Admission Requirements

Qualified applicants for the WVU MOT program must meet the following admission requirements:

  • Completion of the OTCAS application.
  • Overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 on all college coursework.
  • An overall prerequisite coursework grade point average of 3.0. For assistance with prerequisite course selection or transfer equivalency, please contact Kim Klaus, Assistant Director of Admissions for Professional & Undergraduate Programs, at kklaus@hsc.wvu.edu.
  • No more than three outstanding prerequisite courses at the time of application.
  • Completion of 56 total undergraduate credit hours prior to beginning the MOT program. 
  • Completion of observation hours using one of the two options described here.
  • Completion of a statement (500 words maximum) indicating why you have selected occupational therapy as a career path, a description of previous experiences supportive of your career choice, a description of your personal attributes, a description of career goals, including area of practice, and why you are applying to the WVU MOT program.
  • Two recommendation letters (Professional, Academic, or Personal/Non-Relative) that speak to your skills, knowledge, and aptitude related to becoming an occupational therapist.  The WVU MOT program requires two recommendations, this differs from the OTCAS system which requires the contact information for three “evaluations” (recommendations).  For students applying to the WVU MOT program only, you will need to submit the contact information for a third person from any source to be able to submit the OTCAS application. The third evaluation and recommendation letter will not have to be completed (uploaded) for your application to be considered by the WVU MOT program.  
  • A resume or Curriculum Vitae that highlights the applicant’s achievements, honors, and skills that prepared them for the occupational therapy profession.

Credit for Previous Coursework / Work Experience: Due to the MOT curriculum's sequential nature and learning goals, all students admitted to the MOT Program will be required to complete the full curriculum. The West Virginia University MOT Program will not give credit for occupational therapy coursework completed at any other university toward the MOT degree. Transfer credit will only be considered for undergraduate prerequisite coursework. The Program will also not give credit for any work experience toward the MOT degree.

Once admitted, students completing two more years will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance.  The third and final year will be completed as a graduate student (you do not reapply).  The program runs for 31 months and students graduate in December.

English Proficiency Update:

International students whose native language is not English must meet WVU’s requirements for English language proficiency. For more information on these requirements, please visit the admissions page for international students

All aspects of the application and admissions process for the MOT program operate consistent with West Virginia University’s commitment to non-discrimination, cultural diversity, and inclusion. West Virginia University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by promoting diversity, inclusion, equality, and intercultural and inter-community outreach. The University does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or gender identity and expression in its programs and activities. The university does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on these bases and takes steps to ensure that students, employees, and third parties are not subject to a hostile environment in University programs or activities. Full description and contacts at: https://diversity.wvu.edu/equity-assurance