Admission to the Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program requires:
1. Admission to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK.
2. Completion of the OTA Program Application (supplemental application) that includes scheduling an interview with the OTA admissions committee if meeting these minimum GPA requirements:
- High school students: 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Marian students with <12 credits: 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Marian students with ≥12 credits or transfer students with ≥12 credits: 2.8 cumulative GPA.
- Science Requirement:
- High school applicants: one high school lab science; if not completed, a college-level lab science (BIO 151, CHEM 101, PHY 101, or equivalent) with a grade of C or better prior to program start.
- Transfer applicants: one college-level lab science with a grade of C or better.
- Transfer of Anatomy & Physiology requires completion within the past five years.
3. Schedule an interview when completing the supplemental application.
4. Interview conducted by the OTA Admissions Committee
5. Selection Based on Composite Interview and GPA Score:
- Applicants are ranked based on composite score, and offers of acceptance are extended until all available seats are filled. A waitlist will be established if qualified applicants exceed capacity. (will need to add in the language Patrick and Jessica talked about at our last call)
Student applicants must show the capability of fulfilling clinical practice requirements, eligibility for occupational therapy practitioner credentialing, and evidence of satisfactory health status. Please note: A felony conviction (this includes documentation of driving under the influence – DUI) may negatively impact a prospective student’s eligibility to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state practice credentials. Contact the OTA Program for further information.
Visit the MU Admission’s Office Transfer Credit
Application Process for Transfer Students | Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK website to see if your courses will transfer to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK.
Mission
Our mission is to transform lives through skilled, heartfelt occupational therapy. Rooted in Franciscan values of dignity, service, and justice, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK's Occupational Therapy programs prepare practitioners to empower individuals to achieve meaningful participation through holistic, person-centered care. We cultivate professionals who honor human dignity and serve communities with ethical excellence and compassionate advocacy.
Vision
To exemplify leadership in occupational therapy education through innovation, community engagement, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing transformative practitioners who honor human dignity and advance meaningful occupation across all populations.
The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program is grounded in the belief that participation in meaningful daily activities—occupations—is essential to health, well-being, and quality of life. In alignment with the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, the program prepares entry-level occupational therapy assistants to support individuals, families, and communities in achieving meaningful participation across the lifespan (AOTA, 2020)
Occupational therapy practice is occupation-centered, client-centered, and holistic. Students learn to consider the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors that influence a person’s ability to engage in meaningful activities. Graduates are prepared to implement evidence-based interventions under the supervision of an occupational therapist and contribute to habilitation, rehabilitation, health promotion, and prevention.
The OTA Program reflects the mission and Franciscan Catholic tradition of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAPK. Guided by the values of dignity, service, and justice, the program prepares students to provide compassionate, person-centered care that respects the inherent worth of every individual.
Students are encouraged to advocate for individuals and communities whose participation in meaningful activities may be limited by social, environmental, or systemic barriers. Through service, reflection, and ethical practice, graduates develop a commitment to promoting equity, occupational justice, and access to meaningful life participation.