Program Admission Requirements
We take great pride in the rigor of our curriculum and our students' thirst for success. Setting the bar high in our program admissions requirements helps maintain those standards from the beginning.
Quick Facts:
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Start: Fall Trimester
Cohort Size: 24 students per intake
Applying to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Whether you're a first-time college student or transferring from another school, you can apply directly to the Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program. AHU only accepts applications submitted through the Occupational Therapy Assistants Centralized Application Service (OTACAS).
Due to the competitive nature of the program’s admission process, meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
- Apply through OTACAS
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Submit applications through the Occupational Therapy Assistants Centralized Application Service (OTACAS). This program does not accept applications through the AHU website.
- Minimum GPA
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We require a minimum high school unweighted GPA of 2.70 (on a 4.00 scale) or achieve a minimum admission GPA of 2.70 in at least 12 credits of previous college work. GPAs presented to the admissions committee for each applicant will be a cumulative record of all college-level work. GPA calculation for applicants who plan to apply to a program that utilizes a Centralized Application System will include all grades. Grade forgiveness will not apply.
- Transcripts
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Submit transcripts from each regionally accredited institution attended to OTACAS. High school transcripts will be required if less than 24 college-level credits have been earned from a regionally accredited college or university.
- ACT or SAT Score
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2024-2025 Update: For general studies and program admission for the 2024-2025 academic year, AHU will be test-optional and not require submission of ACT or SAT scores. However, AHU strongly encourages applicants who have ACT and/or SAT scores to submit them during the application process, as this will expedite course placement and enhance academic advising.
We require a minimum ACT composite score of 19 or a combined SAT score of 910 from applicants. Potential entrants with 24 or more college-level credits from a regionally accredited college, however, are exempt from this requirement.
- Recommendations
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Submit a minimum of two references through OTACAS.
- Essay
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Submit a personal statement through OTCAS. Your personal statement must be 500-750 words. Be sure to use proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The essay should address each of the following questions:
- What are some of the characteristics that would make a good occupational therapy assistant, and how do you feel that you show them?
- In what ways do you feel that you exhibit the qualities of a Christian professional that the university is looking for in its occupational therapy assistant graduates?
- Volunteer or Observation Hours
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Although volunteer or observation hours in an occupational therapy clinic are not mandatory prior to admission, prospective students are strongly encouraged to spend as much time as possible observing, volunteering, or working in multiple occupational therapy settings to better understand the profession. Applicants with this experience have shown enhanced performance during the essay portion of the admissions process.
- Interview
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If invited, applicants will be required to attend a face to face interview on the AHU campus.
- Deposit
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Accepted applicants are required to place a nonrefundable $200 deposit to reserve your program slot. Your acceptance letter will outline a deposit amount and deadline indicating when we must receive the deposit. Once enrolled in the program, these funds will be applied to your account. Those who paid the deposit but decline to enroll in the program will forfeit the deposit; If that student is admitted to the same program at a later date, AHU will require another full deposit. A professional program deposit is not transferable to another department.
Start Your Application Today
Take the first step toward your dream career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Start your application today.