Admissions Requirements

Admission Criteria: 

• Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Admission may be granted pending completion of the degree.
• Complete pre-requisite courses: 
  • "B-" or above in each course is preferred. 
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or greater on a 4.00 scale.
  • It is strongly recommended that an applicant completes 19 credits of pre-requisite course work prior to submitting an application. All pre-requisite course work must be complete 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 cumulative GPA is less than 2.75 on a 4.00 scale, an applicant may still be eligible for admission if a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater has been achieved over the last 60 semester or 90 quarter hour credits of coursework.
• 30 observation hours required (50 recommended)
• In consideration of accommodation for COVID 19 Pass/Fail grades will be accepted for the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters.
• Provide three references.  It is required that one of the references be from a licensed occupational therapy practitioner. References should come directly from the evaluator to OTCAS. Evaluators can send references to OTCAS electronically or by using a paper reference form that can be printed from the OTCAS application.
• Complete an approved Background Check and Drug Screening prior to matriculation.
• Complete an admission interview. An applicant is invited for interviews based on an evaluation of the submitted application and supporting materials. 
• Demonstrate English language proficiency through completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam for applicants for whom English is not their first language or those who have completed a degree and pre-requisite courses outside of the United States.
• Demonstrate the ability to fulfill the Technical Standards for admission.

Notes:

• 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.

Pre-Requisite Courses:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits, lab required)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits, lab required)
• Kinesiology, Biomechanics or Physics (3 credits)
• Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
• Human Development (lifespan) (3 credits)
• Social Sciences (200-level) (6 credits)
• Statistics (3 credits)
• Medical Terminology (1 credit)

We can help you understand the application processes and prerequisites. For specific questions about your application, reach out to OTD@baylor.edu.  If you are a Baylor student check out the resources provided here.

If you are still exploring whether occupational therapy is the right career choice for you, 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.