The B.S./M.S. Occupational Therapy Program at Nazareth accepts applicants for full-time study from the freshman year. Students are admitted directly into the program as freshmen and are not required to reapply for admission to the graduate phase of the program.
To apply, complete the application steps. That Admissions Office webpage also includes the deadlines.
To be considered for direct acceptance into the occupational therapy program as a freshman, prospective students must show evidence of good academic performance in high school and a genuine interest in the profession of occupational therapy. O.T. students are required to meet the following criteria:
A high school average of 85% or higher, or a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
Successful completion and demonstrated ability in the following high school courses with a grade of B or higher is recommended:
Students who want to change their major at Nazareth to become an OT major should contact the program director no later than the end of freshman year.
You will be considered on a competitive, space-available basis and would enter the B.S./M.S. program with sophomore or junior status (even if you have more credits) due to the sequence of the OT curriculum.
The requirements to be considered are:
Details for students interested in transferring from another college to Nazareth for occupational therapy.
The Occupational Therapy Program at Nazareth University grants a BS/MS entry-level professional degree in Occupational Therapy. Upon successful completion of the degree, the graduate is prepared to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, which is required for clinical practice as an occupational therapist.
The Occupational Therapy Program at Nazareth is committed to meeting the needs and interests of the student while at the same time preparing and ensuring that they are ready to perform safe and effective entry-level practice in occupational therapy. This means that graduates must have the knowledge and skills to practice in a variety of environments and be prepared to provide individualized person-centered occupational therapy intervention.
Based upon the knowledge and skills needed for practice, candidates for the occupational therapy degree must possess essential skills to perform all classroom, fieldwork, and experiential learning activities in an accurate, safe, and efficient manner. These skills, defined as technical standards and outlined in this document, ensure a safe and effective learning environment for students, faculty, and clients/families.
If a student is not able to demonstrate the skills and abilities outlined in this document, it is their responsibility to request reasonable accommodations through the Student Accessibility Services, SASOffice@naz.edu or 585-389-2498. Reasonable accommodation refers to ways in which the University can assist a student in accomplishing tasks necessary for academic success. Student Accessibility Services documentation of the reasonable accommodations is required prior to the implementation of any accommodations. Reasonable accommodation does not mean that a student will be exempt from completing requirements. It means that the University and the OT Program will work with the student with a documented need to determine whether there are strategies which will be of assistance so that students are successful in completing tasks. Confidentiality will be maintained when requests for and provisions of accommodations are made.
Reasonable accommodations are designed to maintain the integrity of the Occupational Therapy Program curriculum and ensure safety of all clients, students, staff, and faculty.
A signed copy of receipt of the Technical Standards Requirements must be returned to the Occupational Therapy Department office signifying that the standards have been read and that the student is able to comply with them or be prepared to request accommodations through Student Accessibility Services. Students must meet academic, technical, and professional standards to maintain enrollment in the occupational therapy academic program, either with or without accommodations (please see the OT Student Manual for further details).
Students are encouraged to ask questions regarding the Technical Standards. Any questions regarding this document or the requirements should be directed to the Occupational Therapy Chairperson, Julie Ann Kunisch, OTD, OTR/L: jkunisc4@naz.edu or 585-389-2651.
For the successful completion of degree requirements, the student must meet these minimum essential standards with or without reasonable accommodations.
Communication & Processing Skills
Students will:
Sensorimotor Skills
Students will:
Interpersonal and Professional Skills
Students will: