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Application Process and Requirements for the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program

 

Overview

MGH Institute of Health Professions welcomes applications from individuals holding a bachelor’s degree who seek to enter a career in occupational therapy with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.

Our professional staff is here to provide information and answer questions you might have during the admission and financial aid process, and to offer ongoing information throughout the application process.​

Important Application Dates 

For Program Starting: Summer 2020
The OTCAS application opens: July 18, 2019
The Application Deadline: October 1, 2019*

Application Process

The Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). All students are required to apply online through OTCAS.

Items to submit directly to OTCAS:

  • OTCAS application with application fee
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • Three (3) recommendation letters
  • Statement of Intent
  • MGH Institute Custom Questions
  • Official GRE Score Report (School OTCAS Code: 1210)

MGH Institute of Health Professions does not require a supplemental application.

*In order to be eligible for review, OTCAS applications must be completed on or prior to the deadline. Please note: you should allow several weeks for all required documents to be received and processed by OTCAS.

 

Accreditation

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), which is located at the Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone (301) 652-AOTA.  

 

Prerequisites

Degree

Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or recognized international equivalent with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Prerequisite Coursework

Completion of the following prerequisite courses at a fully accredited institution with a grade of B- or better is required for admission.

Most of these courses are offered online by the MGH Institute. Learn more about our online prereqs or select a course below to view its description.

Applicants with questions about prerequisite course equivalency and/or acceptability should complete and submit the OTD Prerequisite Inquiry Form. Upon submission of the form, replies can be expected by email in 7-10 business days.

Applicants may be asked to submit mid-term reports for certain prerequisite courses. All prerequisite courses must be satisfactorily completed prior to matriculation. Prerequisite credit cannot be given for courses with a grade of Pass/Fail.

All prerequisite courses must be taken at an institution that is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies. Please refer to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website for additional information.

 

Tests

GRE

The general test is required for admission and must have been taken within 5 years of application*. An official score report should be sent directly to OTCAS from the Educational Testing Service (See www.ets.org). The Institution code for MGHIHP Department of Occupational Therapy/OTCAS is 1210.

TOEFL/ IELTS

The language of instruction at MGH IHP is English and a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.  If English is not your first language, or you have graduated from an undergraduate program in a non-English speaking country, or with instruction in a language other than English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency as part of your application to IHP.  In some circumstances, demonstrating English language proficiency may be required even if you are a citizen of a country whose primary language is English.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide test scores from either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The test must have been taken within two years of the application deadline and official score reports are required. 

Minimum TOEFL (internet-based) requirement is 80 and the minimum IELTS requirement is 6.5.

TOEFL and IELTS test requirements are automatically waived for students for whom English is a first language from the following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec).

For TOEFL, score reports can be obtained by contacting Educational Testing Service (ETS).  MGH Institute of Health Professions code is 3513.

For IELTS, a Test Report Form may be mailed to MGH Institute of Health Professions and score information will be verified by IHP directly. You may designate up to 5 schools to receive Test Report Forms at the time you register for the test.  To request additional Test Report Forms, contact your test center.

 

Transcripts

Please refer to our program page in OTCAS for information. All official transcripts should be sent directly to OTCAS.

Foreign Transcripts: Applicants who did not receive an undergraduate or graduate degree in the United States are required to have their degree transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES). This credential evaluation must document minimum equivalency of a U.S. baccalaureate and/or a U.S. masters degree or higher. When requesting a transcript evaluation, please request a "course-by-course" evaluation with grades.

 

Documents

Personal Statement

The personal statement should be submitted directly to OTCAS.

Recommendation Letters

All applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. One letter must be from an individual in the health or education sector. Letters should address the applicant’s potential for graduate education/ scholarly study and the applicant’s qualifications for work as a health professional. Recommendation letters must be submitted directly to OTCAS.

 

Hours

Occupational Therapy Observation Verification

All applicants are required to complete at least 40 hours of observation, work, and/or volunteer experience with a population similar to those served by occupational therapists. Details of this experience are required. At least 10 hours of this time must be documented with a licensed occupational therapist. Please submit verification of Occupational Therapy observation hours directly to OTCAS.

Documentation of OT observation hours can be submitted on clinic/practice letterhead and must include, the number of observation hours completed, the name of the occupational therapist observed, email and/or telephone number of the occupational therapist, and signature of the occupational therapist observed. If documentation cannot be submitted on letterhead, please complete the MGH Institute of Health Professions Observation Hours form and upload to your application.

 

Interviews

Personal interviews are required. Qualified applicants will be notified via email if selected for an interview with a member of the admissions committee. Interviews are by invitation only.

Important Immunization Information

The MGH Institute, as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, requires completion of the hepatitis B vaccination series prior to matriculation. For applicants who have not been vaccinated, the three-dose hepatitis B series must be initiated prior to December 1st preceding intended June matriculation.

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FAQs

Who do I contact for more information about the academic program, curriculum, or course requirements?

You may find many of your questions may be answered in our curriculum section. If you have additional questions, please contact the Department of Occupational Therapy.

Who do I contact for more information about the application process, my application status, or what documents to submit?

You are welcome to email the admission office, or call (617) 726-1304 weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Can I visit the campus?

Yes, we encourage you to attend an information session. This is a great way to learn more about the program, and to meet faculty and staff members. Please refer to the Information Session page for additional information and upcoming dates.

What is your mailing address?

MGH Institute of Health Professions
Office of Enrollment Services
36 1st Ave.
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA  02129

Can I defer my admission to a future term?

Though generally not permitted, deferral requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are generally approved only in extreme circumstances or military deployment. To request a deferral, email the admission office.

Are there other Conditions of Admission?

Yes.  If applicable, final transcripts and test scores must be submitted to satisfy the conditions of admission.

I’m an international student. Can I receive an F-1 Visa?

Please see General Information for Prospective International Students.