Program Information
What sets the ACHE School of Occupational Therapy apart from other OTD programs?
Our mission is to educate highly skilled and compassionate occupational therapy professionals and to prepare them to advocate for those with limited opportunities for occupational engagement. In fulfilling our mission, ACHE School of Occupational Therapy uses a context-based teaching approach instead of traditional lecture-based methods. This provides learners with authentic learning experiences that better prepares graduates for occupational therapy practice day one! In addition to our teaching/learning approach, resources such as our state-of-the-art award-winning facilities enable the faculty to teach in a manner that reflects real world practice. Among these are our learning spaces that mirror occupational therapy practice and settings. Our simulation and standardized patient center provide opportunities for students to practice and reflect on their skills, building confidence in their abilities when working with individuals in the clinic and community settings. The on-site Interprofessional Clinic provides students an opportunity to incorporate what they learned in the classroom while also developing skills necessary for effective inter and intra professional practice. Our faculty view service to others as a priority and as a result provides students with many opportunities to make a difference in the health and wellness of others long before graduation. The river valley community of occupational therapy practitioners and other healthcare providers fully support the program providing fulfilling opportunities for learning and service. ACHE is an institution solely dedicated to educating future healthcare providers. Recognizing the unique needs of healthcare students, occupational therapy students are not only supported academically, but in all areas that impact their success.
Can I enroll part time?
No.
Can I work while in the ACHE OTD program?
While it is not recommended, some students are able to work flexible hours during the program.
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Tuition & Cost of Attendance
What is the difference between tuition and fees and cost of attendance?
Tuition and fees are how much it costs to be enrolled in the program. A student’s cost of attendance consists of allowable educational costs that consist of direct costs charged by the institution such as tuition, fees, equipment, and housing as well as indirect costs the student may pay out-of-pocket for such as books, supplies, health insurance, personal miscellaneous, and transportation expenses that may be incurred during enrollment.
Application Information
What is the application timeline?
The OTCAS application opens mid-July each year and the final deadline to apply is April 1 the following year.
How do I apply to the ACHE OT program?
All applications are received through a centralized application service called OTCAS. This service allows you to apply to multiple programs using one application.
What are the fees for the application?
OTCAS fee information can be found here. ACHE OT does not charge any additional supplemental fees.
How many applicants are accepted each year?
ACHE OT admits up to 36 students each year.
Can out of state students apply to the ACHE OTD program?
Yes! We highly encourage applicants from any state to apply. ACHE does not charge out of state tuition.
What is rolling admissions?
Rolling admissions is where seats are continuously offered throughout the admissions cycle. As soon as we start interviewing, we start making offers for admission. Think of it as first come first serve for qualified applicants.
What is the difference between the Priority Application Deadline and the Final Application Deadline?
Submitting your application before the priority deadline gives your application priority in the admissions process. Your application will be reviewed before any interviews have begun and before any seats have been offered. Applying after the priority deadline just means that we have begun offering seats and started conducting interviews. The final application deadline is the last date that new applications will be received.
Admissions Criteria
What is the minimum GPA required to apply?
ACHE OT does not have set minimum GPA requirements. Applicants are reviewed through a holistic admission process, taking into consideration all factors indicating an applicant is a fit for the ACHE OT mission. However, applicants should realize competition dictates that most students will have an overall GPA ≥ 3.5 and prerequisite GPA ≥ 3.0. These standards reflect a greater opportunity for success with the curriculum and national board examination.
What are the required prerequisite courses?
- Sociology or Anthropology – 3 credit hours
- Abnormal Psychology – 3 credit hours
- Lifespan Development/Developmental Psychology* – 3 credit hours
- *Must cover the lifespan from birth to death.
- Statistics – 3 credit hours
- Anatomy and Physiology (with lab) – 8 credit hours
- Medical Terminology – 1 credit hour
How old can prerequisite coursework be?
All prerequisite coursework must be completed within 10 years of application.
If I retake a course will my original grade be calculated into my GPA?
Yes, OTCAS will calculate your overall GPA based on all credits completed regardless of if they were “repeat” courses or not. However, the ACHE OTD program will calculate your Prerequisite GPA by using your highest grade earned in prerequisite coursework. For instance, if you completed Abnormal Psychology twice and earned a C grade the first time and an A grade the second time, the A grade will be used in the calculation of your prerequisite GPA, not the C grade.
Will CLEP credit & AP scores be allowed to fulfill any of the prerequisite coursework requirements?
CLEP credit scores are not allowed to satisfy ACHE Occupational Therapy prerequisite coursework. However, AP scores will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.
How many letters of recommendation will I need and who can they be from?
The ACHE OT Program requires a minimum of two letters of recommendation. They can be from a faculty member, current employer, occupational therapist, or other person knowledgeable of the applicant’s character and abilities. Family members are not permitted.
Is the GRE required?
No.
What type of undergraduate degree is required to apply to the ACHE OTD program?
Any bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Are shadowing hours required?
No. There are no set number of shadowing hours required. However, if you submit them on your application they will be considered.
Interview Day Format
What can I expect on interview day?
Our interviews are held on select Fridays throughout the interview cycle and take place from 8:25 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. CST. You will meet with the dean, faculty, staff, and students. Your small group interview will be about 50 minutes and will include an OT faculty member, and member of the community. While on campus, you will tour the ACHE facilities, so comfortable, but professional, shoes are recommended. Lunch will also be provided to enjoy with current students. To conclude your day, you will receive additional institutional/program information.
Enrollment Deposits
If I am accepted into the ACHE OTD program, is a deposit required?
Yes. There is a $500 non-refundable deposit that will be applied towards your tuition.
Cohort Admissions Data
If I am accepted into the ACHE OTD program, is a deposit required?
Yes. There is a $500 non-refundable deposit that will be applied towards your tuition.
Career Changers & Nontraditional Students
Where do I start if I'm thinking about changing careers?
You don’t need to figure out the entire process before contacting us. Start with your previous coursework and an understanding of the admission requirements. From there, we can help you identify your next steps and determine what your path toward applying could look like.
Will I be the only student my age?
Our recent enrollment data may help put that concern into perspective. Nearly 1 in 5 students who entered the ACHE OT program from 2022–2026 were age 25 or older. During that period, students have entered the program at ages 30, 34, and even 40. Your path may look different from someone coming directly from college—and that’s okay!
Will I fit in with classmates who may be younger than me?
It’s natural to wonder what it will be like to join a cohort with students at different stages of life. OT students bring different educational backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and responsibilities to the classroom. You don’t have to have followed the same path as your classmates to become part of the cohort.
I've been out of school for years. What if I can't do this anymore?
Being away from the classroom doesn’t mean you’ve lost your ability to learn. You may need to rebuild study habits or adjust to being a student again, but you also return with something you didn’t have the first time around: additional life and professional experience. Give yourself time to adjust and use the academic resources available to you.