Occupational Therapy

Application Process

Phase I

Applications can be submitted once per year through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). The application period is July 21-October 31 annually.  A completed application must include the following:

  • Verification of 20 hours of volunteer, work, or shadowing experience with an occupational therapist. There are two options for fulfilling the shadowing requirements.
    • Option 1: Traditional in-person shadowing. Students must complete a minimum of 20 hours with at least two different clinical settings (in-patient, outpatient, mental health, schools, etc.) OR populations (pediatrics, geriatrics, adults, etc.). Students must complete the verification form for each site with the supervising occupational therapy practitioners (OTR or OTA).
    • Option 2: Hybrid shadowing. Students will complete the WVU OT Virtual Shadowing portion including all 4 modules. Students will then complete a minimum of 6 hours in-person. Students must complete the verification form for the 6 hours with the supervising occupational therapy practitioner(s) (OTR or OTA).

  • Two letters of recommendation (professional, academic, or personal / non-relative) that speak to the applicant’s skills, knowledge, aptitude related to becoming an occupational therapist.

  • Transcripts of all post-secondary education.

  • Written personal statement specific to motivation to become an occupational therapist, why the applicant is a good fit for WVU OT, and why the student chose to study OT at WVU. 

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

Phase II

Qualified candidates will be invited to complete a virtual interview. As part of the interview process, candidates will meet with one WVU OT faculty member and an OT from the community for approximately 30 minutes.