Program: Occupational Therapy - Western Michigan University (2024)

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) requires a master’s degree for the practice of occupational therapy. The WMU Occupational Therapy Departmentoffers a 4 + 1, or five-year, academic program of study leading to the completion of a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Services with a dedicated track in occupational therapy. Following a six-month internship, students will return to campus to complete a one-year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

Admission Requirements for Occupational Therapy Concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Services

Students interested in admission to the occupational therapy concentration are encouraged to contact the College of Health and Human Services advisor - (269) 387-2656 - well in advance of applying to the concentration. The program admits students twice each year to the professional program.

Incoming Freshmen

• Minimum high school GPA of 2.8
• ACT/SAT scores as required by WMU
• In addition to academic performance, students will be evaluated on the completion of narratives on the following topics: work and/or volunteer experiences; statement of leadership roles; and statement of cultural/ethnic diversity and competence
• Students admitted as freshmen to the professional occupational therapy concentration will be tracked through the prerequisite course work prior to beginning the courses in the concentration.
• Application deadline for entering freshmen: February 15.

Current WMU And Transfer Students

• Minimum GPA of 2.8 from WMU and/or transfer institution (if the student has attended two or more institutions, the grades from all institutions will be averaged together)
• WMU OT department application
• Prerequisite courses must be complete with a grade of “C” or better. Current WMU and transfer students must have completed all prerequisite courses prior to beginning the professional occupational therapy concentration.
• In addition to academic performance, students will be evaluated on the completion of narratives on the following topics: work and/or volunteer experiences; statement of leadership roles; statement of cultural/ethnic diversity and competence.
• Application deadline for current WMU students: January 31 of each year for fall semester admission; September 1 of each year for spring semester admission.

Please note the following: 1) In the admission process, a formula is employed that assigns points to grades and to the completed essays. Admission to the program is based on the compilation of all points; 2) admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the professional occupational therapy curriculum. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be sent to the University Admissions Office in time to be processed prior to the department deadline; 3) occupational therapy is a profession that is regulated on national and state levels, and everyone who wishes to practice as an occupational therapist is required to pass the NBCOT Certification Exam after graduating from an accredited program. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who have been charged with a felony and convicted of a misdemeanor, while not prohibited from taking the NBCOT certification examination, may not be able to practice.