Occupational Therapy

The Fall 2026 Cohort application cycle will begin in October.

Application details:

Please submit all application materials on OTCAS, otcas liaisoncas. OTCAS will take two-four weeks to verify the submitted application. The UNCP MSOT program will not review an application until it is in verified status. Your OTCAS application must be submitted and verfied by the application deadline on Feb 15th.

1. Complete the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) Application
2. Submit the web-based graduate application and fee through UNCP Graduate School
3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended documenting successful completion of all prerequisite coursework.
4. A current resume listing relevant experience.
5. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from the most recent degree transcript.
6. To meet the observation hour criteria, you have two choices:
   1. OTCAS Learning Activity (Required): Fulfill the requirement by engaging in the OTCAS learning activity in the UNC Pembroke portion of the application. This involves watching videos and responding to questions. 
   2. Face-to-Face Observation (Optional): Document at least 20 hours of in-person observation, shadowing occupational therapy practitioners in various settings. This is optional and should be documented in your general OTCAS application.

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Abnormal Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Minimum Grade: B
Time Limit: Within 10 years prior to the date of enrollment

Notes: An abnormal psychology or a psychopathology course fulfills this requirement. If this prerequisite is taken on UNCP’s campus the PSY 3600 Abnormal course fulfills this requirement.

Anatomy & Physiology (2 semesters, with lab)
Credit Hours: 8
Minimum Grade: C
Time Limit: Within six years of the date of enrollment

Notes: Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II or individual courses of Human Anatomy and Human Physiology with a lab in each.

Development Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Minimum Grade: B
Time Limit: Within 10 years prior to the date of enrollment

Notes: Any lifespan development course that covers learning, motor, language, cognitive, emotional and social development meets this requirement. The course content must address the entire lifespan. If necessary, two different psychology courses can be taken to ensure this. If you take this prerequisite at UNCP, you will need PSY 2050 Childhood and Adolescence (3 credits) and PSY 3050 Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (3 credits) to fulfill the requirement.

Medical Terminology
Credit Hours: 2 or 3
Minimum Grade: B
Time Limit: Within six years of the date of enrollment

Statistics
Credit Hours: 3
Minimum Grade: B
Time Limit: Within 10 years prior to the date of enrollment

Notes: You may choose behavioral, educational, psychological, or mathematical statistics.

Recommended Coursework
Kinesiology coursework is suggested but not required.
The above admission requirements are intended for preliminary information purposes and are subject to change upon final institutional approval.
These courses can be taken at UNCP or other accredited higher education institutions.

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Year One

Year Two

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Fieldwork is an essential part of your occupational therapy training. It gives you hands-on experience, supports professional development and helps you apply classroom knowledge in real settings. Under guidance from seasoned professionals, you’ll gain practical skills, ethical insights and a strong foundation for a successful career.

Levels
Fieldwork is divided into two parts, Level I and Level II. Each offers unique benefits.

• Level I Fieldwork is completed in your 2nd and 4th semesters. It introduces you to various settings such as schools, clinics and community programs. Supervision may be provided by professionals like teachers, nurses or social workers. Typically, you’ll work a half-day once or twice a week. You'll build familiarity and foundational skills in different environments. These placements are carefully chosen to fit your coursework and are usually within a 45-minute drive.
• Level II Fieldwork gives you in-depth experience in real-world occupational therapy. It prepares you for certification and practice. In your 5th and 6th semesters, you’ll complete two 12-week, full-time placements — each in a different setting. You’ll take on responsibilities like treatment planning, assessments and interprofessional collaboration. You'll gain more independence throughout the semesters. Placements are tailored to your interests. They are typically within an hour's drive.

Learn more about the importance of fieldwork through the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

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Watch this virtual info session to learn more about what the Occupational Therapy program offers.

Info Session Recording
Password: 5BeyfMSb

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