
• Bridgewater State University
• Dean College
• Providence College
• Roger Williams University
• Stonehill College
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth