Occupational therapy is a vital profession that helps individuals, communities, and populations to develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and work. If you're interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy, East Carolina University (ECU) is an excellent institution to consider. Here, we'll outline the ECU occupational therapy application requirements to help you get started.
Why Choose ECU's Occupational Therapy Program?
Before diving into the application requirements, let's explore why ECU's occupational therapy program is an excellent choice. ECU's program is designed to prepare students for the challenges of the profession, focusing on evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration. The university's faculty comprises experienced occupational therapists who are dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education.
ECU's occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and offers a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree. The program's curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the profession, and graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
ECU Occupational Therapy Application Requirements
To be considered for admission to ECU's occupational therapy program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Complete the following prerequisite courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology (6-8 credits)
- Biomechanics or Kinesiology (3-4 credits)
- Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Sociology or Anthropology (3 credits)
- Philosophy or Ethics (3 credits)
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses
Test Scores
- Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit official scores
- ECU's occupational therapy program requires a minimum GRE score of 290 (combined verbal and quantitative scores)
Observation Hours
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation in occupational therapy settings
- Observation hours must be completed within the past two years
Letters of Recommendation
- Submit three letters of recommendation from:
- An academic advisor or professor
- A supervisor or manager
- An occupational therapist or other healthcare professional
Personal Statement
- Submit a personal statement (approximately 2-3 pages) that outlines:
- Career goals and motivations
- Reasons for pursuing a career in occupational therapy
- Relevant experiences and skills
Application Materials
- Submit the following application materials:
- Online application
- Transcripts
- GRE scores
- Observation hour documentation
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Gallery of ECU Occupational Therapy Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for submitting applications?
+The deadline for submitting applications is typically in December or January for the upcoming fall semester.
Can I apply to the program if I don't have a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy?
+Yes, you can apply to the program even if you don't have a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. However, you must complete the prerequisite courses and meet the admission requirements.
How long does the occupational therapy program take to complete?
+The occupational therapy program at ECU typically takes two years to complete, including coursework, fieldwork, and a capstone project.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the ECU occupational therapy application requirements. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to the university's admissions office. Good luck with your application!