Admissions
Now Enrolling International Students
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Admissions Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet one of the following GPA criteria:
A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, OR
A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of coursework prior to matriculation.
While the program strongly recommends a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits, applicants with a lower GPA may still be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
Completion of each required prerequisite course with a minimum grade of a C in each course (See Prerequisites tab for more information, including recency requirements).
RECOMMENDED:
- Forty documented observation hours or related work experience in occupational therapy practice.
- Medical terminology course
Application Materials
- Completed OTCAS application
You will submit all application materials within your OTCAS application. These materials will include:- Official transcripts* from bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Resume or CV detailing education, employment, volunteer service, and scholarly activity
- Two letters of recommendation: 1 from an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant and 1 from a professor/instructor OR employer/supervisor.
*You must request official transcripts from your previous institution’s Registrar’s Office. Official transcripts should be sent directly to OTCAS. Any transcripts emailed from the applicant will be considered unofficial.
Video Submission or Interview/Written Response Prompt
Option one: Applicants can create a video recording (video and audio) on their smartphone, tablet, or computer. The video should be no longer than 10 minutes, and all six prompts should be addressed. The videos should be sent to the following email address: otdvideo@rm.edu.
Option two: Applicants can respond to prompts in a 10-minute interview with the Admissions Committee Chair over Zoom. The format is similar to the recorded video and applicants must address all 6 prompts. All six prompts should be addressed. To choose this option, please email Alisse Shiles (alisse.shiles@rm.edu) to schedule an interview over Zoom with the Admissions Committee Chair.
Video Interview/Response Prompts
Please explain why you want to become an occupational therapist.
Provide an example of any personal, academic, volunteer, work, or observational experiences that have shaped your understanding of the profession and the role of occupational therapy across different settings and populations.
Please explain the difference between occupational and physical therapy.
Please discuss 1 goal you would like to achieve while in the OTD program and 1 professional goal you plan to implement after you become an occupational therapist.
Choose one of the two ethical Scenarios below:
Option 1: As an occupational therapy student, you are working on a group-based research project, and one of your group members has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) without permission from the course instructor or the awareness of the other group members. Please explain what you would do in this situation and why.
Option 2: As an occupational therapy student, you are preparing for the occupational therapy competency examination with a group of fellow students. During your study sessions, one of your colleagues reveals that they have gained access to a pirated copy of the examination. They offer you access to the exam, suggesting it will help you pass with less studying and preparation. Please explain what you would do in this situation and why.
Discuss the importance of diversity and inclusivity in healthcare settings. How do you plan to use your education to foster these values in your professional practice?
The learning model for the OTD program is a limited residency, with most of the instruction occurring online, please address the following:
Your preferred learning style(s) (visual, social, physical, aural, verbal, solitary, logical, etc.).
The anticipated barriers (identify 3) and enablers (identify 3) toward your ability to learn online in the OTD program. Strategies you will use (at least 3) to ensure your success with learning online in the OTD program.
Applicants will acknowledge that if accepted into the program, they will need direct and regular access to high-speed internet to participate in instruction delivered through a learning management system, synchronous video conferencing, chats, examinations, RMU web events, etc.
Applicants will acknowledge that if accepted into the program, they will need to travel to the RMU campus in Provo, UT, two times per semester during semesters 1-4 and 7. Funding for travel and accommodations is the responsibility of the student.
Other Requirements
Vaccinations
Vaccinations
Admitted students of the entry level OTD program will receive vaccination forms regarding required vaccinations. Not all vaccinations or proof of immunity are required at the beginning of the program, but many are. The University allows for vaccination exemptions and more information about the University’s position on vaccination as well as information regarding exemption can be reviewed here.
The entry level OTD program requires the following vaccinations and testing (these are subject to change depending on public health concerns):
- Hepatitis B (vaccination and titer required)
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination or titers)
- Varicella (vaccination or titer)
- Tdap (booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- Meningococcal
- COVID-19
- Annual Influenza
- Tuberculosis testing (PPD or Quantiferon)
Tech Requirements
Technology Requirements
Background and Purpose
The healthcare industry is heavily reliant on technology and on providers who are proficient in utilizing technology. As a result, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions requires extensive utilization of electronic devices for its programs. The purpose of this document is to define minimum technology requirements for students to ensure they are equipped with the hardware and software necessary to facilitate their participation and success in all facets of their education.
Laptop Computer*
Students are required to secure a personal computer for use during the course of their studies that adheres to the below minimum requirements (*this does not apply to students in the Optometry OD program.)
Operating System (OS)
- For PC: Windows 10
- For Mac: macOS 13 (Ventura) or higher
Specifications
- Processor: Apple – M1 Chip or better. Windows – Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or better
- Memory: 8 GB or more
- Storage: 128 GB Flash Solid-State Drive (256GB or more recommended)
- Display: 13 inches or larger (retina display 12-inch is acceptable)
- WiFi Connectivity: 802.11ac or higher
- Camera: Built-in high resolution (720p or better), internal or external
Buying Recommendations
Required Software
Your computer must have these systems installed:
- Adobe PDF Reader
- An anti-virus program* If you don’t already have one installed, we recommend Sophos
*Note: You should have only ONE anti-virus program installed; multiple installations can be troublesome.
High Speed Internet
- The connection should be a Cable/DSL broadband connection or better. We recommend having a minimum of 10 mbps download and 2 mbps upload. You can check your download and upload speeds at Speedtest.
- Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) must be reliable. Please note that wireless connections can be unstable; wired Ethernet connections should be used whenever possible. If the speed of your connection is inadequate, contact your ISP to upgrade to a higher-level service.
Internet Browser
- Due to its integration with G Suite, we recommend Google Chrome.
- We recommend you also have the Mozilla Firefox browser available, as a backup.
Programs Not Using These Requirements
Applicable to all new students except the PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA) program. Check PA program technology policy for reference.
LAST UPDATED: July 2024.
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Course
Credits
Human Anatomy3
200 Level Human anatomy course covering all body regions and systems designed for Biology or Physiology majors.
NOTE: a two-semester combined Human Anatomy and Physiology course series is acceptable
Human Physiology3
200 Level Course covering human physiologic processes designed for Biology or Physiology majors.
NOTE: a two-semester combined Human Anatomy and Physiology course series is acceptable
Abnormal Psychology3
100 level
Statistics3
Prerequisite Performance
Prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better. In plus-minus grading systems, a grade of C- does not qualify as a C. Applicants offered seats contingent upon successful completion of outstanding prerequisites must complete each remaining course with a grade of B or better (earning a grade of B- does not qualify as a B).
Prerequisite Timeline Requirements
To be considered for the RMU occupational therapy program, each prerequisite course must have been completed within ten years of the cohort start date. Courses beyond ten years will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, credits must have been earned from a regionally accredited institution and be verifiable through official transcripts.
Check Prerequisites
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Application Process
Step 1:
Complete an application using Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).
Step 2:
Once submitted and verified by CAS, applicants will be reviewed by the program-specific Admissions Selection Committee.
Step 3:
In lieu of an in-person interview, applicants will complete either a video interview submission or complete a written response and 10 minute zoom interview with the Admissions Committee Chair. (Refer to Video Submission or Interview/Written Response Prompt in the Requirements section)
Step 4:
Following review of your application, the program will release an admission decision.
Step 5:
If accepted, you’ll need to review and sign the enrollment agreement and submit an enrollment deposit in order for the Admissions office to process your enrollment.