Post-Professional Doctorate (OTD)
of Occupational Therapy
Holistic Admission Criteria
Holistic review evaluates applicants based on cognitive and non-cognitive traits, which ensures that more than one factor contributes to admission decisions.
The following components are included in USC Chan’s holistic review:
- Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae/Résumé
- Personal Statement
- Transcripts
- English Proficiency (as indicated)
Application Deadlines
The Division’s Admissions Committee will review your application once all your application materials have been received. To be considered for maximum financial support, the application deadline is October 1. The regular decision deadline, as well as the deadline to be considered for a USC Chan merit-based scholarship, is February 15.
Applications received after this date are also welcome and will be processed on a space available basis. Please contact our Admissions Team with specific questions regarding the OTD timeline and start dates.
How to Apply
You may apply online at any time through USC Graduate Admissions. You will find the “Occupational Therapy (OTD)” program under “Independent Health Professions.” Please arrange to have transcripts and English Proficiency test scores (if applicable) sent to USC Graduate Admissions in time to meet the application deadline.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from among professors, practitioners, or other professionals familiar with your capabilities and achievements, utilizing the process provided called “Evaluations” in the online application. It includes a form to be completed as well as uploading a personalized letter.
Ask your recommenders to address specific examples of your qualities and traits that align with the post-professional OTD. These may include — but are not limited to:
- Professionalism
- Leadership
- Managerial skills
- Innovative thinking
- Critical problem solving
- Lifelong learning
- Self-motivation and/or proactive action
- Diligence
Curriculum Vitae/Résumé
A curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé must be uploaded. This document should detail as applicable:
- Previous academic preparation
- Professional expertise
- Leadership experience
- Publications and presentations
- Volunteer experience
- Community contributions
- Other professional contributions
Personal Statement
Submit a personal statement (1,000 words or less) in response to the following prompt: Please describe your leadership aspirations for your occupational therapy career and the vision you have for yourself in achieving these goals. To address this prompt please upload a double spaced essay that does not exceed 1,000 words. Your essay should be uploaded in the supporting documents section.
Transcripts
Applicants must have completed at least a baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 from an accredited college or university. For applicants who have completed a graduate degree, the holistic review process will give primary consideration to graduate GPA(s) over undergraduate GPA.
Transcripts should be submitted directly to USC Graduate Admissions.
English Proficiency
If your bachelor’s degree was earned in a non-English speaking country and you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, you need to submit English proficiency examination scores. Please note that even if you are from an English-speaking country, you may still need to submit scores. We require that you have verification of the following scores within two years of your intended enrollment:
- An Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 100 with no less than 20 on each sub-score; or
- An IELTS total of 7 with no less than 6 on each band score; or
- A PTE Academic score of 68 or above, with 53 or above on each band.
If your native language is English and/or you have a bachelor’s degree from a US college or university, you are exempted from this examination. For additional details about English proficiency requirements by country, please review the Graduate Admissions website.
NBCOT
To apply, you must be certified or eligible for certification in Occupational Therapy in the United States, or complete an OT degree from a WFOT-approved program outside the United States. If you are currently enrolled in an occupational therapy program, you may receive admission contingent upon successful completion of all coursework and fieldwork prior to the start of the OTD program.
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