Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

The Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy prepares students to become highly qualified entry-entry level, occupational therapists. The holistic curriculum integrates didactic and experiential learning in a variety of settings, providing students with entry-level skills in clinical practice, administration, clinical research, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development. Didactic and experiential learning creates reflective and holistic practitioners who understand the complexity of occupational engagement and systems across a variety of settings, populations, and geography. Partnerships with local health care systems, clinics, and non-profit organizations further give students clinical and critical thinking skills to assume leadership roles in the community as ethical and capable practitioners.

The ideal candidate for the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program will have: A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university by May 31st (or before) of the year they are applying. A degree in any area of study will be accepted. A minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Applicants whose overall undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0 will be considered if they earned a minimum 3.0 GPA in their last two years of study and across all the pre-requisite coursework). A 3.0 or higher GPA on all prerequisite coursework. Completed all prerequisites within 5 years of the November 1st application deadline. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within 5 years of the application deadline with minimum scores of: (Applicants whose scores are below the minimum may be considered.) Verbal ≥ 150 verbal, Quantitative ≥ 145, Analytical writing ≥ 3.5 Clear admission to the Graduate College of UTRGV Documented evidence of volunteer, work, or service experiences/hours Three references /recommendation letters Personal Statement (Standard Essay) Application to the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy Schools (OTCAS).