Occupational Therapy Admissions
Apply to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
The Creighton University Doctor of Occupational Therapy 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. In the past three admission cycles, all available interview dates were full by early November. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Important Dates for the Fall 2022 Admission Cycle
- Cycle Opens: July 16, 2021
- Preferred Deadline: October 1, 2021
- Creighton Undergraduate Deadline: October 1, 2021
- Final Deadline: March 2, 2022
Application Requirements
To apply, applicants must submit all of the following materials through OTCAS, the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service:
- 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 2021 and prior transcripts should be directed to OTCAS.
- All spring/summer 2022 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, 2022.
- 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).
Instructions for Selecting a Pathway
The Creighton University Doctor of Occupational Therapy program offers four unique location-based pathways for pursuing the entry-level OTD:
- Campus Pathway, Omaha, NE - Traditional on-campus setting established in 1985
- Alaska Hybrid Pathway, Anchorage, AK - First of our unique hybrid models
- Regis Hybrid Pathway, Denver, CO - Jesuit collaboration continuing the success of our hybrid model
- Phoenix Hybrid Pathway, Phoenix, AZ - First cohort in fall 2021 at our up and coming interprofessional Health Sciences Campus.
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.
Personal interviews are required in the admission process. Qualified applicants will be notified via email if they are selected for an interview.
2022 Personal Interview Dates
- September 17, 2021
- October 22, 2021
- November 19, 2021
- December 3, 2021
- January 21, 2022
- February 4, 2022
- February 18, 2022
- April 15, 2022
November 12, 2021 - Virtual
- November 12, 2021
- March 25, 2022
- October 1, 2021
- November 5, 2021
- December 19, 2021
- January 14, 2022
- March 18, 2022
- April 8, 2022
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 on the basis of 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.
Office of Admission
Criss III Rm. 151
402.280.2662
cuspahp@creighton.edu