OTD Admissions

Application Process

All applications including applicable documents must be submitted and verified using the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

Admission to the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program operates on a rolling admission basis. To access the application please visit the OTCAS website.

The OTCAS application opens each year in late July. The application deadline is April 15.

The Fairleigh Dickinson University Occupational Therapy program does not require a Supplemental Application.

Admissions Requirements

Prior to matriculation, applicants to FDU’s Occupational Therapy program should have earned a bachelor’s degree or US equivalent.

Required Courses

  • 8 semester hours of Anatomy & Physiology with Lab
  • 3 semester hours of Lifespan or Human Development or courses to include Childhood, Adolescent and Adult Development
  • 3 semester hours of Abnormal Psychology
  • 3 semester hours of Social Sciences (Sociology or Anthropology recommended)
  • 3 semester hours of Statistics
  • 1 semester hour of Medical Terminology (online or self-paced courses are accepted)

All incomplete required courses must be completed prior to matriculation. It is recommended that all required courses have been taken within the past 5 years.

GPA

Preference will be given to applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better on 4.0 scale.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are not required.

Observation Hours

Experience (observation, shadowing, work, volunteer) in healthcare is recommended but not required, however, experience will enhance your application.

Technical Requirements

Students are expected to have access to a computer or laptop with reliable internet connectivity to participate in online lectures, access course materials, and engage in collaborative activities. Students are expected to use applications like Word, Excel and virtual conferencing platforms like Zoom.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen

A criminal background check and a drug screen are required for all matriculating students. The background check and drug screening are performed by Certiphi. Please be advised any former criminal history may impact the ability to complete the program and receive certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

International Students

International applicants must submit to OTCAS an official course-by-course transcript evaluation completed by one of the member organizations of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Please visit NACES.org for a list of those participating organizations.

International applicants are required to submit proof of English proficiency in the following manner:

  • TOEFL-IBT with a score of 70 or higher
  • IELTS with a score of 6 or better
  • Completion of English Composition at the college or university level with a grade of C or better

Interview Process

Qualified applicants will be invited for a personal interview. Interviews are scheduled through the admissions office and include a faculty-led interview with a question and answer session.

Acceptance Notification

Following the interview, candidates will be notified within 14 days of the admission committee’s decision.

Transfer Credit

The OTD program does not grant prospective or enrolled students a waiver of required coursework or advanced standing. Students are required to complete all semesters in their sequenced order and cannot advance in the curriculum without completing all components.