OT Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, both master’s and doctoral degree levels are routes of entry to the profession and accredited by ACOTE.

Both degree levels prepare graduates to be entry-level practitioners. The doctoral degree emphasizes clinical practice skills, evidence-based practice, research skills, administration, and leadership.

Both degree levels require Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences. In addition, entry-level doctoral students must complete the doctoral capstone experience and project to gain additional in-depth skills.

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate prepares students for innovative practice in changing practice contexts. The flexibility of the doctoral program also allows students to prepare for their future practices.

Prospective occupational therapy students can view additional information about both entry-level degree options at www.aota.org/career/become-an-ot-ota.

Information on the costs of the program can be found on the cost breakdown page.

• Introduction to Biology
  3-4 credit hrs
  Lab not required but recommended
• Human Anatomy
  3-4 credit hrs
  Lab not required but recommended
• Human Physiology
  3-4 credit hrs
  Lab not required but recommended
• Introduction to Psychology
  3 credit hrs
• Abnormal Psychology
  3 credit hrs
• Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology
  3 credit hrs
• Lifespan Human Development
  3 credit hrs
  Birth to death
• Introduction to Research Methods
  2 credit hrs
  Qualitative or Quantitative Research, Statistics or Research Methods
• Medical Terminology
  1-2 credit hrs
  A medical terminology certificate could be used to fulfill the pre-requisite requirement for this coursework.

There is not a required major for acceptance into the entry-level OTD program at Murphy Deming. We value diversity in educational experiences and backgrounds to foster a rich student culture. Therefore, we only require that prerequisite requirements be fulfilled.

You will need a preferred 3.0 overall GPA, but we expect that most accepted students will surpass this. In addition, all prerequisite courses must reflect a “C” or better to be accepted. 

GRE scores are not required for admission.  However, if you would like to submit your GRE scores, you are welcome to do so. The OTCAS GRE Code for Mary Baldwin University is 1992.

While, the admissions process to the doctoral OT program is competitive, the holistic admissions review process considers a variety of factors. Given the rolling admissions format, applicants are encouraged to apply early in the process, by the priority deadline. Typically, a maximum of 35 students are admitted to each class.

Yes, Mary Baldwin University is coeducational for all of its graduate, undergraduate, and online degree programs.

One reference must be from an occupational therapist. Other recommendations can be from a college professor that can verify your readiness for the rigors of graduate-level work, or professionals who have observed you in a client care environment, or prior employers. References from family members or friends are not recommended.

Graduate programs in health sciences may allow up to six (6) graduate-level transfer credits with prior program director approval. Prior courses may be used to meet prerequisite requirements. There is no waiver of coursework or advanced standing granted in any program.

Due to our current accreditation status, we are not able to sponsor visas for international students at this time. Students that are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents are eligible to apply. The college of health sciences does consider coursework completed internationally, as long as the proper transcript evaluations (such as WES) are included with the application.

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is rigorous. Students can expect a full-time commitment to professional studies. If students choose to work, they are advised to select flexible, part-time employment options. Limited opportunities are available for selected students to work as tutors during their second year in the program assisting first-year students with coursework.

Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.

Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include:

• an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals,
• customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals, and
• an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science.

Published courtesy of the American Occupational Therapy Association. For more, please visit www.aota.org/career/become-an-ot-ota/about-the-profession.

Occupational Therapy is a dynamic healthcare profession that promotes expertise in developing individuals’ meaningful performance skills in daily life tasks. The term “occupation” refers to meaningful daily life tasks and roles. The ability to perform self-care tasks, to work or go to school, to participate in leisure activities and meaningful socializations are important. These activities help to define individuality and the quality of our lives. The role of the occupational therapist is to provide client and family-centered care that strives to regain independence or optimal abilities following the onset of illness or injury.

Occupational therapists work with clients to restore functioning and well-being, to remediate limitations to independence, and to adapt for impairments or disabilities. Occupational therapists work with clients to promote wellness, prevent illness or injuries, and to restore function or adaptation skills.

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings to support the occupational performance of individuals, groups, and populations.

The most common settings where occupational therapists work include: hospitals, schools, long-term care or skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics.

Additionally, other settings includes early intervention, home health, mental health, academia, and the community.