Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the GRE to apply to the WVU OTD program?
No.
What are the steps to apply to the WVU OTD program?
Completion of the prerequisite courses. Students may have up to three outstanding prerequisite courses at the time of application. These outstanding courses must be completed prior to OTD program enrollment.
A minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
A minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0.
30 hours of volunteer/shadowing experience with at least two different licensed OTs at two sites with verification forms.
Review the application process and complete.
How will my courses transfer from another school to WVU OTD?
Due to the sequential nature and learning goals of the OTD curriculum, all students admitted to the OTD Program will be required to complete the full curriculum. The West Virginia University OTD Program will not give credit for occupational therapy coursework completed at any other university toward the OTD degree.
Transfer credit will only be considered for undergraduate prerequisite coursework. To find out if your prerequisite courses will transfer:
- Go to www.wvu.edu
- Type transfer equivalency system, in the search box, top of page
- Click on your school to view course equivalency
- For questions regarding prerequisite courses or the application process, please contact Kim Klaus, Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment.
When do I apply to the OTD program?
Our application period is mid-July to October 31st each year. Applications are submitted through the OTCAS system.
The program has a rolling admissions policy, and we encourage students to submit the application and required materials early.
Students are admitted in December and begin classes in May. All prerequisite courses and the Bachelor’s degree must be completed by the end of the spring semester before the start of OT classes.
How many years is the OTD program?
The OTD program is 36 months continuous (year round) enrollment.
What are the differences between the entry-level OTD program and the MOT program?
The OTD program in intended for students who already have a Bachelor’s degree or who desire advanced preparation for a career in OT. Students in the OTD program will experience a greater focus on professional scholarship (research), advocacy, and leadership. Students in the OTD program also complete an additional Doctoral Capstone Experiential to help prepare them to pursue a unique personal or professional interest area.
What is the Accreditation Status of the WVU OTD Program?
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited 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. Graduates of the program 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. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.