Apply to OTD

• The Augustana University OTD Program uses a rolling admission format on OTCAS. The 2026-27 admission cycle closes June 14, 2027.
• The Augustana OTD Admission Committee reviews completed and verified applications in the order of receipt as they are submitted.
• Applicants will be notified of their status (Admit, Waitlist or Deny) within 30 days of application submission as long as all documents are verified within 14 days of that period.

• The maximum size for an OTD cohort is 60, though target enrollment for the class of 2028 is 30 and 2029 is 45.
• When the cohort has reached capacity, other applicants meeting admission criteria and recommended for acceptance are added to a waitlist. Waitlisted applicants can confirm with the admission team their placement on the waitlist and the timeline for a decision. The OTD waitlist closes when the admission cycle ends (posted as the last date to apply.)

Applicants are evaluated based on cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement and (if applicable) an optional supplemental statement. Applicants who meet eligibility requirements (complete verified transcripts, letters of recommendation received, easy(s) completed, meets GPA and degree requirements) are invited to complete a virtual interview.

Interviews are conducted through an interactive video platform (Kira Talent) where students record themselves responding to a short series of questions. Students are provided a short amount of time to prepare their response following each prompt. All responses are time limited and single take to assess the applicant’s ability to respond in the moment.

• The director of admission and designated reviewers review and score interview recordings using a standardized interview rubric. Interview scores are incorporated into the holistic admission score. Applicants meeting the scoring threshold with these combined scores are categorized as Admit or Waitlist, while those not meeting the threshold score are denied admission.
• For eligible Augustana students and alumni who apply to the OTD program through Direct Admit routes, the process may differ slightly. See OTD Pathways for more information.

• The Augustana OTD Admission Team offers selected applicants admission into the program based on a holistic evaluation of their application, supporting documents and interview (if applicable).
• Applicants meeting the scoring threshold with these combined scores are categorized as Admit or Waitlist, while those not meeting the threshold score are denied admission.
• All applicants are notified by their preferred email regarding final selection decisions.
• Applicants who are denied admission following their interview may request a meeting with the Augustana OTD director of admission to discuss ways to strengthen their application or eligibility for our accelerated, hybrid OTD program.

Exceptions to Augustana OTD Program admission requirements are granted infrequently and only under exceptional circumstances. If you believe you have an exceptional circumstance, you must first speak with a member of our admission team who will direct you through the exception process.

If deemed a possibility, you must submit a formal request letter and all required, verifiable proof documents directly to OTCAS.

• Deadline: All final exception documents must be uploaded to OTCAS by the final June application deadline.
• Varying Dates: The specific June deadline varies annually. It is posted on this website and the OTCAS portal.
• Strict Cutoff: No clarification or supporting documents will be accepted after the posted deadline.
• Recommended Timeline: You must begin this process at least one (1) month before the deadline. This allows for third-party verification processing.
• Review Window: Final decisions are made within 14 days of receiving a completed submission.
• Ethics Warning: Any falsification of documentation or statements results in immediate disqualification from the program. 

The Augustana OTD Program wants you to be successful. You may want to consider the following as you navigate your application process:

Communication & Self-Advocacy

• Respond promptly: Return team correspondence quickly to demonstrate your professional reliability and eagerness.
• Self-advocate: State your preferred contact methods and frequency so the admission team can connect with you effectively.
• Build relationships: Use the application process to know the team, ensuring the program is a mutual culture fit.

Kira Interview Best Practices

• Stay focused: Maintain sharp concentration to show you can tune out distractions during high-stakes tasks.
• Dress professionally: Wear business attire to signal respect for the committee and the profession.
• Control environment: Limit distracting backgrounds and close doors to keep the reviewer's focus entirely on you.
• Manage pets: Keep animals out of the room to prevent sudden, unprofessional interruptions during your recording.
• Position camera: Face the lens directly at eye level to create a natural, human connection with the viewer.
• Use stable technology: Choose an office over a car to guarantee a reliable internet connection and clear audio.
• Avoid phones: Record on a computer to ensure a steady video frame and stable formatting.
• Smile naturally: Maintain a warm expression to project warmth, confidence and approachable bedside manner.
• Frontload responses: State your main answer immediately so your core message is never lost.
• Add details last: Fill in context later to provide depth without diluting your primary point.
• Accept time limits: Unfinished responses are okay if answered upfront, proving you can deliver quality under strict constraints.
• Handle pressure: Stay calm under stress to show how you will react to heavy clinical workloads.
• Highlight key strengths: Pre-plan personal details so you control your narrative and stand out from other applicants.

Letters of Recommendation

• Avoid friends: Skip personal friends because objective professional evaluations carry much more weight.
• Choose mentors: Ask supervisors or teachers who can accurately speak to your academic stamina and work ethic.
• Target the fit: Ensure references vouch for your readiness specifically for a fast-paced, hybrid learning environment.
• Pre-screen writers: Ask references beforehand if they will give positive reviews to avoid lukewarm recommendations.

Essay Writing

• Answer the prompt: Read instructions carefully to prove you can follow precise directions.
• Check program names: Ensure you do not mention other universities, showing Augustana is your genuine priority.
• Proofread closely: Double-check everything to demonstrate the meticulous attention to detail required for patient documentation.

Prerequisite Coursework

• Master the material: Do not treat prerequisites as checklists, as this knowledge forms the foundation of your future practice.
• Retain knowledge: Core concepts will not be re-taught, so you must arrive ready to hit the ground running.
• Apply learning: Be ready to use past knowledge immediately to solve complex, real-world clinical problems.

OTD Program Admission Philosophy

• First step in your graduate education journey: Treat the application as your first class to set the tone for your academic journey.
• Demonstrate life skills: Show how you solve novel problems, giving reviewers a glimpse of your real-world adaptability.
• Display priorities: Make decisions to showcase professionalism, proving you are ready to transition from student to practitioner.