Occupational Therapy

Admissions Requirements

To apply to the WVU OTD program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Completion (or expected by the OTD start date) of a Baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited college or university. 
  • An overall 2.75 grade point average on all college coursework.
  • A 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 pre-requisite courses left to complete during the spring semester preceding admission in May.
  • Completion of observation hours using one of the two options described here.
  • Completion of a statement (750 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 OTD 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 OTD 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 OTD program.  
  • A resume or CV.

Selected students will receive an offer to interview.  Admission offers will be made following interviews.  Classes will begin in May of each year.

Credit for Previous Coursework / Work Experience: 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. The Program will also not give credit for any work experience toward the OTD degree.

English Proficiency Update:

If you did not complete your bachelor's degree in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand you must meet the minimum score requirements. 

WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency are: 

  • Academic  IELTS: 6.5 
  • TOEFL iBT: 79 (WVU accepts MyBest scores)
  • PTE Academic: 53
  • Duolingo English Test: 105

For more information on WVU's English proficiency requirements, please visit the International Graduate Application website: https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/how-to-apply/apply-for-2020-2021/international-graduate-applicant

Once admitted and following completion of the classroom, clinical, and experiential portion of the educational program the student will receive an Occupational Therapy Doctor degree. The program runs 36 months and students graduate in May. 

All aspects of the application and admissions process for the OTD 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.