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Apply to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

Thank you for your interest in joining Creighton’s occupational therapy community. Our program operates on a rolling admission basis, meaning that qualified applicants are invited to interview and offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

Before completing your application, please learn more about our admissions requirements below.

Important Dates and Deadlines

July 21, 2022: Cycle Opens
October 1, 2022: Preferred Deadline
October 1, 2022: Creighton Undergraduate Deadline
March 2023: Final Application Deadline

Admissions Prerequisites and Application Requirements

Prerequisite course requirements and course completion deadlines can be found on the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Prerequisites Page.

The Creighton OTD program offers four unique location-based pathways for pursuing the entry-level OTD: Campus in Omaha, Alaska Hybrid, Regis Hybrid and Phoenix Hybrid. Applicants should only apply to one pathway per admission cycle. Applying to more than one pathway does not increase an applicant’s chances for admission.

To apply, applicants must submit all of the following materials through OTCAS, an occupational therapy centralized application service, which includes:

  • An official transcript must be submitted to OTCAS from each institution the applicant has attended and/or is currently attending. Official transcripts must be received directly from the issuing institution(s).
    • All fall/winter term 2022 and prior transcripts should be directed to OTCAS.
    • All spring/summer 2023 term transcripts should be directed to Creighton University’s Enrollment Services.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
    • We prefer that one letter come from a college professor who can attest to your ability to enter a competitive professional program. If you have been out of school for some time, letters from a work setting can be helpful. Do not submit letters from family members or friends.
  • Observation in an OT setting supervised by a licensed occupational therapist.
    • We do not require a minimum number of hours, however the more hours a candidate has acquired, the more competitive an applicant becomes for admission.
  • Due to COVID-19, applicants will be considered for an interview prior to completion of observations. Admitted candidates will be required to complete their observations by August 1, 2023.

Creighton Undergraduate Admissions Pathways

Creighton offers two undergraduate admissions pathways to the OTD program. The Early Assurance Program is designed for high school students interested in the Creighton OTD program and the Undergraduate Preference gives preferential admission to Creighton undergraduate students.

International Applicants

The School of Pharmacy and Health Professions welcomes applications from international students. International applicants must submit a foreign transcript evaluation to OTCAS through an evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

2023 Personal Interview Dates

Personal interviews are required in the OT admission process. Qualified applicants will be notified via email if they are selected for an interview. Once interview seats are full, we may not have the ability to interview additional qualified candidates. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. 

Omaha PathwayRegis PathwayPhoenix PathwayAlaska Pathway
February 10February 17March 3March 17
March 31 April 14 
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OT Students Studying

Plan a Visit

Schedule a personalized visit that provides you with the ideal opportunity to explore our campuses to determine if Creighton is the right fit for you. You can also schedule a one-on-one Zoom, phone or in-person appointment by emailing us a request.

The entry-level program in occupational therapy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA).

Learn more about our accreditation status.

Creighton University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is published in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Violence Against Women Act.

Read the report.

Fulfillment of basic requirements does not guarantee an interview or admission.

Admission is based on academic and personal qualifications considered necessary for successful, competent practice as an occupational therapist. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program does not require a minimum grade point average for admission, although grade point average is considered in the overall evaluation of the applicant’s suitability for the program. Candidates are evaluated based on the fit between their personal goals and the mission and objectives of the OTD program.

In addition, prior education, work experiences, honors, awards, service to others and leadership activities serve to provide insight into a candidate’s commitment to lifelong learning and doctoral-level education. It is recommended that prospective students spend time observing occupational therapists at work in their communities. This serves to familiarize the applicant with the general responsibilities of an occupational therapy professional.