Apply to O.T.D.
An occupational therapy doctorate degree can be obtained through a three-year professional curriculum.
Applications open in August and interviews are scheduled according to application submission, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. There are three rounds of interviews conducted based on submission of your application. Interviews tend to take approximately two hours and include an interview process and a brief writing exercise.
Applicants will complete one round of interviewing.
- First Round: All application materials must be submitted by October 15
- Second Round: All application materials must be submitted by November 15
- Third Round: All application materials must be submitted by December 20
Apply to the OTD Program
Students have two options when applying for admission to the UND Occupational Therapy Program:
- Standard admission: Application is typically completed during junior year of undergraduate coursework.
- Early assurance: Application is completed during senior year of high school.
Admissions are competative based on Admission Committeee review of cumulative GPA, personal interview, leadership record, volunteerism record, essay, recommendations (references) and resume.
Standard Admission
Students eligible to apply for the O.T.D. professional program must complete their application in OTCAS and submit a UND School of Graduate Studies application.
Applications are available online starting mid-July through December 20.
Required in-person interviews are scheduled for early spring semester.
What to Include with OTCAS Application
- Transcripts
- Letters of Reference
- Resume
- Volunteer/observation hours documentation (example document)
- Written essay
Early Assurance
Early assurance is a criterion-based early admission program for Pre-Occupational Therapy students who have exemplary academic performance during high school.
- Limited to the top 20 most qualified candidates
- Selection process begins in September for the following fall
- High school GPA of 3.75 or higher
How to be Considered
- High school seniors apply for admission to UND
- Declare intent to pursue Pre-Occupational Therapy on UND admission application
- Complete the Occupational Therapy early assurance application (invitation and link to application will be emailed to qualified candidates)
- Priority given to early applicants
- Students who are not selected for early assurance are encouraged to apply for admission to the Occupational Therapy program through the standard admission process.
Progression Criteria
- One meeting per semester with UND OT Early Assurance Advisor
- Maintain a GPA of 3.25 for all undergraduate coursework
- Achieve a GPA of 3.40 for UND OT prerequisite coursework by the Fall prior to the anticipated year entering the program.
- Progress through prerequisite coursework for the UND OT program as determined by meetings with UND OT Early Assurance Advisor
- Fulfillment of UND Essential Studies requirements
- Attain 30 observation hours, 20 of which must be with an occupational therapist
- One of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree
- > 90 semester credit hours with the equivalent of an identified minor in a selected discipline
- >90 semester credit hours with at least 8 of those credits at the 300 and/or 400 level(s) of coursework.
- Students may only withdraw once from an individual course and may only have three total course withdrawals
- Students may only retake 2 UND OT prerequisite courses.
- Students are expected to comply with all elements of the UND Code of Student Life and interact with peers, faculty, and community members in a thoughtful, respectful manner.
- Pass a criminal background check prior to matriculation within the professional program.
INMED Application
Students are encouraged to apply for admission to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program through the Indians into Medicine Program (INMED). Each year, the Occupational Therapy Department adds two seats for INMED program participants who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. INMED is a national program, and we encourage students from North Dakota and out of state to apply.
INMED provides academic, personal, and cultural support to aid in successful academic achievement for its program participants.
How to Apply
- Complete the OTCAS application
- Complete the UND School of Graduate Studies application
- Complete the Occupational Therapy INMED Application
- Attach a copy of your tribal enrollment document, i.e., CDIB or Tribal ID photo. (You must be enrolled, not a descendant)
Background Check
Applicants must complete the required criminal background check following the offer of admission and prior to enrollment. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination or to attain state licensure as an Occupational Therapist.
Verified Credentials, LLC is the Minneapolis-based company that will conduct the background check.