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. 

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

Preference will be given to applicants who are legal residents of Mississippi.

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-January). Additionally, interested students are encouraged to review the current UMMC Bulletin, which is published on the UMMC website.

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.