Admissions Process — OTD

Application Process

1. Review the Requirements for Admission

Review the OTD program’s admission requirements before proceeding.

2. Submit Your OTCAS Application

Submit your online application through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service. OTCAS applications are available in July for the class that begins in August of the following year.

It’s to your advantage to apply as early in the cycle as possible due to rolling admissions.

3. Send Official Transcripts

Submit all official transcripts to OTCAS. Please include all colleges and universities attended. Transcripts must be from a regionally accredited college or regionally accredited university within the United States.

4. Include Personal Statement

Submit your personal statement to OTCAS. Please articulate your understanding of occupational therapy and your interest in becoming an occupational therapist. Your personal statement should include personal and professional goals that reflect thoughtful pursuance of doctoral-level studies, including the doctoral capstone experience and project.

5. Share Supporting Documents

Submit any supporting documents, including observation or volunteer hours, to OTCAS.

6. Provide Letters of Recommendation

Submit three letters of recommendation through OTCAS. Letters should include:

• At least one letter from an academic instructor who can speak to your ability to succeed in a rigorous professional program.
  
• At least one letter ideally from an occupational therapist, though letters from another academic instructor, academic advisor, work supervisor or colleague are also accepted.

7. Applying After OTCAS Closes

For students who wish to apply after OTCAS closes, direct applications to DMU are considered on a case-by-case basis. This process is a replication of the OTCAS application and is handled directly through DMU’s admissions office.

Admission Decisions

Once your application file is verified with OTCAS, it will be sent to DMU. You will be contacted by email if you are selected for an interview, which is required for admission.

The interview process includes two components:

• The first interview uses the Kira Talent Virtual Interview Assessment — a competency-based, holistic, asynchronous assessment.
• The second is a live session conducted either in-person or via Zoom, per the applicant’s choice.

Additional follow-up interviews may be required. Applicants will receive a response to their application status after the interview process.

Because of the rolling admissions schedule, those who apply early in the admissions cycle are more likely to be interviewed than those who apply later.

The OTD program uses a holistic review process when making admissions decisions. This means we consider your experiences, attributes, academic performance and the unique value you bring to our learning community and the occupational therapy profession. Our mission-aligned approach looks at you as a whole applicant — not just one factor — ensuring our selection criteria reflect the goals of DMU and the OTD program.