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  Department of Rehabilitation Medicine 
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Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert semester credits to quarter credits?

Simply multiply semester credits by 1.5. Example: if your class was 3 credits in a semester system, it will be 4.5 credits in the quarter system.

How can I tell now if I will be offered admission?

The quality and quantity of applicants each year cannot be predicted, so we cannot guarantee admission in advance for any student. Admission is based on a multitude of factors including, prerequisite GPA, GPA for last two years, volunteer/ work experience, essay, references and GREs.

I’m worried that my GRE scores are too low. What steps can I take?

If you plan to retake the GRE to improve your scores, we recommend that you study using either a study guide book or take a study class.

What if I received only a 2.0 in some of my prerequisites?

The minimum required grade for any single prerequisite is 2.0, however, the GPA for all prerequisites must be 3.0 or above. The average pre-requisite GPA for admitted students has been about 3.5 over the last few years. Some applicants choose to re-take a prerequisite to raise the grade. We will use the best grade you received in a pre-requisite class at the time of application.

Can prerequisites courses taken at other schools with different titles or credits be used if they cover most of the same information? How about work experience?

Yes, courses from other schools that cover comparable content may be used to meet the prerequisite requirement. You may contact our office if you have questions about whether or not any particular class will fulfill a prerequisite. We recommend that you compare the course description with that in our prerequisite list and call us if you have questions. Work experience is not a substitute for academic courses.

I’m changing careers and received my bachelor’s degree several years ago. Will classes I took then still be accepted?

There is no time limit for prerequisite course completion. We do recommend, however, that you come prepared to build directly upon your studies in anatomy and physiology.

What is the UW pass rate on the OT national registration exam?

Our pass rate for first-time test-takers is 100%. This represents all 71 graduates over the past three-year period of 2006-08.

Do graduates get jobs after they graduate? How quickly?

In recent years all of the graduates who pursue an occupational therapist position have secured an OT position within a month. Occupational therapists are currently in high demand.

How many students usually apply?

The number of qualified applicants varies each year. In recent years, the number of applicants has been approximately 85.

What are the lecture class sizes?

During the first year, some classes taken with physical therapy and prosthetics and orthotics students may be as large as 70 students. Classes specific to only the MOT program are limited to only our students, so enrollment is about 25 students per class. Laboratory classes are about 10-12 students.

Do I need a particular bachelor’s degree to apply?

Any bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning is acceptable. The students in the MOT program come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including psychology, health sciences, accounting, dance, architecture, and engineering, among others.

What kind of volunteer experience do I need to apply?

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 of occupational therapy. It is strongly recommended that the applicant observe or work in at least two different types of occupational therapy settings (physical rehabilitation, mental health, geriatrics, pediatrics). It is also recommended that one volunteer experience be extensive so that the occupational therapist is able to provide you with a reference.

Click to view a List of Volunteer Locations (pdf file, 66kb) where you may want to do your volunteer work. You do not need to fulfill the requirement for volunteer hours at these locations, however; these are just suggestions.

Is the application online?

All application materials may be printed from our website. You can then fill out the printed application and send it to us via mail. We do not currently have on-line submission of application.

What is the University of Washington policy on accommodation?

The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. Follow the link for more information on our commitment to diversity.

What is the selection process?

A committee of 3-4 faculty review and rate applicant materials based on grades, references, GRE scores, and essay. The committee recommendations for admission are presented to the Occupational Therapy Advisory and Evaluation Committee who make the final decision as to offers of admission.

How much can I expect to spend in tuition and other expenses?

Because tuition changes periodically, it is best to check the UW catalog at the time you plan to apply. Follow the link for a detailed breakdown of current tuition and program costs. Most students complete the program in 9 quarters. A student may choose to apply to establish residency after one year. Please check the UW Residency Office website for information about residency requirements.

Will I be able to work while attending the program?

Some students work part-time while in the program, however, it is expected that work schedules do not interfere with class attendance. What you decide to do is highly individual depending on your ability to juggle schedules of work, classes and study. During the last two quarters of the program, students are on full-time internships and outside work is not recommended.

How can I find out about financial aid?

Contact the University of Washington Office of Student Financial Aid. Also, contact the MOT office for a list of other funding opportunities you might pursue.

Will I be certified to work outside of Washington State when I graduate?

After you graduate you must take the national certification examination for occupational therapists in order to work in the field. In addition, almost all states require state licensure to work in the state. Typically, states require that you have graduated from an accredited OT program, passed the national certification exam, and pass a background check related to character and vulnerable populations. A few states may have other requirements.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Contact us by calling the MOT office (206) 598-5764, or send an email to ot@u.washington.edu.

What are the prerequisites for the program?

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

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

Application Deadlines

Applications for the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency are due November 30, 2009.

Deadlines to apply to our graduate and undergraduate degree programs are:

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