20 OT Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
You’ll discover more about the difficulties these groups encounter on a social and psychological level. The elderly, individuals with disabilities, kids and teenagers, persons with mental health conditions, people with physical health conditions, and those who have been hurt are some examples of vulnerable groups.
Let’s briefly go over a few key points that every prospective student interested in becoming an occupational therapist should be aware of before we list the OT schools with the easiest admission.
Occupational Therapy Overview: Occupational Therapist Responsibilities
Let’s first define what occupational therapy (OT) actually is. Through the therapeutic use of commonplace activities, occupational therapists assist people in doing or taking part in the things they desire and need to do (also known as occupations). Occupational therapy is a social work and health profession that requires a scientific degree. It requires a comprehensive, “whole-person” approach to mental and physical wellness. People can grow and fulfill their potential with the assistance of an occupational therapist. Occupational therapy offers practical assistance to patients in their recovery so they can have happy lives.
The term “occupation” refers to practical strategies that let people conduct autonomous lives. People who are physically and psychologically unable to carry out daily activities without assistance are the focus of OT in particular. With a variety of issues, including learning or physical challenges, physical ailments, and mental health conditions, children and adults of all ages seek the help of occupational therapists. Occupational therapists might be independent practitioners or they can work for social services, education, health, housing, or volunteer organizations.
How to Apply to the OT Schools
The steps to enroll in the OT schools of your choice are listed below:
- Acquire a bachelor’s degree
- Attempt the GRE
- Complete your OT observational hours.
- Look into the specializations of occupational therapy
- Make a strong personal statement.
1. Acquire a bachelor’s degree
Before you can pursue a master’s or PhD in occupational therapy, you must hold a bachelor’s degree. For the majority of graduate programs, your bachelor’s degree can be in any field or a diverse range of disciplines.
You can work in this field after receiving a bachelor’s degree in another subject. However, if you are quite certain that you want to become an occupational therapist, you can choose a related bachelor’s degree.
2. Attempt the GRE
Typically, applicants to occupational therapy programs must have GRE scores. Don’t take the GRE lightly. There are a ton of resources for studying available.
You can and should study for a few months prior to your exam. Consider enrolling in a structured study or training program if you are anxious about the exam or struggle with standardized tests.
3. Complete your OT observational hours.
30 hours of occupational therapy observation are often required by occupational therapy colleges. Shadowing is the term for this. It’s also advised that you accrue observation hours if you choose to enroll to an online OT school program.
4. Look into the specializations of occupational therapy
Prior to applying to OT school, you are not needed to select a specialty. If you have little background knowledge on the subject, this can be challenging. On the other hand, doing your homework and thinking about a specialism can be helpful when submitting an application.
5. Make a strong personal statement.
Top candidates for OT school must do more than just fulfill the prerequisites. A decent GPA, a GRE score, and the required amount of observational hours are not sufficient.
You want every aspect of your application, from further shadowing time in diverse locations to a strong personal essay, to make an impression on the OT school administration.
At this time, you ought to have a firm grasp of the occupational therapy sector and your future plans for using your degree and expertise.
20 OT Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
These are the OT schools with the easiest admission:
The Bay Path University Master of Occupational Therapy degree is highly sought for. Courses in their curriculum prepare students for generalist practice. The awareness, knowledge, and skill that BAY University’s MOT programs are built upon.
This accessible OT school emphasizes Ethics, Evidence-Based Practices, Meaningful Occupations, Function, and Collaborative Learning while structuring courses to encourage student learning progression.
At Boston University, an occupational therapy program that is evidence-based, client-centered, and planned from a life-course perspective integrates academic courses and fieldwork.
From lecturers and practitioners who are well-known in both the national and international communities, you will learn about the concepts, theories, and practices of occupational therapy.
Through Level I and Level II Fieldwork placements chosen from BU’s extensive network of regional and national clinical sites, you will acquire an exceptional range of clinical experience starting in your first semester and continuing throughout the three-year entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy curriculum.
The mission of Cedar Crest College is to offer students cutting-edge chances to acquire degrees that will transform their lives and have a positive impact on the world.
The brand-new doctoral program in occupational therapy prepares moral leaders in the field who are committed to clinical excellence, practice that is informed by science, advocacy for occupational justice and beneficial social change, and meeting the health and occupational needs of various populations.
Through visits to community-based practice sites, developing practice sites, and cutting-edge practice areas, students get the chance to gain knowledge about this dynamic field.
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4. Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU)
The goal of GMercyU’s occupational therapy program is to develop skilled, self-aware, morally upright, and compassionate occupational therapists in the Sisters of Mercy tradition.
By offering education that emphasizes honesty, decency, respect, service, and the advancement of occupational justice, this mission is achieved.
5. Clarkson University
The goal of the occupational therapy program at Clarkson is to produce therapists who are equipped to address both the present and future societal issues that have an impact on people’s occupations.
This school makes use of experiential learning to assist students in internalizing functional models for performing occupational therapy in culturally diverse, cutting-edge practice environments.
6. Downstate SUNY
You learn more than just knowledge and skills when you pursue an occupational therapy master’s degree at Downstate.
Immersion in the occupational therapy culture is another important aspect.
7. Hofstra University
Long Island, New York-based Hofstra University’s 68-credit Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program trains students to work as registered and licensed occupational therapists.
At Hofstra University, the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program aims to produce competent, caring, and evidence-based practitioners who have the knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and competencies necessary to be lifelong learners capable of meeting occupational standards and societal demands.
8. Springfield University
Transformative approaches to healthcare education, career progression, service, research, and leadership are made possible by the new Springfield College Health Sciences Center.
The Center expands on the success of the School of Health Sciences and maintains its position as the top option for the best faculty, staff, and students.
9. Husson University
Approximately 40 students are accepted each year by the occupational therapy program at Husson University. A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy can be earned after completing the first year of the program. A cadaver dissection facility, an outstanding library, wireless computer access, and an occupational therapy lecture and lab are just a few of Husson University’s resources.
10. University of Kean
The master’s program in occupational therapy at Kean University offers a thorough education in the discipline for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject.
30 or so students are admitted to the program each September. Each student is required to complete six months of supervised fieldwork in an approved clinical setting in addition to five semesters of mandatory academic coursework.
The curriculum offers a wide variety of practical clinical experiences and fieldwork to students starting in their first semester. Additionally, Kean offers a clinic on campus where students can practice and hone their occupational therapy abilities while working with real patients.
11. University at Buffalo
Within the SUNY system, only the UB five-year BS/MS program allows you to earn your entry-level OT degree within five years of high school graduation.
A bachelor’s degree in occupational science and a master’s degree in occupational therapy are the results of their five-year occupational therapy program.
While ensuring that you are ready to pass the national certification exam and state licensure requirements to enter the profession, this program is flexible enough to meet your unique needs and interests.
12. New York University
The goal of the LIU Brooklyn Occupational Therapy programs is to prepare entry-level occupational therapists with the knowledge and expertise necessary to work successfully in the rapidly evolving urban health care environment, as well as to equip patients and clients with skills for the workplace and at home.
13. Mercy College
If you want a career in occupational therapy that will never end in rewards, Mercy College’s Graduate Occupational Therapy (OT) weekend program is for you. This college provides a two-year, full-time weekend program with 60 credits that meets every other weekend.
This OT curriculum features a blend of lectures, discussions, small-group problem solving, hands-on experiences, problem-based learning (PBL), and our cutting-edge “learning by doing” attitude. The school has a relaxed entry criteria.
14. Messiah University
Messiah University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program will give you the skills you need to become an effective, in-demand occupational therapist and a leader in your industry. In Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, there is an accredited full-time, 80-credit residential program with a state-of-the-art learning environment created especially for occupational therapy students.
15. University of Pittsburgh
You may integrate evidence-based practice, comprehend shifting health care delivery models, and participate as a change agent in the occupational therapy sector thanks to Pitt’s doctor of occupational therapy program.
You will be mentored by faculty members who are also well-known physicians and researchers.
They will lead you through coursework, fieldwork, and capstone exercises that go above the generalist level of an occupational therapist.
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16. New Mexico’s western region
- Net yearly tuition is $11,909 (National $15,523).
- Education period: four years
- $30 application fee
- Average Total Aid Given ($7,535 National Average): $9,758 each year
- 95% of students receive financial aid.
- Six years after graduation, the median salary (national $33,028) is $30,900.
- Reviews with an excellent rating: 34/288
This is one of the OT Schools with the Easiest Admission. Western New Mexico is headquartered in Silver City. It is a tiny college that offers 1,189 undergraduate students an outstanding education. Other lucrative disciplines offered by the school include nursing, welding, and liberal arts and humanities. Alumni typically start out making roughly $24,000 per year.
17. Indiana’s Vincennes University
- Net yearly tuition is $10,205 (National $15,523).
- Education time: four years
- $20 application fee
- Total Average Aid Given: $7,116 per year (National $7,535)
- 89% of students receive financial aid.
- Six years after graduation, the median annual salary (national $33,028) is $32,800.
- Reviews with a rating of excellent: 115/629
With 4,970 undergraduate students, Vincennes is a small public university in Indiana. Numerous top majors are available to students, including nursing, humanities and liberal arts, and manufacturing engineering technician. In terms of starting pay, graduates typically earn around $27,500.
18. Baltimore County Community College, Maryland
- Net yearly tuition is $8,274 (National $15,523).
- Education period: two years
- Application cost: null
- Total Average Aid Given: $4,795 per year (National $7,535)
- 78% of students receive financial aid.
- Six years after graduation, the median annual salary (national $33,028) is $35,100.
- Excellent Reviews: 257 of the Total 1265
The only mid-sized college on our list where you can study occupational therapy is CCBC. 5,081 undergraduate students are enrolled. Many other excellent majors are available, including nursing, criminal justice, law enforcement management, and liberal arts and humanities. For graduates, the starting salary is typically $27,700.
19. MCCC (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)
- Net yearly tuition (National $15,523): $7,433
- Education time: two years
- Application cost: null
- Average Total Aid Given ($7535 Nationally): $5,387 per year
- 91% of students receive financial aid.
- Earnings Median 6 Years After Graduation ($33,028): $27,900 per year
- Review count for excellent: 250/702
There are around 5,756 undergraduate students at this medium-sized public college. The college provides fantastic degrees including Manufacturing Engineering Technician, Instrumentation Technician, and Liberal Arts and Humanities in addition to training occupational therapists. You can start out with a starting salary of $22,000 once you graduate.
20. Mississippi’s East Mississippi Community College
- Net yearly tuition is $6,951 (National $15,523).
- Education Period: two years
- Application cost: null
- Total Average Aid Given: $6,239 per year (National $7,535)
- 92% of students receive financial aid
- Earnings Median 6 Years After Graduation ($33,028): $24,900 per year
- 58/183 reviews are rated as excellent.
The last of the OT Schools with the Easiest Admission, this community college comes in at number 20. The location of this public university is Scooba, Mississippi. Due to its size, 2,360 students have the opportunity to enroll there. Health service, preparatory studies, electrician, and liberal arts and humanities are a few of the more well-liked majors. Alumni of EMC can earn a starting salary of $21,200 after graduating.
Obtaining Financial Aid for Occupational Therapy School
For students enrolled in occupational therapy programs, the government, private organizations, and universities provide financial aid options that make the degree process convenient and affordable. Federal grants, private loans, federal loans, a federal work-study program, fee waivers, and tuition reimbursement deferment are a few of the available financial aid possibilities.
1. Government Grants
State grants are provided by the state where the public institution is located, whereas federal grants are those given by the federal government to students who meet their criteria.
Federal Pell Grants, which are only awarded to students with exceptional financial need, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, which are awarded to students from specific schools, are two other categories of federal grants.
2. Federal Loans
Students can apply for federal loans that may or may not be subsidized as a way to cut costs. Student loans include lower interest rates, no credit check requirements, and payments doesn’t start until you’ve earned your degree.
3. Private Loans
Private organizations grant this kind of financing to pupils that fit certain requirements. Parental loans, loans for graduate school, and loans for undergraduate study are a few examples of private loans. When students have used up their federal loan limit, private loans are an option because they are simple to obtain. They have higher interest rates as well as the potential to put a co-signer at risk.
4. Work-Study
Some universities offer students the chance to participate in this financial aid program, which allows them to work part-time jobs while also enrolled in their degree programs. Some will receive compensation for their work, while others will have a portion of their fees waived.
Frequently Asked Questions about the OT Schools
How long does OT typically last?
The process of becoming a licensed occupational therapist can take up to five or six years. Before pursuing a master's degree and gaining experience through fieldwork, candidates must first earn a bachelor's degree.
What aspect of OT school is the most difficult?
For many students, gross anatomy, neuroscience/neuroanatomy, and kinesiology are the most challenging courses (including myself). The majority of the time, these courses are taken at the beginning, assisting in ensuring that accepted students are ready for the demands of graduate school.
Is OT a reliable profession?
It's a career path with endless opportunities because it allows you to assist a wide variety of people in many different aspects of life. Working in the field of occupational therapy will bring you a great deal of fulfillment if you have the compassion and motivation to pursue a career that is committed to improving people's quality of life.
Where are OTS needed the most?
1. Home Health Care.
2. Hospital Setting.
3. Acute, Subacute, and Restorative Rehabilitation Centers.
4. Skilled Nursing Facility.
5. Outpatient Setting.
6. Mental Health.
7. School.
8. Early Intervention.
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