How to apply

Individuals interested in applying to the OT program must submit two applications: one to the  Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)  and one to the WSU Graduate School. Supplemental materials should be included with applications to the WSU Graduate School.

Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.

OTCAS Application: Available July 21 to December 1

The OT program must receive a submitted  OTCAS application  on or before December 1  and verified by OTCAS by January 15  in order to consider applicants for admission. Applications  submitted to OTCAS  after  December 1 and verified  by  OTCAS  after  the January 15 deadline will  not  be considered. The application can be found at  https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login, and information about OTCAS may be found at  https://help.liaisonedu.com/OTCAS_Applicant_Help_Center. It is  highly recommended that you submit your OTCAS application sooner rather than later  to ensure timely submission and review of all items by OTCAS.  

Applicant Personal Statement Submitted to OTCAS

It is recommended that you compose your personal statement in a text-only word processor and copy and paste it into the OTCAS application. Applicants will have two opportunities to attach/copy-paste the personal statement; (1) in the general section of the application and (2) in the program specific section of the application for those interested in  WSU  OT program. Applicants have the choice of using the same personal statement in each location or they can create another statement for the  WSU  section that includes information on why the  WSU  OT program is the correct fit for the applicant and their career goals. Additional details and instructions for the personal statement in the general section of the application can be found within the application.

Applicant References Submitted to OTCAS

The two professional recommendations may be obtained from one OTR and one professor/instructor or another healthcare provider. You will send  the requests electronically in OTCAS to the two individuals  you want to complete  them and these individuals must  submit their  completed recommendations electronically via OTCAS. If you are applying only to Wayne State University's Occupational Therapy program, OTCAS will require you to enter the names of three recommenders. You can enter your name and email address as the third recommender unless you would like to have someone else submit a third professional recommendation.

A stronger applicant file is one that has references who have known you for a period of time and can comment on your performance.  References from family members or those in a personal relationship with you are highly discouraged.

Documentation of 20 OTR Contact Hours Submitted to OTCAS

• OT observation hours form must be completed by OTR only; COTA is not acceptable.
• Minimum of 20 hours completed in the last two years.
• Submitting hours over two years old is acceptable as long as 20 of those hours were within the last 2 years
• Click here to print or save the online form for distribution to OTRs that will be observing.
• Forms will be attached in OTCAS under Test Scores in the  WSU  Program Specific area.

*Unable to meet this requirement due to COVID-19 restrictions?  Click here to view alternate option.  

Plan of Work for Fall and Winter semesters - Academic Updates Submitted to OTCAS (if applicable)

For those applicants completing courses in the Fall semester (August-December):

• • You will need to put the courses in progress in OTCAS. Once the courses have been completed in December, applicants will need to complete an Academic Update in OTCAS for the completed courses. More information on the Academic Update process can be found on the OTCAS website  here.

For those applicants completing one science and/or one non-science course in the Winter semester (January to May):

• • You will need to put the courses in progress in OTCAS. Once the courses have been completed in May, applicants will need to submit an official transcript to gradamissions@wayne.edu and attach an unofficial transcript to the electronic form at: https://forms.wayne.edu/646252e6f27f8

Insight Essay Submitted to OTCAS

The questions/prompt for the essay can be found in the Questions sections of the OTCAS application in the Wayne State program section of the application. It is recommended that you compose your insight essay in a text-only word processor and copy and paste it into the OTCAS application. This essay is not considered your personal statement.

Interviews

The WSU MOT program has a rolling admissions process.   Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as they are verified in OTCAS.   Eligible candidates will be invited for an interview beginning in September. Successful candidates will be notified of admission decision within four weeks after interview. Admission for the year will close two weeks before the start of the program.

WSU  Graduate Application: Due at time of interview offer

A completed  WSU  Graduate School application,  including official transcripts  and  all required supplemental material (see below), must be submitted for consideration of admission.

Email official transcripts to:  gradadmissions@wayne.edu  Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to  WSU  Graduate Admissions. Electronic official transcripts are preferred.

If your previous educational institutions do not offer electronic official transcripts, then mail official transcripts to: 5057 Woodward, Suite 6000, Detroit, MI 48202-0340

Note:  The  WSU  Graduate Application for the Spring/Summer WSU  OT program start date will be available on the  WSU  Graduate School website  on September 1. All graduate application materials (official transcripts and items in the list below) must be submitted to be considered for the coming May start date. Use "Spring/Summer" of the coming year as the application semester year.

Supplemental Materials to be submitted with the Graduate Admissions Application:

• Copy of Granted Waiver: Six-Year Time Limit Rule for Science Prerequisites Course Waiver (if applicable)
• Only those applicants who requested and received a six-year time limit science course prerequisite waiver from the WSU OT Admissions Committee need to submit documentation in the Additional Documents section.
• Copy of TOEFL Scores (if applicable) only those applicants that need to complete the  WSU  English Proficiency  requirement with the TOEFL exam need submit documentation in this section.
• Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Scores (if applicable). Only those applicants that have completed AP/CLEP exams and want to use those credits for prerequisites need to submit score documentation from the college board in the Additional Documents  section.