Admission: Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

The UND Occupational Therapy Program is available at the main campus in Grand Forks, N.D., and on the campus of Casper College in Casper, Wyo.

OTD Information Packet

The Occupational Therapy Department at UND values diversity and inclusion. We are excited that you are considering our program and we look forward to reviewing your application. We welcome and encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply to our program.

The following outlines timelines and interview dates for the class that will begin in August of 2024. We encourage you to submit your materials early for consideration! It is important to make sure your application is complete.

A completed application includes: OTCAS application questions answered thoroughly,completion of the UND OT program essay questions, all transcripts submitted to OTCAS, please make sure to include your current courses and any courses you plan on taking during the spring semester. All designated prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of spring semester (we require prerequisites to be a C or higher). You must also complete the UND supplemental application.

A personal interview is required.  We have two campus sites (Grand Forks, N.D. and Casper, Wyo). We will have both online and face to face interview opportunities. We encourage you to explore our program and consider interviewing in person at your preferred location. This will give you the opportunity to meet with students and faculty, tour our facilities, and see the local community.

We will also have online interviews. We understand that sometimes it is challenging to travel. We are here to answer your questions and support you in the application process.

We will reach out to students who have completed the application in its entirety and meet our requirements (prerequisite coursework, GPA, etc) to schedule an interview. Each applicant will only need to interview once.

There will be three time frames for interviews. Applicants should plan on spending approximately two hours with the interview process, including a brief writing exercise.

We are currently in rolling admissions until the end of April 2024. 

Each qualified applicant will be granted an interview following the Standard admissions process below.  

The Occupational Therapy Department at UND values diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply to our program.

Admission Requirements

Early Assurance: Ensure a Spot as an Incoming Freshman

Early assurance is a criterion-based early admission program for Pre-Occupational Therapy students who have exemplary academic performance during high school.

• Limited to the top 20 most qualified candidates
• Selection process begins in September for the following fall
• High school GPA of 3.75 or higher

Standard Admission

Applicant must be eligible for admission to the University of North Dakota or currently enrolled at UND. all applicants must complete the OTCAS application and the UND Graduate application. 

Admission to the Professional Program in OT requires completion of the following:

1. All pre-requisite course work with a grade of C or higher; minimum 2.75 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale);
2. Thirty (30) hours of volunteer work completed prior to submitting application; 
   
3. Information required includes letters of reference, written essay, resumé, and volunteer information;
4. Onsite interview and writing exercise. 

Admissions are competitive and based on Admissions Committee review of:

• Cumulative GPA
• Personal interview
• Leadership record
• Volunteerism record
• Essay
• Recommendations (references), preferably from professors, supervisors or professionals with whom you have worked.
• Resumé (include organizational and community involvements)

Advisement

Students are assigned to a pre-professional advisor in the Occupational Therapy Department (OT Admissions, Grand Forks program or Breann Lamborn, Casper program), and are expected to make appointments to see the advisor regularly in program planning. In addition, students are assigned to a departmental faculty member who may assist them in career planning and personal-professional development.

Background Checks

Applicants must complete the required criminal background check following the offer of admission but prior to enrollment. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination or to attain state licensure as an Occupational Therapist.

Verified Credentials, LLC is the Minneapolis-based company that will conduct the background check.

INMED

Students are encouraged to apply for admission to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program through the Indians Into Medicine Program (INMED). Each year, the Occupational Therapy Department adds two seats for INMED program participants who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. INMED is a national program and we encourage students from North Dakota and out of state to apply.

INMED provides academic, personal, and cultural support to aid in successful academic achievement for its program participants. To apply for admission to the UND Occupational Therapy Program through the INMED program, follow the steps listed below:

• Complete the UND Graduate School application
• Complete the Occupational Therapy INMED Application
• Attach a copy of your tribal enrollment document, i.e., CDIB or Tribal ID photo. (You must be enrolled, not a descendant)

For further information about the INMED application process, contact Kathleen Fredericks, student services officer

For more information about the UND INMED Program, please visit its website.