Admissions Requirements

Applications Open

Apply online via OTCAS (applications open through June 6, 2025).

• Applications will remain open until the cohort (30 spots) is full. 
• Interview dates will be between November and May; classes begin in August.

Visit the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) to apply.

After you've reviewed the admission requirements, including the prerequisite course requirements, you can begin your OTCAS application, which includes the following:

• Official transcripts: Applicants must arrange for OTCAS to receive an official transcript from each college and university from which you received credit in the United States and Canada.
• References: Applicants must arrange for three (3) references to be submitted electronically through OTCAS. Each evaluator will be contacted using an email address provided to OTCAS by the applicant. References must come from academic or professional individuals; letters from friends or family members will not be considered. Please include at least one academic reference and one professional or volunteer reference. 
• CV/résumé: A CV/résumé listing academic and professional experiences.
• Cover letter: Please compose a letter of introduction to introduce yourself and answer why you wish to come to Whitworth University to complete your occupational therapy doctoral degree. 
• Personal essay: The personal essay is included as part of your OTCAS application; please follow the prompt identified in OTCAS.
• Observation hours: 50 hours of OT observation is required.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): If English is not an applicant's first (primary) language, official TOEFL scores must be submitted to gradadmissions@whitworth.edu.
• Submit OTCAS application.

Admission Requirements

Whitworth's Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program uses a holistic admission process that includes:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Completion of, or enrollment in, prerequisite courses (listed below). Completion of the prerequisite courses should be within the last 10 years with a grade “B” or better in order to have a strong application. These courses will be foundational to success as an OTD student.
• An overall grade-point average (GPA) indicating successful academic performance (generally 3.0 or higher)

Characteristics of a Successful Candidate

Whitworth's Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program uses a holistic admission process that considers students' background knowledge as well as their attitude and professionalism. We look for candidates who:

• Are open to faith integration within the practice of occupational therapy
• Have a strong academic background and curiosity
• Are effective in communicating both verbally and in writing
• Have interest in interprofessional education, practice and research
• Have a lived experience of the power of daily activities in one's own life
• Are compassionate and advocacy-focused, with leadership and community engagement
• Can show evidence of observation and understanding of the role of occupational therapy services and practice across the life span with a variety of disabilities