Admissions
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Admission Policies
General institution and school admission
In accordance with the policies of the institution and school, the OTD program requires that applicants meet all the general admission requirements for UMMC and SHRP for admission.
Applicants accepted into the program will be assessed a nonrefundable enrollment fee, which will be applied to the first-year tuition.
Competitive admissions
Due to a limited class size, the OTD program involves a competitive admissions process. Click here for the minimum admissions criteria, including standards for educational prerequisites. In addition, the general admission requirements of the institution and school must also be met.
Mississippi residents
For admission purposes, the School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) may give preference to residents of Mississippi, as defined by Miss. Codes §§ 37-103-7 and 37-103-13, and IHL Policy 610. The School of Health Related Professions currently only accepts admission applications from individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Advanced placement
Advanced placement within the OTD program is not offered.
Transfer of credit
Transfer of credit is not accepted in any portion of the three-year OTD curriculum.
Experiential learning and work experience credit
Neither experiential learning nor work experience is accepted for credit to meet the requirements for the OTD degree. Moreover, work experience shall not be accepted for credit toward the experiential learning courses (i.e., Level I or II Fieldwork; Doctoral Capstone) within the curriculum.
Ability to benefit
Students are not accepted into the OTD program on the basis of ability to benefit.
Disclaimer
To ensure awareness of the latest entrance requirements for the OTD program, prospective students should visit the program's website and review the published admission policies and associated criteria for each application cycle (i.e., July-October). Additionally, interested students are encouraged to review the current UMMC Catalog.
Background check
Mississippi law requires all health care workers, including students, to have completed criminal background checks. All UMMC students who will participate in patient care activities will be required to successfully complete a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, prior to beginning clinical activities. Applicants are advised that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for certification, registration, or licensure examinations. There is no fee associated with the background check performed at UMMC for students admitted into the program.