Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online

What you'll study

Students complete 69 credit hours of coursework and two phases of supervised fieldwork. Example course topics listed in the catalogue include Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Neuroscience, Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions, OT for Mental Health and Wellness, and Ethical and Professional Decision Making in OT. Level 1 fieldwork consists of three supervised experiences under a licensed occupational therapist; Level 2 consists of two 12-week, directly supervised clinical placements in varied OT settings.

Entry requirements

All application materials must be submitted through OTCAS. Admissions are rolling for the fall start and applications are reviewed until cohorts fill (applications generally close by May 5 for fall applicants). Required items and standards include:

• Official OTCAS application and official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution; admission assumes degree completion prior to matriculation.
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
• Three letters of recommendation via OTCAS: one from an occupational therapist and another from a professional who has observed the applicant’s work (e.g., clinical supervisor, instructor, employer, or health professional).
• Documentation of at least 40 hours of volunteer/observation in professional occupational therapy settings (more than one setting is encouraged).
• Personal statement (OTCAS) plus a program supplemental question addressing spiritual/life experiences that influenced the decision to pursue OT and clinical experiences that inspired passion for the profession.
• Prerequisite coursework (must be completed within 7 years prior to enrollment): Anatomy & Physiology I & II (6 credit hours minimum), Statistics (3), Abnormal Psychology (3), Life Span Development or Developmental Psychology (3), and verification of Medical Terminology. Prerequisites except Medical Terminology must be taken for a grade (no Credit/No Credit), with a minimum grade of C; AP/CLEP credit not accepted for prerequisite courses. A maximum of 6 prerequisite credit hours may be pending at application.
• Applicants must have access to a laptop with internet and Word, Excel & PowerPoint; the program uses Canvas and online testing/learning tools.

Career prospects

The programme prepares graduates for clinical practice across settings such as elder care, physical and mental health clinics, and pediatric and school environments. The occupational therapy field shows projected growth (the catalogue cites a 16% projection) and a strong median wage reference is included in the catalogue. Graduates pursue NBCOT certification (school performance on NBCOT results is reported by NBCOT) and may enter specialty training such as hand therapy fellowships; an alumni testimonial references preparation for a hand therapy fellowship.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and applicants are encouraged to apply early to be considered for scholarships and departmental incentives. For specific financial aid packages or scholarship criteria contact the Department of Occupational Therapy directly or consult ACU financial aid resources.