Apply to O.T.D.

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.

OTD ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

What to Include with OTCAS Application

• Transcripts
• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Volunteer/observation hours documentation (example document)
• Written essay

Volunteer/Observation Hours

The purpose of occupational therapy observation/volunteer work is to expand your knowledge of occupational therapy across practice areas and to broaden your understanding of the needs of clients in various treatment settings and across age groups. A minimum of 30 observation/volunteer hours is required in order to be eligible to apply to the professional program. Paid employment cannot count toward volunteer hours. Of those, a minimum of 20 occupational therapy observation/volunteer hours with a registered occupational therapist (OTR) or certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) is required.

It is strongly encouraged, to gain an understanding of the scope of occupational therapy practice, that applicants volunteer in a variety of settings. Your other 10 hours can be in any related area, including activities with a community service organization or additional hours in occupational therapy. Remember, observation/volunteering in a health care or community agency is a commitment and a privilege, not a right. Please be respectful. You need to ask permission to do volunteer work, not demand to do it. Please ask if there are any special procedures to be completed before your volunteer work begins. You will document your experience on the OT Observation/Volunteer Verification Form found at the back of this packet.

The Occupational Therapy department believes that through observation/volunteer work, you have the opportunity to:

1. Observe persons of all ages at work and play.
2. Establish interpersonal relationships.
3. Develop leadership skills in community service.
4. Become aware of the problems encountered by persons with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities.
5. Learn more about yourself as an individual. For example, do you enjoy working with persons with disabilities? Do you have the patience required for long-term care?
6. Develop initiative in seeking out observation/volunteer work opportunities.
7. Demonstrate responsibility through observation/volunteer work; i.e., being punctual, carrying out assigned duties, etc.
8. Gain knowledge and experience which will make academic courses more meaningful. In Level I and II Fieldwork, the Occupational Therapy students are in the process of making the transition from students to professionals with the responsibilities inherent in a profession in the health fields. Attitude and performance in assigned occupational therapy duties are constantly evaluated, and observation/volunteer work can be invaluable in preparing for this phase of your education as an occupational therapist.

The following is information for your consideration when planning your process of observing/volunteering for the Occupational Therapy admissions requirements.

Step I: Selection and Prioritizing of the Observation Sites

Select potential sites to request volunteer hours. Prioritize your choices so that you contact sites in order from your first choice to the third choice. Potential practice areas include:

1. Adult Physical Dysfunction
2. Psychosocial Dysfunction
3. Pediatrics and School Age Children
4. Geriatrics (Age 60 and older)
5. Adult Developmental Disabilities

Step II: Planning the Initial Contact

1. Call the facility/contact person at least 20 working days before the date you wish to begin.
2. Information you should have prepared prior to this call includes the following:
   • Days/dates available and time of day—be realistic, time commitments should be honored.
   • Why you are seeking observation/volunteer hours. Write it out…practice saying it out loud.

Questions you may have:

• Will there be an orientation?
• Are there guidelines/expectations?
• Is there a dress code?
• Are immunizations required?
• What are the confidentiality requirements?
• What is the projected amount of time I will be with an OTR or COTA?
• Will I be able to observe actual treatment?
• Do I need a vehicle to travel from site to site? (Between schools, between clinical locations, etc.)

It is recommended that you write these out on a sheet of paper so that your explanation is clear and concise; this may increase your confidence when making your request.

Step III: Making the Initial Contact

1. General Guidelines
   • Speak clearly and don’t rush!
   • Call early in the morning or later in the afternoon when staff generally have office hours.
   • If you must leave a message, leave your full name, telephone number, the purpose of the call, and the best time to return your call. Remember: Your personal voice mail message and e-mail user id should be professional.

     2. What to Say and How to Say It

• • Introduce yourself: name, affiliation (for example, UND student in Pre-Occupational Therapy)
  • Choose one of the following statements to identify the purpose of your call.

      3. Complete the sentences with information that specifically applies to your request.

• • “I would like to complete OT observation hours at your site in the area of _____ as part of the requirement for _____. Would this be acceptable to you?”
  • “I have learned about your facility through _____ and I would like to observe/volunteer. Would this be acceptable to you?”

If the answer is “yes” – approval to observe:

• Negotiate compatible times as outlined in Step II, number 2.
• Thank the individual for allowing this opportunity.
• Follow up with a letter or email outlining or confirming your schedule (make sure to obtain the individual’s name—including correct spelling, title, and address at the end of your conversation.

If the answer is “no” – denial to observe:

• Thank the individual for taking the time to talk with you.
• Inquire about a waiting list and opportunities in the future.
• Repeat your name and provide a phone number for the facility to reach you should an opportunity for observation or volunteer work arise.

When You Volunteer: Guidelines and Principles

• Be punctual. If you must be absent, call as early as possible to be excused.
• Adhere to dress code and other employee/volunteer policies and procedures.
• Consider observation/volunteerism a commitment and a privilege.
• Respect CONFIDENTIALITY and follow the same ethical standards expected of all staff members.
• Have a clear understanding of what your roles and duties are. If you are unsure, ask.

Questions

For questions about admissions or volunteering please email otadmissions@UND.edu