How to Apply:

Application Timeframe: August 1 through December 1

Application materials are received from August 1 through December 1 for the incoming class of the next summer. Our program enrollment is limited. Applications are evaluated once they are verified and deemed “complete and qualified” for review by meeting minimum requirements/ criteria. Due to the competitive nature of our admissions process, a qualified applicant is not guaranteed an invitation to join our program.

The application process for KU's Master of Occupational Therapy program is fully online. Like many entry-level programs across the country, KU uses the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) as the primary online tool in the admissions process. The OTCAS admissions tool offers benefits to applicants, schools and the occupational therapy profession. In addition, we will be working with the Office of the Registrar to receive supplemental application materials electronically through CollegeNet. The KU Department of Occupational Therapy Education will no longer accept hard copies of application materials.

Are you ready to apply? We're ready for you!

The application process requires two separate steps – Part One: OTCAS and Part Two: KUMC Office of the Registrar through CollegeNet.

PART ONE: OTCAS

Begin the application process by going to the OTCAS website at www.otcas.org. The OTCAS will require payment of a fee with the total amount due dependent on the total number of schools selected for application. The following items will be submitted electronically to OTCAS.

1. Academic Transcripts – An official copy of transcripts from each college and university that you have attended must be submitted for evaluation. International transcript analysis is the responsibility of the applicant and will take additional time to complete the process. See link under “International Students”.
   
   
2. Personal Statement – Applicants will share the admissions committee why they’ve chosen OT as a career and how a degree in OT will support their personal and professional goals. You are encouraged to tell us how your personal, professional and educational background/experience has prepared you for this career decision and a future in occupational therapy. This is your opportunity to present yourself to the selection committee!
   
   
3. Letters of Recommendation – Three letters of recommendation must be obtained from a profession, advisor, supervisor, pastor, coach or other adult contact that can attest to the applicant’s potential success in the MOT program and future contributions to the occupational therapy profession. At least one recommendation must be an academic reference.

PART TWO: COLLEGE NET

Once all OTCAS materials have been received and verified, you will receive email correspondence from the University of Kansas Medical Center’s Office of the Registrar inviting you to begin the final steps of the application process through CollegeNet. Supplemental application materials will be submitted through the CollegeNet link provided in the Registrar’s email to you. Please prepare to submit the following:

1. KU School of Health Professions Undergraduate Application for Admission – This application form and the $60 application fee will be submitted online through CollegeNet.
   
   
2. Prerequisite Coursework and Plan for Completion – The online application includes a section for the applicant to outline completed prerequisite coursework as well as a plan to complete any remaining course requirements prior to beginning the OT program at KU. Download this helpful worksheet to get started. Applicants will be asked to transfer this information into the online application.
   
   All prerequisite coursework must be completed before students can officially begin our program as part of the incoming summer class. Additionally, general electives must combine with the required coursework to total at least ninety (90) credit hours for admission into the program.
   
   Grade requirements include an overall 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average and a 3.0 admitting GPA, on a 4.0 scale. The admitting GPA is comprised of the grades earned in the prerequisite courses only. Information documented on student transcripts will be used to calculate all grade point averages. Consistent with University of Kansas policy, the admissions committee will replace grades of classes that have been repeated. Applicants must earn a C or above in all required courses.
   
   
3. Paid Work or Volunteer Experience with Individuals with Special Needs – This form will be completed by a supervisor or designated contact person as verification of your completed experience. The applicant will upload the completed form as part of the online application.
   
   Applicants must complete forty (40) hours of paid work or volunteer work that involves at least 50% of that time committed to working directly with individuals or populations with special needs. Hours must be accumulated over the last five years. Applicants can acquire the required 40 hours across multiple settings.
   
   
4. KU MOT Program Statement of Interest – In less than 500 words, applicants will provide information about their specific interest in the entry-level Master of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Unlike the personal/professional statement submitted to the OTCAS, this statement should be specific about the KU program and department. A text box will be provided for your response.

See: Additional Information for Applicants

International Students:
An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Please review the information for international students before applying.

Please contact the KU Department of Occupational Therapy Education for the most up-to-date information and guidance by e-mail or by calling 913.588.7195. Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Central time zone).

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University's programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785) 864-6414, 711 TTY.