Occupational Therapy
Help others regain their independence
Arkansas State University Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is a competitive-admission program that accepts up to 30 students each August. The professional program is considered a lock-step, full time program. The program begins in the fall semester annually and is completed in one academic year (3 semesters - Fall, Spring and Summer.)
In addition to admission to Arkansas State University-Jonesboro, in order to be eligible for application to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, the following requirements must be met:
- Be aware of the University General Education Requirements for Associate of Applied Science degree found in the A-State Undergraduate Bulletin
- Complete or be in the process of completing the 28 hours of prerequisites with a minimum grade of “B” required in all courses.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale of all college work attempted
- English proficiency requirements, if foreign born (TOEFL score of 79 or higher)
- Possess the skills and abilities outlined in the Abilities and Skills of the OTA documented located in the application packet
- Complete the OTA application, following all detailed instructions in the application
and including:
- Two professional references on the application reference forms, letters in addition to the forms are optional.
- 1-2 page letter of application
- Resume with volunteer and leadership experiences identified
- Official sealed transcripts
- English proficiency requirements, if foreign born
Applicants will complete all documents and submit them to the OTA Program Director for review by the Admissions Committee. Application and acceptance into Arkansas State University-Jonesboro does not guarantee admission into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. The OTA application process must be completed and acceptance granted for entrance into the program.
To be considered as an applicant, all applications must be completed and submitted by: March 1 at 5:00pm
Students will be notified by letter of their status by May 1 at 5:00pm
Applicants not admitted during the current admission period are eligible to reapply in the next review period.
Applications may be hand delivered to the Occupational Therapy Department located in the Eugene Smith building, Suite 318. Applicants may also submit applications by mail. Using certified mail is highly recommended to ensure receipt of application.
Mailed applications must be sent to:
Arkansas State University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Occupational Therapy Department
Attn: Andrea Brown, OTA Program Director
P.O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467
Students admitted to any CNHP program must pass a criminal background check prior to enrollment in the program, and meet professional course requirements stated in the ASU Undergraduate Bulletin. Evidence of the following is required before the start of professional courses:
- CPR certification valid through the academic year
- TB skin tests valid through the academic year
- Evidence of Hepatitis B immunization or signed declination statement
- Copy of valid health insurance
- Copy of professional liability insurance
prerequisite courses
| Course Title | Course Number | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| English Composition I & II | ENG 1003/1013 | 3/3 |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I | BIO 2201 | 3 |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | BIO 2203 | 1 |
| College Algebra | MATH 1023 | 3 |
| Introduction to Psychology | PSY 2013 | 3 |
| Making Connections | PTA or UC 1013 | 3 |
| Developmental Psychology OR Abnormal Psychology | PSY 2133 or PSY 4533 |
3 |
| Intro to U.S. Government OR US History to 1876 OR US History since 1876 | POSC 2103 or HIST 2763 or HIST 2773 |
3 |
| Intro to Computers OR Microcomputer Applications | CS 1013 or CIT 1503 |
3 |
Enrollment in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program is limited each year to 30 students. Application scores include the following factors:
- Academic status – prerequisite and overall GPAs
- Application essay
- Three pre-professional evaluations and recommendations (See required form in the admission
packet) - Community/Volunteer service (Does not have to be with an Occupational Therapist, healthcare
related, or in a healthcare facility)
To be considered for the OTD program, applicants must apply to BOTH the Arkansas State University (AState) graduate school and the OTD program. Admission into the graduate school does not guarantee admission into the OTD program. We prefer applicants to apply to the graduate school before you submit your program application in February. If you do not have a Bachelor’s degree, please include your most current transcript through the Fall semester before your application in the Spring semester.
Click Here for information on how to apply to the graduate school.
In order to be eligible for application to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, applicants must meet the following minimal requirements:
- Within 1 semester of completing a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited University or College if you do not already have a bachelor’s degree.
- Application to AState graduate school.
- All transcripts submitted to the AState graduate school.
- Program prerequisites with a minimum grade of “B” required in all Applicants must have a minimum of 20 prerequisite credit hours completed at the time of application on February 1.
- A prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale of all college work attempted.
- 30 hours of documented community service. 20 hours must be in a single location.
- 3 pre-professional recommendations (must use admission packet forms).
- English proficiency requirements, if foreign born (see application p. 6).
- Applicants scoring 70 or higher on the admission application will receive automatic consideration by the admissions committee.
- Scores between 65 and 70 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for admission.
- Scores below 65 will not be considered for admission.
- Any incomplete application will not be considered for admission.
*Note: The GRE is NOT required in order to apply. We do not accept unsolicited letters of recommendation. Applicants should only use the pre-professional recommendation forms included in the application packet.
Students admitted to any College of Nursing and Health Professions program must meet professional course requirements stated in the A-State Graduate Bulletin.
The following is required if accepted into and before beginning the OTD program.
- CPR for the health professional from the American Heart Association.
- Evidence of Hepatitis B immunization or signed declination statement.
- Copy of valid health insurance card.
- Copy of professional liability insurance (minimum of one million in coverage).
- Background check.
Prerequisite courses
| Course Title | Course Number | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| English Composition I & II | ENG 1003/1013 | 3/3 |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I | BIO 2201 | 3 |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | BIO 2203 | 1 |
| College Algebra | MATH 1023 | 3 |
| Introduction to Psychology | PSY 2013 | 3 |
| Making Connections | PTA or UC 1013 | 3 |
| Developmental Psychology OR Abnormal Psychology | PSY 2133 or PSY 4533 |
3 |
| Intro to U.S. Government OR US History to 1876 OR US History since 1876 | POSC 2103 or HIST 2763 or HIST 2773 |
3 |
| Intro to Computers OR Microcomputer Applications | CS 1013 or CIT 1503 |
3 |
ACCREDITED BY ACOTE
The ACOTE address is:
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
The ACOTE phone number is:
301-652-6611
Fax: 301.652.1417
Faculty & Staff
