Applicants to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MOT-Hybrid) programs must demonstrate the following to be considered for admission:
If you are currently in high school or looking to transfer to Rockhurst University as an undergraduate student from another university, please click here to learn more about our OTD direct entry program. Master's of Occupational Therapy information can be found here.
OTD
- Completion of a bachelor's degree at an accredited university in a discipline other than occupational therapy. Typically, students apply while in the last year of their bachelor's degree with a plan to enter the graduate program upon completion of their bachelor's degree. An accelerated program is available for students consecutively enrolled at RU since their freshman year. These students can enter the program in their senior year. Refer to OTD Accelerated Program.
- Minimum cumulative and prerequisite science and social science coursework GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the program
- International students must submit the TOEFL - Internet-based minimum score of 80, or iTEP score of 3.9 (Scores must be within the last two years), or proof of graduating from a college where English is the primary mode of instruction.
- At least three professional references
- Personal essay - The essay should be no more than 1,000 words and address how the applicant's life experiences informed his or her decision to pursue occupational therapy while also demonstrating knowledge of the profession. The essay should also demonstrate knowledge of Rockhurst University's Jesuit Core Values and how they can often inform the profession of occupational therapy. This is separate from the personal statement required by OTCAS.
- Observation hours – 16 hours in two different settings are required. Applicants should contact the Graduate Admissions Office at graduate@rockhurst.edu if they encounter any barriers in completing this requirement. Applicants are also encouraged to visit the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) website at www.aota.org to explore OT careers and discussions of current practices.
- Completion of all materials in the online application (otcas.org)
- Participation in a personal interview
All students will need a computer capable of accessing the University’s wireless Internet while they are enrolled in the program. The computer may be a Windows- or Mac-based system. The computer must be running a more recent operating system (i.e., Windows 11 or macOS Tahoe 26) and an updated browser (i.e., Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari). The computer should have appropriate applications for word processing and presentation development (e.g., Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint). Students are encouraged to download Office 365 using their Rockhurst email. Students must be able to access Rockhurst University’s Learning Management System (Canvas) for all courses in the curriculum. The latest version of Adobe Reader is also helpful for downloading and viewing research articles and course readings.
MOT – Hybrid Program
The 75-credit program consists of six semesters of asynchronous coursework, 10 immersive and interactive full weekend lab experiences (on the Rockhurst University campus), and 24 weeks of full-time clinical fieldwork in preferred practice settings and geographical locations*. *Restrictions may apply.
The MOT program is delivered in a hybrid format using asynchronous distance-based online sessions and on-campus intensive seminars. Courses use Canvas as an electronic distance-based learning platform. Students travel to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri each semester for intensive face-to-face lab seminars: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a total of ten (10) weekend intensive lab seminars.
All courses use an electronic management system (Canvas) as a teaching and learning platform. Students need a reliable computer capable of accessing the University’s Wireless Internet. Windows or Mac-based systems running on a recent operating system (i.e., Windows 11 or macOS Tahoe 26) and an updated browser (i.e., Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari) must be used. Students require a stable broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 25 Mbps to support video streaming and online interactions. A webcam and microphone are required for presentations and virtual meetings. Microsoft Office and virus protection are offered to all Rockhurst students.
OT Prerequisite Courses
Students are required to complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher and by the start of the program. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in natural science and prerequisite coursework is recommended.
- Foundations of Speech (3)
- Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking will be accepted
- Statistics (3)
- Ethics (3)
- Course description and objectives should indicate content coverage of factors involved in moral decision-making, ethical principles, ethical theory, and the application of these concepts.
- Abnormal Psychology (3)
- Introductory Sociology or Anthropology (3)
- Developmental Psychology (3)
- Biology with lab (4)
- Anatomy with lab (or A&PI) (4)*
- A minimum of four hours of anatomy must have been completed within the past five years.
- Physiology with lab (or A&PII) (4)
Requirements are subject to change. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the graduate admissions office or the department of occupational therapy education to inquire about any changes before submitting an application through OTCAS.
If you have questions about whether specific courses meet our prerequisite requirements, contact Christina Berg.
After successful completion of the NBCOT exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). All states require licensure in order to practice, and state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or obtain state licensure.