Admissions

The College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program considers for admission those applicants who possess the academic and professional promise necessary for development as competent, caring members of the healthcare community. To select these candidates, a competitive admissions framework has been established for applicants who have received a bachelor's degree in any field, but who have not completed an accredited occupational therapy program.

Within this competitive admissions framework, multiple criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates from an applicant pool that exceeds the number of seats available. Interested individuals are advised to complete their application as early as possible to ensure timely consideration.

The Midwestern University Occupational Therapy Program uses the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy Schools (OTCAS) for students applying to the program. Applications are due in OTCAS (https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/) by May 1st, 2024. Applications received after May 1st will be considered on a rolling basis for seats that may be available or placement on the alternate list. Please refer to the OTCAS website for instructions on submission of OTCAS application materials.

The Occupational Therapy Program operates on a rolling admissions basis in which completed applications are reviewed throughout the admissions cycle to determine application eligibility for interviews. Interviews are typically conducted during the winter and spring.

Admission Requirements

Individuals applying for admission to the College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program must submit documentation for the following minimum requirements before the academic year commences for the incoming class.

1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Grades of C or better for prerequisite coursework (grades of C- are not acceptable).
3. Completion of the minimum number of prerequisite courses in the prescribed subject areas at regionally accredited colleges or universities.
4. Satisfaction of the standards set forth by the Admissions Committee (including documentation of academic and professional promise in the prospective student).
5. Two letters of recommendation.
6. Completion of the Occupational Therapy Program's interview process. Interviews are by invitation only. Applicants are invited to an interview based on evidence supportive of excellence in:
   • Academic achievement
   • Oral and written communication skills
   • Articulation of the domain and scope of OT practice
   • Community service
   • Leadership in extracurricular or other activities
7. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
8. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.

Prerequisite Courses

Human Anatomy1,2	3 Sem/4 Qtr hrs
Statistics	3 Sem/4 Qtr hrs
Physiology1	3 Sem/4 Qtr hrs
Human Development	3 Sem/4 Qtr hrs
Abnormal Psychology	3 Sem/4 Qtr hrs
Other Social and Behavioral Science	3 Sem/4 Qtr hrs

 ¹The Anatomy and Physiology requirements may also be fulfilled by taking Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II, as some universities offer combined courses.

²Human Anatomy must be completed successfully within 5 years of admission to the Program. The lab component with cadaver experience is strongly recommended.

Other courses in basic sciences, psychology, anthropology, math, human development, research, and human movement may be considered as alternates to the stated minimum prerequisites. The Occupational Therapy Program Admissions Committee will assess and determine if a candidate’s alternative coursework, work experience, and/or experiential learning meet the prerequisite requirements.

Application Process and Deadlines

To be considered for admission to the Occupational Therapy Program, applicants must complete the following:

1. OTCAS Application 
   Applications are due in OTCAS (https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/)by May 1st, 2024. Applications received after May 1st will be considered on a rolling basis for seats that may be available or placement on the alternate list. Please refer to the OTCAS application instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time. The OTCAS application should be available for applicants beginning in July. Due to the large number of applications and the limited number of seats available, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their OTCAS application early in the cycle.
2. Letters of Recommendation
   Applicants are required to submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from professionals to OTCAS (https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/). The Office of Admissions will only accept letters of recommendation received directly from OTCAS. It is preferred that one of the submitted letters is written by an occupational therapist who has supervised or mentored the applicant or a professional who can speak to the applicant's motivation, experiences in occupational therapy, or readiness for entering the Occupational Therapy Program. The second letter can be written by either a college professor who actually taught the student or a prehealth advisor who knows the applicant well. The applicant should refer to the OTCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.
3. Completed Application
   The Office of Admissions will send letters verifying receipt of OTCAS applications with all required materials to all applicants who meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.75. The letters will also include instructions on checking the status of the required application materials online. Applicants are responsible for tracking the receipt of their application materials and ensuring the submission of all required documents. Only applicants who submit completed applications with all required application materials by May 1st will be considered for potential entrance into the program.

Please note: Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or email address. All application withdrawal requests must be made in writing via email or letter to:

Midwestern University
Office of Admissions
19555 N. 59th Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85308
Phone: 888/247-9277 or 623/572-3215
admissaz@midwestern.edu

Interview and Selection Process

Students selected for an interview will be notified of available interview dates and invited by the Office of Admissions to schedule their interview. A typical interview day involves participation in the following activities, which are coordinated by the Office of Admissions: an interview with two interviewers, a campus tour, an opportunity to meet with counselors from the admissions office, and a conversation with current Midwestern University students on or at a later date.

During each interview session, the interviewer(s) question the applicant about their academic, personal, and professional aspirations and preparedness for admission to the Occupational Therapy Program, and rate(s) the prospective students on a standard evaluation form. These evaluations are included in applicant files provided to the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee. The Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee meets approximately one to two weeks after the interviews. The Committee reviews the full application file for applicants who were interviewed and then formulates and submits a recommendation to the Dean for action. The Dean, via Office of Admissions, notifies applicants in writing of the admission action/decision. Applicants are extended acceptance to the program based on the aggregate qualitative and quantitative data gathered from the application, interview process, and completion of all published admissions requirements.

Reapplication Process

Students who receive denial or end-of-cycle letters may reapply for the following year's admissions cycle. Before reapplying, however, individuals contemplating reapplication should seek the advice of an admissions counselor. To initiate the reapplication process, prospective students must complete and submit a new application and proceed through the standard application process.

Transfer Policy

The Program does not accept transfer credits from another Occupational Therapy Program.