Admission Requirements
The following are requirements for admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. ALL of these requirements must be fulfilled, and evidence of their completion submitted by April 30, 2013. Failure to submit ALL admission requirements will exclude the applicant from consideration for admission. Admission is based on comparative evaluation of the applicants' credentials as they relate to academic achievement and knowledge of the field. An applicant may only apply to the OCAT program a total of two (2) times.
1. Applicants must complete an application for admission to Kent State University and pay the $30.00 application fee. All application forms are available at the East Liverpool Campus by request.
2. ALL High School and College transcripts must be sent to the Admissions Office at the East Liverpool Campus. (A copy may be sent to the OCAT Program Director) "Non-remedial courses in which students have earned a "C" or better at an accredited school will be considered for transfer." (University Catalog) The OCAT Program Director will also review the transcripts to determine which credits meet Program requirements.
3. Prior to acceptance into the OTA program, applicants must demonstrate competence for college level coursework for reading, mathematics, and writing. This can be met by one of the following:
A. Results of ACT, SAT or COMPASS assessment scores.
B. Completion of all prescribed developmental coursework.
C. Evidence of a completed bachelor's degree.
Arrangements to take the COMPASS tests can be made by calling the general office of the campus where you wish to take the tests. It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain the test results so that you are aware of what course work (if any) was recommended by your test scores. It is advisable that you take the COMPASS as soon as possible, to allow time to take the recommended course work prior to the selection deadline. Contact the program director/ advisor and/or enrollment manager for specific information about completion of developmental coursework.
4. Submit a completed Application For Admission form to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. (Form is included in this packet). Please note that admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is a separate process from admission to the University and requires a separate application.
5. Completion of high school "College Prep Biology" or college "Introduction to Biology" with a letter grade of "C" or better within the last 3 years.
6. Completion of high school "Algebra" or college "MATH 10021, MATH 10022, MATH 10023 " or "College Algebra" with a letter grade of "C" or better.
7. Completion of Anatomy & Physiology I for Allied Health with a letter grade of "C" or better.
8. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 for your last scholastic experience. For the GPA from the most recent college you attended to be accepted for this requirement, you must have completed at least six credit hours of related coursework at that institution. Related coursework includes the open enrollment courses indicated on the attached curriculum outline. Courses other than the open enrollment courses must be pre-approved by the Director of the program.
9. Submit a minimum of two (2) Volunteer Hour Verification Forms (form is included in this packet and may be photocopied). Applicants MUST complete a minimum of 40 hours (20 hours in two different sites) of volunteer or work experience, to obtain a broader insight into the occupational therapy profession. The occupational therapy department where the applicant completes his/her volunteer or work experience must have a licensed occupational therapist on staff. Hours completed beyond 40 will NOT be considered. Work experience in a rehabilitation setting will be accepted as volunteer hours for (1) 20 hour experience.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact an occupational therapy department to arrange for this observation of occupational therapy. Most area occupational therapy departments are accustomed to student volunteers and will help you in obtaining these observation hours. It is advisable to start your occupational therapy experience as soon as possible to be sure you are making the correct career choice for yourself. Also, you may find it more difficult to find a facility as time nears the admission deadline. Applicants will waive the right to review the completed volunteer form in order to afford an unbiased evaluation by the supervising therapist.
ALL VOLUNTEER HOURS MUST BE COMPLETED BY April 30, 2013.
10. Completion of Writing Sample.
11. Basic computer skills and access to the Internet are necessary for success in the program,as portions of the OCAT courses incorporate the use of technology and/or may be offered online.