Entry-Level Program
Students begin the entry-level program in the fall semester. The preferred deadline for admission, including Creighton undergraduate students is November 1. The Admissions Committee will determine the final application deadline annually. Interviews are required in the admission process. Qualified applicants will be notified if they are selected for an interview. Please see our website for the most current deadlines.
To apply, submit an online application through OTCAS (including the Creighton-specific OTCAS questions), an Occupational Therapy Centralized application service, and submit the following:
- An official transcript must be received from each institution the applicant has attended and/or is currently attending. Official transcripts must be received directly from the issuing institution(s).
- Three letters of recommendation (submitted via OTCAS). We prefer that one letter come from a college professor who can attest to your ability to enter a competitive professional program. Applicants with occupational therapy experience (paid or unpaid) are highly encouraged to submit a letter from an occupational therapist you have worked with/shadowed. 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.
Enrollment is limited, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the professional program. Admission is based on academic and personal qualifications considered necessary for successful, competent practice as an occupational therapist. The 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. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the fit between their personal goals and the mission and objectives of the Creighton OTD program. In addition, prior education, work experiences, honors, awards, service to others, leadership activities and understanding of Ignatian values 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 practitioner.
Applicants can find application information at Doctor of Occupational Therapy Admissions.
Creighton Preference
The Occupational Therapy Admission Committee gives preferential admission consideration to Creighton undergraduate students who meet certain criteria, and who actively participate in the Creighton Center for Advising Resources and Support (CARS) program. For more information on the Creighton Preference or the Creighton CARS, please contact the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Office of Admission.
Early Assurance for Occupational Therapy
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program offers an Early Assurance Program designed for high school students interested in early admission to the Creighton University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. Students admitted to a Creighton University undergraduate college are given assurance of acceptance to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program if they meet certain criteria for admission and progression into the OTD program after a minimum of two years undergraduate study. If Early Assurance criteria is met, the applicant will complete a simplified OTCAS application.
Pre-Professional Component
Entrance into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of coursework. Prerequisite courses may be completed at any regionally accredited institution and must be completed with a grade of C or better (a C- grade is not acceptable).
The courses listed below should be taken by pre-occupational therapy students. These courses are reflective of a liberal education essential for occupational therapy professional practice. The pre-occupational therapy course sequence introduces students to the various traditional liberal arts and empirical sciences which are later extended in the OTD program. Together, the prerequisites and the OTD curriculum contribute to a broad understanding of human culture and prepare students to respond to the needs of society through professional practice.
The School of Pharmacy and Health Professions will make the final determination regarding courses satisfying requirements.
All curricula in the SPAHP undergo constant review and refinement. Questions regarding prerequisites may be directed to the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Admission Office, 402.280.2662, or email cuspahp@creighton.edu
| Prerequisite Courses | Semester Hours | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theology, Philosophy and/or Ethics | 3 | 4.5 |
| Culture, Ideas and /or Civilizations (includes history, world religions, American studies, world literature or gender and sexuality studies.) | 3 | 4.5 |
| Human Anatomy (if enrolled in a combined anatomy/physiology course 6 semester hours will be required.) | 3 | 4.5 |
| Psychology (3 of the 6 hours must include either human development or abnormal Psychology.) | 6 | 9 |
| English Composition | 3 | 4.5 |
| Statistics | 3 | 4.5 |
| Medical Terminology | 1 | 1.5 |
| Electives (Creighton undergraduate students must complete six hours of Theology amoung the elective hours.) | 38 | 57 |
| Total | 60 | 90 |