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DOCTORATE

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Entry-Level) · OTD

Hybrid (Primarily Online) | 8 semesters

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Now Enrolling International Students

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Admissions Requirements

  • Completion of OTCAS application

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 no single course graded less than 2.0.

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in each required prerequisite course.

  • Prerecorded (predetermined questions) video interview/response (see website for current video interview prompts).

  • Learning Preference Assessment

  • Written Essay (see website for current essay prompt)

  • Three letters of recommendation (Professional)

  • Resumé/CV

  • Direct and regular access to high-speed internet to participate in instruction.

  • Recommended – Forty hours of documented observation hours or related work experience in occupational therapy practice.

  • Not Required – GRE

*International or ESL application requires to submit TOEFL/iBT with overall score of at least 92, with the following minimum section requirements:

·       Reading: 20

·       Listening: 20

·       Writing: 20

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, three times per semester during the first four semesters of the curriculum. Funding for travel and accommodations is the responsibility of the student.

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Course

Credits

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

 

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

 

100 level

100 level
100 level
100 level
100 level
Please use the following link to check if your course meets our prerequisite requirements.
Check Prerequisites

Video Interview 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 5 minutes, and all three questions below should be answered.  The videos should be sent to Alisse Shiles (alisse.shiles@rm.edu).  

 Option two:

Applicants can review the question prompts below and generate a written response (not verbatim and take part in a 5-10 minute interview with the Admissions Committee Chair over Zoom. To choose this option please email Alisse Shiles (alisse.shiles@rm.edu) to schedule a brief interview over Zoom with the Admissions Committee Chair. 

Video Interview Prompts  

  1. Please explain the difference between occupational and physical therapy.
  1. Please discuss 2-3 professional goals you plan to implement after you become an occupational therapist.
  1. Ethical Scenario: Every week, your classmates gather at the local coffee house to review the lessons from that week. In the last month, everyone has been working on a major paper on psychological conditions, which accounts for 40% of the course grade. One of your classmates has copies of two papers last year’s students wrote for the same course. Your classmate has emailed copies of the papers to you and the other group members. Please explain what you would do in this situation and explain why.

Written Essay Prompy

1. Please, explain why you want to become an occupational therapist.

2. Please discuss how your background and experiences prepare you to meet the mission of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

3. The learning model for the OTD program is a limited residency, with most of the instruction occurring online. Using the results of the learning styles inventory, please discuss 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 6) to ensure your success with learning online in the OTD program.

*The written essay should be a minimum of 1000 words and answer all three questions.  

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 five years of the cohort start date. Courses beyond five 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.

Required Bachelor Degree

Applicants must demonstrate completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution prior to matriculation into the occupational therapy program.

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Vaccination Requirements

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)

Program Accreditation

Accreditation: The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Rocky Mountain University has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.