Application for OTA Program - Application Information (including details for part-time track)
Application Instructions: In order to be eligible for the OTA Class of 2024, which begins Summer 2023, students must complete all program admission requirements and submit the application form by March 1, 2023. Acceptance into the program is a selective process, as outlined in the program's information packet. Additional information regarding application for the class of 2024 will be available here on January 1, 2023.
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 21
Application for Admission - Summer 2023
Application Status: To confirm that your application has been received, please contact Theresa Hootman.
Application Information:
Application Information Packet (PDF)
Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant technical study program are listed below. ALL of these requirements must be fulfilled, and evidence of their completion submitted by March 1, 2023, for admission in Summer Semester (May) 2023. Failure to submit ALL admission requirements will exclude the applicant from consideration for admission. Admission is based on comparative evaluation of the applicants' credentials as they relate to academic achievement.
- Complete and submit the Kent State University admission application with the application fee. The application can be accessed at: www.kent.edu/admissions/apply.
- ALL high school and college transcripts must be sent to: Kent State University at Ashtabula, Admissions Office, 3300 Lake Road West, Ashtabula, OH 44004.
- Prior to acceptance into the OTA program, applicants must demonstrate competence for college level coursework for reading, mathematics, and writing. This can be met by one of the following:
- Results of ACT, SAT or COMPASS assessment scores.
- Completion of all prescribed developmental coursework.
- Evidence of a completed bachelor's degree. Arrangements to take the COMPASS tests can be made by calling the general office of the campus where you wish to take the tests. It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain the test results so that you are aware of what course work (if any) was recommended by your test scores. It is advisable that you take the COMPASS as soon as possible, to allow time to take the recommended course work prior to the selection deadline. Contact the program director/advisor and/or enrollment manager for specific information about completion of developmental coursework.
- Schedule an appointment with the OTA Program advisor by contacting the department secretary, Theresa Hootman, at 440-964-4252 or email thootma1@kent.edu. The advisor will assist you in completing the requirements needed for admission into the OTA Program, answer questions about the admission process, and meet with you each semester to assist you in scheduling your classes.
- Complete and submit the OTA Program application for admission. Please note that admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant technical study program is a separate process from admission to the University and requires a separate application. There is no additional fee to apply to the OTA Program.
- The following prerequisites must be completed prior to acceptance into the program:
- Completion of high school biology or college biology (BSCI 10001 meets this requirement) with a letter grade of 'C' or better.
- Completion of MATH 00021 or a non-remedial college math course with a letter grade of 'C' or better.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 from your last scholastic experience is required to apply to the program, and you must maintain a 2.0 to remain in the program. To qualify as a scholastic experience, at least six credit hours of related coursework must have been completed at that institution.
- Complete a minimum of 16 hours of observation experiences at Occupational Therapy facilities of your choice. The 16 hours must be completed in a minimum of two different facilities (minimum of 8 hours at each site). Complete and submit the Occupational Therapy Observation form (one form for each facility) as part of the program's application process. It is the applicant's responsibility to contact an Occupational Therapy department to arrange for this observation. It is advisable to start your Occupational Therapy experience as soon as possible to be sure you are making the correct career choice for yourself. Observation forms are valid for up to 5 years from date of completion.
- Applicants must have either successfully completed BSCI 11010—Anatomy and Physiology I for Allied Health OR be enrolled in this course during the spring semester by the application deadline to be eligible for the summer start.
Selection Process
The OTA Program admits a new class of up to 28 students each Summer Semester. The deadline for application materials and requirements to be completed and submitted for the Summer 2023 admission is March 1, 2023. Qualified applicants will be ranked on a point scale. Points are assigned based on grade point average (GPA), observation experience, and completion of open enrollment courses. The 28 candidates with the highest points will be accepted.
Students who are enrolled in BSCI 11010 during the Spring 2023 semester may be provisionally accepted, pending successful completion (C or better grade) of the course by the end of the Spring 2023 semester. Provisionally accepted students who do not earn a C or higher in BSCI 11010 at the conclusion of the spring semester will not be eligible to start the program in the summer.
Applicants will be notified by e-mail of either acceptance or rejection by March 31, 2023, with reason for rejection provided. Information regarding the selection results will not be given over the phone. There is no waiting list, but students who continue to take program open enrollment courses listed in the OTA curriculum list may have a stronger, more competitive application the following year. Students may only apply to the OTA program two times.
Pursuant to federal regulations and state law, Kent State University is committed to provide all persons equal access to its programs, facilities, employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or identification as a disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era. Inquiries regarding federal regulations and state law may be directed to the Office of Affirmative Action, Wright Hall, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001.
Housing: There are no school-owned residence halls at the Ashtabula Campus. However, there are apartments in the area that students who have opted not to commute have rented in the past.
Financial Aid/Scholarships: Information on general financial aid and scholarships is available from the Office of Financial Aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov.