Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Eligibility Requirements

Admission to the Occupational Therapy program is based not only on academic achievement, but also on non-academic factors which ensure that candidates can complete the essential requirements of the academic program required for graduation. The Division of Occupational Therapy has the responsibility to ensure that its graduates become fully competent and caring therapists. The application process is competitive. Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• US Residency
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Volunteer Experience
• Basic Computer Literacy
• English Language Proficiency
• Grade Point Requirements
• Prerequisite Courses
• Criminal History Background Check

Bachelor's Degree

A baccalaureate degree in any major from an accredited institution of higher learning is required. It is desirable that the degree include a breadth of liberal arts courses.

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US Residency

Applications are open to residents of any state. Contact the Residence Classification Office at (206) 543-4188 or visit the residency website for information about establishing residency in Washington State.

Non-U.S. citizens who apply must have a Permanent Resident Visa. In addition, international applicants must meet several requirements in addition to those required of U.S. applicants in order to be admitted to the University of Washington Graduate School. Consult the Graduate School Application website to find out more about minimum eligibility requirements.

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Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Applicants must have taken the GRE within the last five years. For information about the GRE, visit their web site.

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Volunteer Experience

Applicants must have experience working or volunteering with people who have mental, physical, or developmental disabilities to demonstrate their interest in, and understanding of the field. It is important for the applicant to observe or work in at least two different types of occupational therapy practice settings (physical rehabilitation, mental health, geriatrics, pediatrics) and with different age groups. This helps in understanding the breadth of the field of practice in occupational therapy. It is also important that one experience be extensive (a minimum of 40 hours) and with an occupational therapist.

We provide an optional list of volunteer locations where you may want to complete your volunteer work. Please note: you are not required to fulfill the requirement for volunteer hours at these locations.

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Basic Computer Literacy

Applicants must have basic computer literacy (word processing, email and the Internet) or have taken a basic computer course.

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English Language Proficiency

A satisfactory command of the English language is required for admission to the University of Washington Graduate School. Applicants who are not citizens of the United States on the date of admission, must meet one of the English language ability tests and conditions:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination.
• Michigan Language Test (MLT) examination. The institutional version of the MLT may be taken at the University of Washington. Official MLT test scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination.

Please check the University of Washington Graduate School website for more details.

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Grade Point Requirements

Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) on the most recent 60 semester or 90 quarter credits to be considered for admission.

In addition, applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) in the required prerequisite courses with no single course graded less than 2.0 (C). It is highly recommended that all prerequisite course grades be 2.5 or above.  If you have any prerequisite course grade between 2.0 and 2.4, your academic record will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Grades lower than 2.0 in a prerequisite course will not be accepted.

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Prerequisite Coursework

Prerequisite coursework may be taken at the University of Washington, community colleges, or at other institutions of higher learning. At the time of application, applicants must have completed five of the prerequisite courses with at least three courses in the natural sciences, and it is highly recommended that anatomy and physiology be among them. All eight prerequisite courses must be completed prior to entering the program in Autumn Quarter.

The course descriptions listed below provide guidelines for comparison to courses at other institutions. Course numbers and credits may vary between institutions, and we are flexible in assessing comparable content. If you have any questions about prerequisite courses, please contact us.

Students attending colleges in Washington State can use the University of Washington Equivalency Guide or see your college counselor to identify equivalent courses.

Natural Sciences

• Survey of Physiology (5 credits)
  Human physiology for non-majors. BIOL 118 and 119 (lab)
• General Anatomy (4 credits)
  Survey of system human anatomy with correlated lectures. Includes: human skeletal system, muscles, joints, neuroanatomy, circulatory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system. BSTR 301
  *Please note that many community colleges offer a two course series called Anatomy & Physiology. If you take this, be sure to take both courses in the series.
• General Physics & General Physics Lab (4 & 1 credits)
  Math 120 (precalculus) is recommended prior to enrolling in physics. Basic principles of physics presented with lab (Phys 117) mechanics and sound. PHYS 114 and PHYS 117(lab). Ideally the course should include the general principles of mechanics, sound, heat, and light.
• Principles of Chemistry (5 credits)
  Atoms and molecules, their interactions with energy, and their reactions; emphasizes impact of chemistry on everyday life.CHEM 120
• Basic Educational Statistics (3 credits)
  Measures of central tendency and variability, point and interval estimation, linear correlation, hypothesis testing. EDPSY 490

Social Sciences

• Abnormal Psychology (5 credits)
  An overview of major categories of psychopathology, including description and classification, theoretical models, and recent research on etiology and treatment. PSYCH 305 At the UW, this class is available for Psych majors only. Community colleges offer this course.
• Developmental Psychology (5 credits)
  An analysis of psychological development of the child in relation to biological, physical, and sociological antecedent conditions from infancy to adolescence. Courses including development through the life span are acceptable. PSYCH 306 or PSYCH 206
• Survey of Sociology (5 credits)
  Human interaction, social institutions, social stratification, socialization, deviance, social control, social and cultural change. SOC 110

--OR--
• Principles of Sociocultural Anthropology (5 credits)
  Comparison of lifeways of various non-Western and Western peoples. Introduction to basic theories and methods used in the field. ANTH 202

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Background Check

A background check is required of all students offered admission or alternate status to the University of Washington School of Medicine's, Division of Occupational Therapy. The State of Washington, as well as, most fieldwork training facilities require this background check for individuals who work with children, developmentally disabled people and other vulnerable groups. The UW School of Medicine programs have engaged Verified Credentials, Inc. to provide the required background checks on our students prior to program entry and again prior to beginning the full-time fieldwork placements in the last two quarters of the program.

This background check is required in order to participate in clinical work with vulnerable populations at UW-affilitated hospitals and clinics and in all other clinical training sites used by our program.

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To learn more about the Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Washington, please explore the links below:

• Program Description
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• Frequently Asked Questions
• Selection Process
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• Curriculum
• Practice Credentials
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