Entry-level OTD Admissions Requirements

The Baylor University Department of Occupational Therapy takes a holistic approach to admitting qualified applicants to the program.

A holistic approach to admissions means that we view the entire student application packet before making a decision regarding admission to the program. This process is driven by the University’s mission and vision to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

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Admissions Criteria

Explore admissions criteria and requirements for Baylor's Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution

Applicants must complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Admission may be granted pending completion of the degree.

Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or greater on a 4.00 scale.
If your GPA is below a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale you may still be eligible if your last 60 semester hours or last 90 quarter hours is above a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.

While Baylor's Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program does require specific pre-requisite courses, it does not require applicants to have completed a particular major. Students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds have found success in Baylor's occupational therapy program—learn more about their backgrounds and experiences.

Complete pre-requisite courses with a C or above

Complete pre-requisite courses with a C or above:

"B-" or above in each course is preferred.
It is strongly recommended that an applicant complete 19 credits of pre-requisite coursework before submitting an application. All pre-requisite coursework must be completed before starting the program.
If a pre-requisite course is repeated, the credit hours assigned to the course may be counted only once in fulfilling the required number of hours. The pre-requisite GPA will be determined using the highest course grade achieved; however, both grades will be calculated into the cumulative GPA.
If you have not completed the prerequisite coursework before the start of classes, you will not be allowed to begin classes.

Complete 30 observation hours (50 recommended)

Provide three references

Provide a writing sample and personal essay

Complete an admission interview

Demonstrate English language proficiency

Demonstrate the ability to fulfill the Technical Standards for admission

Complete an approved Background Check and Drug Screening

Notes on Admissions Criteria:

All courses within the professional didactic and clinical curriculum are required for completion of the OTD degree program.
Baylor does not grant advanced placement credit for experiential learning, or transfer credits from other programs or institutions.
In consideration of accommodation for COVID 19, Pass/Fail grades will be accepted for the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters.

Pre-Requisite Course Requirements:

Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4 credits, lab required
Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4 credits, lab required
Biomechanics	3 credits (Kinesiology or Physics may be acceptable if the course contains mechanics or biomechanics)
Psychology	6 credits (3 of those credits must be Abnormal Psychology, Neuropathology, or Behavior Disorders)
Human Development (lifespan)	3 credits
Social Sciences	3 credits (These credits may be from Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health, Ethnicity, Gender Studies, Religious Studies, or Philosophy coursework)
Statistics	3 credits
Medical Terminology	1 credit

*If you have not completed the prerequisite coursework before the start of classes, you will not be allowed to begin classes.

We do require Anatomy and Physiology coursework to be completed within 5 years of the program start date. Other than these two courses, prerequisite coursework does not expire.

If you have any questions about the program, application process, or prerequisites, please contact us today at Robbins_Grad@baylor.edu or 254-710-4400.

If you are a Baylor student check out the resources provided here.

Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. An individual, who has a felony background and is considering entering an occupational therapy program, can have his or her background reviewed prior to applying for the exam by requesting an Early Determination Review.