Occupational Therapy Program Application Process

• Combined B.S./M.S.: Our B.S./M.S. program offers a 5-year program that is fully accredited.  Students who complete the 5-year program will earn a bachelor's degree in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

• B.S./OTD: Our B.S./OTD program is fully accredited and offers a 6-year program that leads to an entry-level degree (OTD). Students who complete the 6-year program will earn a bachelor's degree in Health Science and an entry-level OTD in occupational therapy.

The admissions process for our OT program is slightly more extensive than admission into our other programs. Because of the high number of applicants, the program is more selective and deadlines are sooner for admission to this program. Those seeking Occupational Therapy admissions must be aware of these differences:

• An Occupational Therapy interview (with the Office of Admissions) must be completed before the Priority Deadline of January 15.
• Your application must be submitted  and completed  before the Priority Deadline of January 15.
• No transfer students are accepted into this program.
• Our OT program is a 5 or 6+ year program. Those who complete our program will receive either a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree  or an OT Doctorate and Bachelor’s degree.

Candidates for our OT program must meet a variety of standards. Several aspects of your application are taken into consideration including the following:

• High School Class Rank and GPA
• High School science grades
• SAT or ACT scores – Elizabethtown College is test-optional for students applying to the program
• Knowledge and Understanding of Occupational Therapy (including observations and/or other direct experiences)
• Access to and competence in using e-mail and Canvas Platform

Relax, be confident and be yourself! Your interview is meant to determine if you will be a good fit in our program and the OT industry. Prospective Occupational Therapy majors are encouraged to explore the field of occupational therapy prior to applying to the program and before participating in the required Occupational Therapy admissions interview.

Occupational Therapists may work in many different types of settings or facilities, and with a broad array of people. As Occupational Therapy practitioners gain experience, they may eventually specialize in a type of practice. Occupational therapy practitioners may provide services in various settings and with various populations including:

• Children and youth in various settings
• Home & Community health & wellness
• Hospitals or Outpatient clinics for all ages
• Productive Aging and Long-Term Care
• Mental Health & Behavioral Health
• Rehabilitation and Participation
• Leadership and Administration of Services

Exploring the OT industry will help you determine whether or not this is a good career path for you. It will also better prepare you for our program. You can learn more about the OT industry can learn about this area through a variety of methods including:

• Seeking opportunities offered on the  American Occupational Therapy Association  website
• Shadowing practitioners in different settings (hospitals, schools, private practice, hospice, community mental health facilities, nursing homes, veteran’s services, etc.)
• Conducting research, either on-line or through a career specialist or guidance counselor
• Reading about occupational therapists and/or their clients
• Exploring careers in allied health fields