Occupational Therapy, Entry-Level (ELOTD)

How to Apply

Applicants to Chatham University’s entry-level occupational therapy program must use the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). Beginning mid-July, applications may be submitted through OTCAS with all admission requirements noted below. Please note the GRE is not required, and there is no supplemental application. 

Important Dates for Fall 2025 Admission

Priority Application Deadline: OTCAS Submitted by October 1, 2024
Priority In-Person Interview Date: October 19, 2024
Additional Virtual Interview Dates: Added on an as-needed basis

All interviews are by invitation only.

In order to be eligible for invite to the admission interview, applicants must have 3 of the 5 prerequisite courses completed by August 31, and at least one of those courses must be human anatomy with lab or physiology (animal or human) with lab or anatomy & physiology I with lab.

*It is highly recommended that you submit your application to OTCAS on or before October 1. OTCAS’s verification process occurs once an applicant e-submits the application and all official transcripts have been received. Verification involves some processing time, so it is in your best interest to submit all materials as early as possible to ensure your complete, verified application is available for us to review.

Admission Requirements 

• A completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or completion of undergraduate requirements for the Integrated Degree Program (IDP) prior to the beginning of classes.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended sent directly to OTCAS.
• Overall combined GPA of 3.0 or better on a scale of 4.0 as calculated by OTCAS.
• Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, grades less than a “C” are not acceptable, and prerequisite courses must have been completed no more than ten years prior to the anticipated start date of the program.

• At least three of five prerequisite courses completed by August 31 of the application year, and at least one of those courses must be human anatomy with lab or physiology with lab or anatomy & physiology I with lab. Prerequisite courses:
  • Human Anatomy with lab - one term**
  • Physiology (human or animal) with lab - one term**
    • **If taking anatomy with physiology, both Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs are necessary to fulfill the anatomy and physiology requirements.
  • Abnormal Psychology – one term
  • Statistics or Research Methods – one term
  • Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Development – one term
    • A combination of developmental psychology courses that cover the lifespan—birth to death—are also acceptable
  • Optional Neuroscience – one term 
    • Neuroscience is not required; therefore, students who have not taken this course will not be disadvantaged during the admission review process. Exposure to this course content is helpful for matriculated students.
• Two professional letters of reference included in the OTCAS application. Acceptable letters of reference may include those from academic faculty or advisors, from occupational therapists involved in shadowing or work experience, or from supervisors or staff members from volunteer or work experience.
• Attendance at an admissions interview with faculty and alumni.

Additional Admission Information

Advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning is not available to students in the entry-level OT Program for occupational therapy courses due to the integrated and sequential nature of the coursework in this program.

Integrated Degree Program

Chatham University undergraduates applying through the Integrated Degree Program (IDP) must complete all requirements outlined on their respective admission or track tab on the IDP Portal Site. All IDP applicants should work closely with their academic advisors to ensure all requirements are met according to the IDP course of study.

Admission Review Process

After verifying that the minimum academic requirements are met, the occupational therapy program faculty reviews each candidate's entire application and invites the most talented and qualified students to interview before program faculty and alumni.

As part of the admission review, Chatham reserves the right to request a background check prior to the offer of admission. The occupational therapy program strives for diversity and gender equity within each class.

Articulation Agreements

Chatham University has entered into "Articulation Agreements" with a select group of Colleges and Universities. These agreements provide for additional student pre-professional advisement and possible priority admission status for candidates with exceptional applications, demonstrating academic preparation above the minimal acceptable standards.

Agreements exist with the following institutions for the 2024-2025 academic year:

• Allegheny College
• Baldwin Wallace University
• Grove City College
• Penn State Mont Alto
• Washington and Jefferson College
• Waynesburg University
• Westminster College

Applicants from these institutions are advised to discuss the articulation requirements with their advisor as well as the graduate admission counselor at Chatham University.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Admission Department:

Office of Admission
Chatham University
107 Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
800-837-1290
412-365-1825
Email Admissions

International Applicants

Admitted Student Profile

For students beginning Fall 2023:

For students beginning Fall 2022:

OTH 726: Pediatric Occupational Development & School-Based Practice
This course addresses the occupational development of children and adolescents, and the interrelationship between the child, occupation, and environment on occupational performance and participation. Students explore childhood occupations, models and frames of reference, and evaluation and intervention in schools.

OTH 741L: Acquired Neurological Conditions Lab
This lab-based course complements the OTH 741 course with a focus on application of the OT process on acquired neurological conditions. Students will develop skills to conduct assessments and interventions based on theory and evidence for clients with acquired neurological conditions.

OTH 644: Community-Based Fieldwork
The community-based fieldwork emphasizes higher level management and leadership skills, including program development, advocacy, and consultation. Students learn about community agencies, population and organizational needs, and the role of occupational therapy practitioners in community-based settings. The program plan is implemented and evaluated by OT faculty and the community-based site.

OTH 790: Doctoral Capstone Experience
The doctoral capstone provides in-depth exposure to one or more of the following: advanced clinical practice, research, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, or education. The capstone includes the 14-week mentored capstone experience and completion of the doctoral capstone project. Students work with a site mentor, faculty mentor, and the doctoral capstone coordinator throughout the process.

View Full Curriculum

View Course Sequence Guide