How to Apply | Occupational Therapy

Application

The application for the incoming class for the fall 2025 is open.

Pacific University OT application - The fall 2025 incoming entry will make use of the OTCAS application.

FALL 2025 OTCAS APPLICATION NOW OPEN 

The OT Admissions Committee meets from October through the end of May. 

Early Commit Deadline:  November 8th

Priority Deadline: December 11th

With the OTCAS application, we strongly advise all candidates to turn in their application in early November. It can take OTCAS a few weeks to verify applications, so it is best to turn it in early in the month of November. 

Please contact us if you would like information about the upcoming admissions cycle for 2025.

Events: Open House

Attend our Open House on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Pacific Time via Zoom to learn more about our program. 

REGISTER NOW

Application Requirements

Admissions Cycle

Applications are accepted between Sept. 15 and April 15. 

  • Application Early Commit Deadline: November 8th (For those that want to find out early about their dream school, apply by November 8th. We will review those applications early so that you can lock in to your dream school!)

  • Application Priority Deadline: December 11th

  • Admissions Decisions: Rolling

  • Program Start:  Late August

We do not require the GRE.

Prerequisites

Recommended Observation Experience (20 hours minimum)

It is recommended applicants observe 20 hours or more of paid, volunteer, or shadow experience. The method to document this experience is through the School of Occupational Therapy application process. There will be no official document you will need to get signed.

The Admissions Committee will consider the total number of hours accumulated at the time you submit your application. No consideration will be given to hours projected for the future.

The Admissions Committee encourages seeking out observation experiences in diverse settings to provide an understanding of inpatient and outpatient populations. Examples may include, but are not limited to: hospitals, clinics (pediatrics and hand therapy), private offices, and schools.

GPA

All academic prerequisite coursework must be completed with a “C” grade or higher, with a recommended minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 45 semester credits. Evidence that all prerequisite coursework requirements will be completed prior to actual entrance into the program must be documented.

Letters of Recommendation

Obtain up to 3 professional letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals whom you have worked with or learned from that can attest to your skills and abilities related to becoming an occupational therapist. Examples include, but are not limited to, professors, employers, and mentors. 

OTCAS Essays/Personal Statement

Complete the following essays within the OTCAS application. Remember that your essay(s) are professional writing samples and should reflect your understanding of occupational therapy, your journey to pursuing a graduate degree, and your desire to join the Pacific University School of OT.

  • Complete the OTCAS general essay within the application.

  • Please discuss why you have chosen to apply to the Pacific University School of Occupational Therapy and why our school is a good match for your current and future goals to become an occupational therapist. 

  • Please state any additional pertinent information you think we should know before evaluating your application.

Application Tips

During the application review process, the Admissions Committee looks for evidence of knowledge, skills, and attributes that are deemed necessary for success within the curriculum. Factors considered include, but are not limited to:

  • Self-management skills including ability to appraise one’s own challenges and strengths.

  • Ability to assume responsibility for one’s own personal and professional development.

  • Leadership and teamwork skills.

  • General knowledge and interest in the study of human occupation (the way people occupy their time in self-care, productive and leisure activities).

  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

  • Interpersonal skills and self-confidence.

  • Ability to articulate values and beliefs regarding health and well-being.

  • Critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving.

  • Motivation to pursue a career in occupational therapy.