The study of occupational therapy provides you with significant knowledge that will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to help others. In this article, we will go through everything you need to know about OT as well as the best 15 OT schools with the easiest admission requirements.
As an OT student, during your degree, you will spend a significant amount of time in clinical placements under the supervision of qualified occupational therapists. This experience assists you in developing the skills required for the job in the future.
Outside of your degree, work experience in supportive roles with vulnerable groups can help you improve your communication and problem-solving skills while also exposing you to new working environments.
You’ll also learn about the social and psychological challenges that these groups face. Vulnerable groups may include the elderly, those with disabilities, children and young people, and those suffering from mental health issues, physical health problems, or injuries.
Before we go ahead to list out the easiest OT schools to get into, let us briefly discuss a few important things you must know as a potential Occupational Therapist student.
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Who is an Occupational Therapist?
Occupational Therapists are licensed health professionals who provide services to clients who have mental, physical, emotional, or developmental issues or disabilities, as well as promote health through the use of everyday activities.
This set of professionals works with people of all ages to help them develop, recover, improve, and enhance the skills they need to participate in daily life. They work in a variety of settings, including schools and pediatric hospitals, as well as individual client’s homes, community centres, rehabilitation hospitals, businesses, and nursing homes.
A nurse, for example, may assist a patient with pain management, dressing changes, and recovery care following surgery. An occupational therapist, on the other hand, will assess the patient’s vital activities and teach them how to regain their independence following surgery, allowing them to resume the roles that define who they are.
The easiest way to be admitted to study OT Schools
Below is the way to gain admission to OT Schools of your choice:
- Get a bachelor’s degree
- Take the GRE
- Complete OT observation hours
- Explore occupational therapy specialties
- Write an impressive personal statement.
Get a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is required before you can pursue a master’s or doctorate in occupational therapy. Your bachelor’s degree can be in any discipline or a broad range of subjects for most graduate programs.
This is a profession that you can pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree in another field. However, if you know you want to be an occupational therapist from the start, you can select a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Take the GRE
Typically, GRE scores are required for admission to occupational therapy programs. Take the GRE seriously. There is an abundance of study materials available.
Before scheduling your exam, you can and should study for a few months. If you are nervous about the test or have difficulty with standardized tests, you should think about enrolling in a structured study or training program.
Complete OT observation hours
The majority of occupational therapy schools require 30 hours of occupational therapy observation. This is known as shadowing. Earning observation hours is also recommended if you decide to apply to an OT school online program.
Explore occupational therapy specialties
You are not required to choose a specialty before applying to OT school. This can be difficult if your knowledge of the subject is limited. Doing your research and considering a specialty, on the other hand, can be beneficial during the application process.
Write an impressive personal statement
Being a top candidate for OT school requires more than just meeting the minimum requirements. It is not enough to have a good GPA and GRE score, as well as the required number of observational hours.
You want the OT school administrators to be impressed with your entire application, from extra shadowing hours in various settings to an excellent personal essay.
You should have a solid understanding of the occupational therapy field and how you intend to use your education and training in the future at this point.
List of the easiest OT schools to get into
Here are OT schools the easiest admission requirements:
- Bay Path University
- Boston University (BU)
- Cedar Crest College
- Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU)
- Clarkson University
- SUNY Downstate
- Hofstra University
- Springfield College
- Husson University
- Kean University
- University at Buffalo
- Long Island University
- Mercy College
- Messiah University
- The University of Pittsburgh.
OT Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
#1. Bay Path University
The Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Bay Path University is in high demand. Their program includes courses that prepare students for generalist practice. MOT programs at BAY University build on a foundation of awareness, knowledge, and skill.
This easy OT institution to get into focuses on scaffolding courses to foster student learning progression while emphasizing Ethics, Evidence-Based Practices, Meaningful Occupation, Function, and Collaborative Learning.
#2. Boston University (BU)
Academic coursework and fieldwork in occupational therapy are integrated into a curriculum at Boston University that is occupation-focused, evidence-based, client-centered, and organized from a life-course perspective.
You’ll learn about occupational therapy concepts, theory, and practice from professors and practitioners who are well-known in national and international communities.
Beginning in your first semester and continuing throughout the three-year entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy curriculum, you will gain an exceptional range of clinical experience through Level I and Level II Fieldwork placements selected from BU’s large network of local and national clinical sites.
#3. Cedar Crest College
Cedar Crest College is dedicated to providing students with cutting-edge opportunities to earn degrees that will change their lives and make a difference in the world.
The new Occupational Therapy Doctorate program trains ethical occupational therapy leaders who are dedicated to clinical excellence, scientifically informed practice, advocating for occupational justice and positive social change, and serving the health and occupational needs of diverse populations.
Students have the opportunity to learn about the dynamic field by visiting community-based and emerging practice sites, as well as innovative practice areas.
Cedar Crest College’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate prepares students to apply fundamental skills such as analysis, adaptability, critical thinking, communication, and creativity.
#4. Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU)
The mission of GMercyU’s Occupational Therapy Program is to prepare competent, reflective, ethical, and compassionate OT professionals for a successful career and a meaningful life in the Sisters of Mercy tradition.
This Mission is accomplished by providing an education that values integrity, respect, service, and the advancement of occupational justice.
Occupational therapy graduates in this easy OT school to get into will be prepared to practice as generalists while understanding the importance of people-first language and conducting occupation-based, evidence-based, and client-centered therapeutic practices to promote the health and well-being of individuals and society.
#5. Clarkson University
Clarkson’s Occupational Therapy program is dedicated to developing therapists who are prepared to respond to both current and emerging societal needs that influence people’s occupations.
Experiential learning is used in this school to help students develop internalized working models for practicing occupational therapy in culturally diverse, innovative practice settings.
#6. SUNY Downstate
When you get a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Downstate, you’re learning more than just skills and knowledge.
It’s also about immersing yourself in the occupational therapy culture.
To assist people in living their best lives, you must have empathy, patience, and wisdom to know which strategies and techniques to employ.
As an OT student, you’ll learn to combine technical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience.
#7. Hofstra University
Hofstra University’s 68-credit Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program on Long Island, New York, is designed to prepare graduates to become registered and licensed occupational therapy practitioners.
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Hofstra University seeks to develop effective, compassionate, evidence-based practitioners who possess the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and competencies required to be lifelong learners capable of meeting professional standards and societal occupational needs.
#8. Springfield College
The new Springfield College Health Sciences Center enables transformative approaches to healthcare education, career advancement, service, research, and leadership.
The Center builds on the School of Health Sciences’ success and ensures its position as the top choice for the best students, faculty, and staff.
#9. Husson University
Husson University’s School of Occupational Therapy admits approximately 40 students per year. It is a first-year Master’s program that leads to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Husson University’s facilities include an occupational therapy lecture and lab, a cadaver dissection lab, an excellent library, and wireless computer access.
The school is dedicated to providing a world-class education to its students.
This dedication is reflected in the mission statement and educational goals that guided and directed the course of study’s development.
#10. Kean University
For students with a bachelor’s degree in another field, Kean’s master’s degree program in occupational therapy provides a broad education in the field.
Each September, approximately 30 students are admitted to the program. Each student must complete five semesters of required academic courses as well as at least six months of supervised fieldwork in an approved clinical setting.
Beginning in the student’s first semester, the program provides a diverse range of hands-on clinical experiences and fieldwork. Kean also has a clinic on campus where students can work with clients to develop and master their occupational therapy skills.
#11. University at Buffalo
UB is the only five-year BS/MS program within the SUNY system where you can complete your entry-level OT degree within five years of high school graduation.
Their five-year program in occupational therapy leads to a bachelor’s degree in occupational science and a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
This program is flexible enough to meet your individual needs and interests while ensuring that you are prepared to pass the national certification exam and state licensure requirements to enter the profession.
#12. Long Island University
The Occupational Therapy programs at LIU Brooklyn are designed to educate entry-level occupational therapists whose skills and training prepare them to practice competently in the rapidly changing urban health care environment, as well as to provide patients and clients with skills for the workplace and at home.
#13. Mercy College
Mercy College’s Graduate Occupational Therapy (OT) weekend program is for you if you want an endlessly rewarding career in Occupational Therapy. This institution offers a 60-credit, two-year, full-time weekend program with classes every other weekend.
The program in this OT school with an easy admission requirement includes a mix of lectures, discussion, small group problem solving, hands-on experiences, problem-based learning (PBL), and our innovative “learning by doing” philosophy.
#14. Messiah University
The Master of Occupational Therapy program at Messiah University will prepare you to be a competent, in-demand occupational therapist and a leader in your field. It is an accredited full-time, 80-credit residential program in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, with a cutting-edge educational facility designed specifically for occupational therapy students.
#15. University of Pittsburgh
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Pitt prepares you to implement evidence-based practice, understand changing health care delivery models, and act as a change agent in the field of occupational therapy.
Faculty who are also renowned clinicians and researchers will mentor you.
They will guide you through didactic, fieldwork, and capstone experiences that go beyond an occupational therapist’s generalist level.
You’ll not only graduate prepared to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Examination, but you’ll also be prepared to practice at the top of your license, thanks to their innovative leadership and emphasis on advocacy.
FAQs about OT Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
What's the easiest OT school to get into?
The easiest OT schools to gain admission are: Bay Path University, Boston University (BU), Cedar Crest College, Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU), Clarkson University...
How long does it take to finish OT?
It can take up to five to six years to become a licensed occupational therapist. Candidates must first obtain a bachelor's degree before pursuing a master's degree and gaining experience through fieldwork.
What is the hardest part of OT school?
Gross anatomy, neuroscience/neuroanatomy, and kinesiology are typically the most difficult classes for many students (including myself). These courses are almost always taken at the start, which helps ensure that admitted students are prepared for the rigors of graduate school.
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Conclusion
A good occupational therapist should be able to work collaboratively with others on a multidisciplinary team.
Much of an occupational therapist’s work entails providing a holistic perspective on what a patient truly wants out of the recovery process; therefore, being able to effectively communicate patients’ and family members’ needs and goals to a variety of medical providers is essential.
