Application Deadlines
Applications for Fall 2027 admission will be considered beginning July 16, 2026. Early applicants will receive priority consideration.
The final application deadline for Fall 2027 admission is May 14, 2027.
Routes of Admission
There are multiple routes of admission into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program at Walsh University. Once all application materials have been submitted, qualified applicants will be eligible for an application review by the program’s admissions committee.
For all pathways:
Observation Hours Form (Except OTA to MOT Bridge Pathway)
Letters of Recommendation Form
Traditional Pathway - OTCAS
This pathway requires students to complete a bachelor’s degree prior to admission into the graduate occupational therapy program and apply through Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).
Traditional Pathway Requirements
Direct Application Pathway - Direct Application
This pathway is designed for students who will complete a bachelor’s degree at Walsh University within one year of applying to the Master of Occupational Therapy Program. Students applying through this pathway will apply directly through Walsh University.
Direct Application Pathway Requirements
Traditional Early Assurance Pathway - Direct Application
The Traditional Early Assurance Pathway is available to a limited number of graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students enrolled at Walsh University in the Psychology Pre-OT or Exercise Science Pre-OT programs. This pathway offers eligible students the opportunity to secure early assurance admission into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program while completing their undergraduate studies at Walsh University.
Traditional Early Assurance Pathway Requirements
Accelerated Early Assurance Pathway - Direct Application
The Accelerated Early Assurance Pathway is available to a limited number of graduating high school seniors or currently qualified undergraduate students who enroll in Walsh University’s Psychology Pre-OT or Exercise Science Pre-OT programs. Students in the Accelerated Early Assurance Pathway complete undergraduate coursework before transitioning into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program following their junior year.
College Credit Plus (CCP) transcripts and previously earned college credits will be reviewed individually to determine undergraduate classification, eligibility, and progression within the accelerated pathway.
Accelerated Early Assurance Pathway Requirements
Occupational Therapy Assistant Bridge to Master of Occupational Therapy Pathway - Direct Application
The Occupational Therapy Assistant to Master of Occupational Therapy (Occupational Therapy Assistant Bridge Program) Pathway is designed for Occupational Therapy Assistants who wish to advance their education and career by earning a Master of Occupational Therapy degree. This flexible hybrid pathway allows working professionals to complete foundational coursework online before transitioning seamlessly into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program at Walsh University.
Two pathway options are available for qualified Occupational Therapy Assistant applicants:
- Applicants who have completed an associate degree Occupational Therapy Assistant program and a minimum of 60 credit hours of undergraduate health science coursework may complete additional undergraduate coursework to reach the 90 credit hours required for Master of Occupational Therapy Program entry.
- Applicants who already possess 90 or more undergraduate credit hours may apply directly to the Master of Occupational Therapy Program without completing additional undergraduate coursework.
OTA to MOT Bridge Pathway Requirements
Partnership Pathway - Direct Application
The Partnership Pathway is available to students participating in affiliated pre-occupational therapy partnership agreements, including the 4+2 Early Assurance partnership with Franciscan University of Steubenville. Students enrolled in partnership Early Assurance pathways will apply to the Master of Occupational Therapy Program through a direct application process rather than through Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).
Students enrolled through partnership institutions will complete their undergraduate degree at their home institution before transitioning into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program at Walsh University. Admission requirements for the Partnership Pathway are described below.
Partnership Pathway Requirements - Franciscan University
Prerequisites
An applicant may major in any undergraduate area but must successfully complete course prerequisites with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prerequisite courses must be a grade of C or higher to be accepted.
| Course Name | Semester(s) Required | Credit Hours Required |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology with Lab | 2 semesters | (6 semester credit hours) |
| Developmental Psychology | 1 semester | (3 semester credit hours) |
| Abnormal Psychology | 1 semester | (3 semester credit hours) |
| Statistics | 1 semester | (3 semester credit hours) |
AP credits are not accepted as fulfillment of prerequisite courses
Previous work experience is not accepted as fulfillment of prerequisite courses
The Walsh University Occupational Therapy Program reviews transfer credit requests on a case-by-case basis. The Walsh Occupational Therapy Program may accept a maximum of 9 graduate-level credits. Eligible transfer courses must be from entry-level doctoral or master’s programs accredited by ACOTE. We evaluate prerequisite courses taken at other institutions through review of course syllabi. The requirements listed above represent semester credit hours. If your course work was designated as quarter credit hours, convert your quarter credits to semester credits to ensure that your preparation meets these requirements. In order to convert quarter hours to semester hours, divide the quarter hours by 1.5 (Example: 4 QH/1.5 = 2.6 semester hours).
International Student Eligibility
The Walsh University Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program is not eligible to enroll international students requiring F-1 student status.
Federal F-1 regulations require graduate students to maintain full-time enrollment (minimum of 9 credit hours per semester), with no more than one online or distance-learning course (up to 3 credit hours) counting toward the full-time enrollment requirement each semester. The remaining credits required for full-time status must be completed through in-person instruction.
The Master of Occupational Therapy curriculum is delivered using a combination of hybrid, online, and clinical education experiences. Because the program does not offer sufficient fully face-to-face coursework to satisfy federal F-1 enrollment requirements, students requiring F-1 visa sponsorship are not eligible for admission to the program.
Prospective students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise authorized to study in the United States without requiring F-1 student status remain eligible for admission, provided all program and university admission requirements are met.
The Master of Occupational Therapy Program adheres to the non-discrimination policy established by the university: Walsh University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loans programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. In consideration of the above policy, any candidate who demonstrates a history of scholastic aptitude along with professional potential will be considered for admission. All qualified students applying to our program are required to submit application materials to be considered for an application review by the admissions committee prior to being accepted.
Virtual Information Sessions
Join our Virtual Information Session to explore the Master of Occupational Therapy program, meet faculty, learn about admissions, and discover how you can make a meaningful impact as a future occupational therapist.
Visit the link to register.
Register for Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6:00pm
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Complete the form below to request additional information.