Occupational therapy master's program

I graduated from college with a Diploma in Psychology and am really interested in getting into a master's program. However while I was in college I had a lot of trouble trying to find out what I wanted to do, I switched majors twice and I really screwed up two semesters. As a result I finished my degree with a 2.932 gpa. Most programs require a 3.0 minimum. There are others that require less but are from colleges that may not have a top reputation, some are 2nd or even 3rd tier colleges. I know that since I don't have a good GPA I shouldn't be too picky about a program but I don't know how much a program I choose would affect my future employment, and have heard that it severely limits any promotional opportunities. So I'm just here to get a better idea of how to approach this. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Where u graduate doesn't matter as long as it is accredited and recognized by NBCOT. Employers don't really care where u graduated from as long as u pass ur licensure exam. TO make things simple for you...here it goes:

1. Go to the cheapest program possible (prestige of school really matters very little as long as it's recognized by the testing bodies)

2. Go to the school in the state where you'd like to eventually practice (this'll just make ur life easier upon graduation and u might get potential job offers during ur fieldwork rotations aka "mandatory clinical rotations")

3. Go to the school where you'll be the most happy with the environment (if u hate sunlight and traffic--stay away from SoCal schools...etc.,

I like your advice OTGuy and want to ask a follow up question to point #2:
"2. Go to the school in the state where you'd like to eventually practice (this'll just make ur life easier upon graduation and u might get potential job offers during ur fieldwork rotations aka "mandatory clinical rotations")"

I live in WA state and it will be cheaper to attend a state school in WA. However I eventually would like to work as an OT in a different state if and when I get accepted into a MOT program. So, would it be possible to do the post-coursework, advanced fieldwork in a different state than the school one is attending - that is, attend a school in WA and do fieldwork II in a different state?

I had the same question. I will be attending an MOT program in the Fall, and my understanding is that as long as your school has a relationship with a facility in that state, and you can arrange your own living situation, then you can go almost anywhere in the US for fieldwork. I have not started my program yet so can anyone confirm this who has gone through a program?

Thanks for the advice but aside from that, I know that it will be harder for me to get into a graduate school with my current gpa. Is there anything that I can do to make my application look better.

undergrad in Brooklyn, New York said: Thanks for the advice but aside from that, I know that it will be harder for me to get into a graduate school with my current gpa. Is there anything that I can do to make my application look better.

I would go to the OT dept of the school you are interested in and ask them for a peer evaluation of what you need to improve your application sheet. I have done this during undergrad and it worked for me. The OT dept chairperson told me EXACTly what I needed to better my chances. I followed her advice and got in the following year.
For you, since you have a Bachelor's already, consider retaking some required prereq's to show you wanted to better your GPA; write a kick-ass essay for the OT application, practice your interview skills; Highlight your work/volunteer experience; again, talk to the prospective OT schools you want to apply....making yourself more known will help them paint a picture of how determined you are....I can say it worked for me. When I was accepted, the OT dept secretary saw me in the cafeteria and asked, "Hey, congrats on getting in!" Mots of the dept remembered as that guy who worked harder at trying to get in, maybe kiss some butt too. ;-)

Josh, Sig, and Undergrad

First off, my undergrad GPA was awful. I ended-up going to USC...not to mention, but I was a Political Science major as an undergrad w/ no experience in the OT or allied health world. I did some volunteer work, but mostly I just wrote a rockin' essay that points out what a unique assett I would be. Please, please, please do not get hung-up on the 'tier' level of the school u graduate from. This is not law school. The world of healthcare works much differently. Unless you're looking for an alumni hook-up, going to a certain school is not going to make a difference. However, what will matter is your negotiation skills. Do not settle like a lot of our peers who will work for much less than they should. In most metropolitan areas if your are not getting at least 60 grand (personally this is even a low # if u ask me), you are doing a disservice to all the other OTs who are trying to raise our wages.

Josh and Sig...arranging fieldworks in different states/countries is not a problem. I did my first level-1 in Las Vegas (i'm from Southern California). They paid for my housing and my gambling...err, I mean provided a stipend. Many of my classmates had out of state/country fieldworks. Just get on top of things and work it out with your fieldwork coordinator. If there isn't already an arrangement with your school, one can be made. My only other advice...find a site that will pay you. Why work for free? Make fieldwork work for you.

(directed to OTGUY in Los Angeles)

I just got into USC program for Summer 08....I also got in somewhere else...do you have anything to say about USC program in general?
i am having such a hard time making my decision....thanks!!

OTGUY: You answered my question that I posted on another topic. I have been struggling with school choices because a lot of people tell me to go to a school with a prestigious reputation and others tell me just get the degree. My boss tells me I'll get a job as an OT going to any accredited school but going to a big name school will afford me better opportunities. I just don't know what to do because I was planning on applying to some smaller, less well known schools, and USC just to see if I can get in.

I just wanted to address undergrad's concern. I had a 2.6 GPA in my undergrad. I know, it's horrible. However, I was accepted and wait listed in the top national OT schools, despite my lower than average GPA. This is what I did first: I went to an info session at the school that I wanted to attend. I asked what I could do to be a stronger applicant due to my lower GPA. I believe that the advice given to me also helped me get into another top ranking school.

Here is how I strengthened my application:
-I got a an decent GRE score after a lot of studying. My score was in the 1400's. No, I didn't take a refresher course
-I got straight A's in my pre-requisite classes. I studied engineering so I had to take ALL the pre-requisites because I never took anatomy, physiology, psychology etc. as an undergraduate.
-I volunteered at a clinic that provided OT and PT to disabled children twice a week for 6 months. One of my letter of recommendation was from the supervisor at the clinic.
-I had a very thought out essay as part of my application package. I had extensive volunteer work that I emphasized in my essay, including work in Africa for 2.5 years involving HIV/AIDS education and out-of-school youths. And of course, I discussed the OT clinic that I was volunteering for. I also have a physical condition that helped me decide that I wanted to be an OT and work with disabled children.
-I had good letters of recommendations, from volunteer positions as well as past employment/instructors.

Now, keep in mind that while I was applying,I was taking the pre-reqs and volunteering at the OT clinic simultaneously. I did discuss in my essay that I would be volunteering for 6 months at the clinic. I also informed the schools that I was performing well in my pre-req classes, expecting to get mostly A's.

I have a conditional acceptance pending my pre-req grades.

Hi OT girl. My GPA is around there too, so I feel hopeful that you got in! I haven't taken the GRES but am aiming for the 1400s. I also have gotten straight As in my pre-reqs. What did you major as undergrad and how did you become involved in helping kids in Africa? That is something I definitely want to be involved with because I took an upper bio class called Aids and Society that really opened my eyes to whats going on in the world-- can you tell me what organization you got involved with and the contact information for that too? Thanks, I really appreciate it!

Also, if you don't mind me asking, what schools did you get into? I know SJSU's avg GPA is a 3.5. How competitive is it really? How was your interview?

Thanks for the encouragement, as I really need it bc of my low GPA. I hope if I make everything else strong, I will still have a chance!

Hi Rachael,

OT school is not like Medical, Law, or B-school, meaning that it is not as cut throat competitive and it may not matter as much where you go to school (as long as it is accredited).

To address your questions, I majored in engineering as an undergraduate. I was in the Peace Corps working with technology and math and science education improvement. I worked with health volunteers in HIV/AIDS education.

I applied to USC, Boston Univeristy, and SJSU. I was accepted to USC pending pre-req grades (after being contacted by the admissions director re. my pre-req status. I have been in contact with them consistently), BU waitlisted me but by the time they were able to render an admissions decision, I already said yes to USC. SJSU rejected me.

For SJSU, I had to be accepted to the OT dept. and the Grad school dept. The minimum requirement for the Grad school is a 2.5 GPA and the minimum for the OT dept is 2.80. So I was rejected but they said I could take my pre-req grades into my GPA...that would be next year and I do not want to wait an additional year. So I will start USC. But I dont really know how competitive it is. Those are just the minimum´requirements for SJSU.

I looked into CalState Dominguez Hills but their program starts in the Spring (not Fall), so I had missed the deadline.

Personally, I think it´s easier to get into a private school than the public school (I could be wrong about this). It seems that the private school can make exceptions and are flexible. But with a public school, there seems to be more red tape. But that is just my experience.

Of course, I did not get any merit based financial aid. I do not have the GPA for that.

Because my GPA was lower than average, I had to sell myself in other ways (i.e. essay, higher GRE scores etc.) and kept in contact with the schools.

Wow, thanks a lot for that! that definitely helped! and I'm really grateful for the thoroughness of your reply. I think that's really awesome you went to Africa to help out people with HIV/AIDS! And yeah, your GPA is lower than average, but your major is 100x harder than somebody who majored in psych or something...I think you're right about the private and public school thing. It's hard though because the tuition is so expensive for a private school. But education is the best investment so I'm not shy about putting that money down. Congrats into getting into USC! That's the #1 OT program in the nation! Oh, one more question, if you don't mind me asking, how was the interview process for all schools? And did you visit and keep in touch with the directors of the OT program that might have helped you get in? Thanks!!

This is to address Rachael's questions. Thanks for your comments.

I did not interview for any of the schools. BU and USC didn't require an interview. I was rejected from SJSU so I do not know if they require an interview.

I know for sure that Cal State DH requires an interview. Their deadline is in September because their program begins in the spring. Loma Linda also requires an interview but I did not apply there.

I kept in contact with BU and USC. Keeping in touch with them helped me tremendously. I called occassionally but mostly it was by email. I had tons of questions mostly. And I went to USC's info session and talked to the admissions director directly regarding my situation (lower than average GPA). She gave me pretty good advice. Basically, my impression was that I had to sell myself in other ways. I did not go to the info session at BU or SJSU due to the distance. I think going to the info sessions is important. YOu can always reference it in your email when you have questions for them.

The grades for my pre-req classes have already been sent to USC but it was sent after they accepted me.

It was hard to keep in touch with SJSU because the person who answered my questions regarding admissions worked only part time.

BU and USC were amazing about responding quickly to both my phone calls and emails. Keeping in touch with them, I believed, helped me get into the schools (after being waitlisted at BU).

I was surprised to be accepted into graduate school this year. I was expecting to reapply next year after my pre-req grades were available. It was not my grades that got me into grad school. It was my story.

Education is going to be expensive. I have had volunteering experiences in other countries (currently, I am in Nicaragua). I realize that there are people out there who will never have an opportunity to have an education and wish somebody could lend them the money to do so. I am lucky to have that opportunity.

Good luck!

hey, thanks again! That was once again a lot of help. I'm in San Diego, so I'm seriously considering taking a drive up to USC and attending one of their information sessions. I just requested some information and the director already emailed me back. She definitely seems really approachable and friendly.

You have a really good story and I think it's really admirable you're always out there because it's so hard. After finishing OT, I always wanted to go to third world countries and help out as well. A lot of people turn a blind eye to things going on in the world, but I refuse to stand idly by. How did you get involved in these programs over seas? Right now I'm having trouble finding a job and was thinking maybe i can better use my time to go out there and gain more life experiences as well.

Do you think we can exchange personal info and keep in touch through email? =) Since we are pretty much dominating the forum. I would like to much more of what you're doing out there, it definitely sounds interesting. Here's my email: luckyho@gmail.com. my last name is ho and my mom thought of the "lucky" part. so not be confused with another meaning, haha.

Anyone have any good MOT program recommendations in the NJ or PA area? I am also open to programs in other states and would welcome suggestions. I read some earlier posts re: schools in CA that I am looking at as well, just trying to figure out costs, logistics etc.. I just thought I would begin my search in PA/NJ as I am a PA resident.

Good evening everyone!

I am VERY interested in OT and have made plans for an MOT for FALL 2009. Any advice you guys can give? My UGPA is 3.07 and my pre-req GPA is 2.8. The school I REALLY want to go to is SLU (Saint Louis University). Any thoughts on this school and their MOT program.

Oh yeah, can someone give me some tips on how to kick out a killer personal statement?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Any advice for someone who doesn't have the work experience but does have the GPA? I have a 3.8+ GPA, did observation hours at the hospital but no real work experience. Just trying to figure out how to explain that I was so preoccupied with making straight A's that I didn't have time to work. Think this is a good enough explanation?

I wouldn't say you didn't have time to work because you were too busy trying to get straight A's. You will find out that in your future OT program there will be people who are going full-time, have small children, maybe even a part-time job! And they get straight A's! Most OT programs are looking for well-rounded students who excel in academics as well as life experience. OTs are a unique people who have chosen this profession for a reason. I do have to admit I have met many OTs that are a bit quirky, but someone's gotta do the job.

Well, I would highly advise you to get as much "on the job experience" as possible....I had much lower academic status and much much higher actual experience....but I'd try applying anyway...I know they like book smarts too...try to experience as much OT as you can....volunteer everywhere you can get into....

I am figuring out everywhere I want to apply to right now. I think the whole process is so stressful-- I want to go to a well ranked school 'just because' (stupid, I know).

I think I have fairly good credentials; however I lack leadership experience in student organizations. My cumulative gpa is above a 3.8, I've gotten all A's except one B in all my prereqs, I've done about 100 hours of observing/volunteering w/OTs in several different settings, and I've worked as a personal assistant in a dorm for people with disabilities for over 2yrs in college, as well as volunteered with various other organizations. Does this make me competitive? The websites for OT depts are so intimidating-- they act like every applicant is stellar in every possible area, and that the competition is fierce. Plus, the fact that each program accepts around 30 students or less when a lot more than that apply in daunting in itself! Please help!

Also, what is considered an acceptable GRE score? I can't find out from anyone or anywhere what exactly is 'good'!

1000+ is good enough on the GRE especially with a good GPA.

I am also considering going to OT. Currently have a masters in Nutrition but I do exercise programs for seniors to strengthen their balance and flexibility. Would this count as relevant work experience? Some of my participants are over 90 years old and we start with low intensity exercises and progress.

I am also considering either SLU or Wash U but the programs are soooo expensive- around $75,000 and I am not sure if I take out such a student loan I will come out ahead once I start working. I am making 40s right now with 8 years of experience, yet I see OT salaries start in mid 40s. With such a huge student loan, I might not come out ahead.

Relocation is not an option due to my family and there are no public universities offering the program in my city.

OTdude in Milltown, New Jersey said: I wouldn't say you didn't have time to work because you were too busy trying to get straight A's. You will find out that in your future OT program there will be people who are going full-time, have small children, maybe even a part-time job! And they get straight A's! Most OT programs are looking for well-rounded students who excel in academics as well as life experience. OTs are a unique people who have chosen this profession for a reason. I do have to admit I have met many OTs that are a bit quirky, but someone's gotta do the job.

I respect your input but if this is the majority of applicants (which I doubt) then they do indeed deserve it more than me. However, my not having kids to look after shouldn't make me look lazy or inexperienced in life. Instead, I think it should prove that I have my priorities straight and know what is important. As far as work experience goes I don't really know what job I could have had during college that would have made me a better OT or PT. Anyway, I will do some volunteer work during my last semester of prereq's to make my application look more solid. Thanks again.

This is in reference to John in West Palm Beach Florida. Your GPA is very good and having volunteer experience will be especially good. I don't think you need the "actual job experience" that directly relates to OT since you will get the volunteer OT work experience. You sound like you have will have a strong application. I agree with OT dude stating that you don't have to mention that you were too busy trying to get straight A's. I don't think that will even be an issue for you.

By the way, I am in OT school taking kinesiology class (4 week intense). There are 97 of us. 4 of my classmates have kids. I'm friends with them. They're getting A's but they don't sleep much. I think the ones who aren't getting A's are the party people.

OT girl in West Covina, California said: This is in reference to John in West Palm Beach Florida. Your GPA is very good and having volunteer experience will be especially good. I don't think you need the "actual job experience" that directly relates to OT since you will get the volunteer OT work experience. You sound like you have will have a strong application. I agree with OT dude stating that you don't have to mention that you were too busy trying to get straight A's. I don't think that will even be an issue for you.

By the way, I am in OT school taking kinesiology class (4 week intense). There are 97 of us. 4 of my classmates have kids. I'm friends with them. They're getting A's but they don't sleep much. I think the ones who aren't getting A's are the party people.

Good to hear! Thanks for the advice and reinforcement.

I will be applying to the Colorado State University MSOT in December 2009. My undergrad is neuropsychology, I have a 3.6 GPA, and must only take the analytical writing portion of the GRE. So far I have A's in my pre-requisites. I am going into my 4th year as an occupational/physical therapy aide at an outpatient rehab clinic, and have logged over 4,000 hours in that position.

CSU does not require recommendations, and I do not believe they require personal interviews. I am fairly nervous about getting accepted into the program because my BA in Psych does not lead to any viable career, or for that matter, work that will pay enough to pay back my student loans!
Will my work experience mean very much in terms of admittance?