OT Admissions
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, 2023: OTCAS Launch Date
October 1, 2023: Preferred Deadline
October 1, 2023: Creighton Undergraduate Deadline
December 2023-January 2024: OTCAS Academic Update
- Update Summer/Fall 2023 grades through OTCAS
March 2024: 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 2023 and prior transcripts should be directed to OTCAS.
- All spring/summer 2024 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.
- Applicants will be considered for an interview prior to completion of observations. Admitted candidates will be required to complete their observations by August 1, 2024.
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.
2024 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 Pathway | Regis Pathway | Phoenix Pathway | Alaska Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
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).
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.
Office of Admission
Criss III Rm. 151
402.280.2662
cuspahp@creighton.edu
The safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff are primary considerations at Creighton University. The Creighton University 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 Violence Against Women Act. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes and fires, as well as institutional policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, fire safety, crime reporting, and other matters. This legislation seeks to make college campuses safer through the disclosure of such information, and to assist applicants in making enrollment or employment decisions based upon that criteria. You may download a copy of this report by accessing the following website:
- Fall 2023 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
- Fall 2022 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
- Fall 2021 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
You may also obtain a free paper copy of the report at the Public Safety office at 2222 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68178, or by contacting Public Safety at 402.280.2104.