Augustana Student OTD Admission Pathways

OTD Admission Pathways for AU Students

The mission of the Augustana University Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program is to prepare innovative, resilient practitioners committed to lifelong learning, critical problem-solving and ethical service. A curriculum of excellence empowers students to approach challenges with curiosity, creativity and evidence-informed decisions. Focused on occupation and client-centered care, we emphasize meaningful relationships, a belonging community of diverse experiences and leadership through service. Our graduates are self-directed professionals who deliver transformative care, lead with purpose and drive impactful change in a dynamic and evolving world. In recognition of the high standards and integrity of Augustana graduates, the university has developed several pathways by which highly qualified AU students and its graduates can transition smoothly into its OTD program.

Any Augustana student who is declared as pre-OT, regardless of primary major, is advised to work directly with their academic advisor in collaboration with the OTD director of admission throughout their time at Augustana to ensure they meet the primary requirements for admission eligibility.

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Students who have earned a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at Augustana and meet the GPA, prerequisite course and other admission requirements and criteria may request to be placed on a Direct Admit pathway.

Due to the rolling admission process, MSAT students eligible for Direct Admit must declare their intention to apply to the Augustana OTD Admission Team and submit an application through OTCAS before May 1 of the year of expected matriculation. If an MSAT student applies after this date, they may still do so through the standard application process up to the final date of the application cycle.
MSAT students may defer by 12 months without losing their seat. This must be clearly communicated to the Augustana OTD director of admission in writing before May 1 of the application year. The seat will not be held for longer than a 12-month deferral.

Augustana Viking Athlete Scholar Pathway

Student-athletes with exceptional athletic achievement, who also have fulfilled the prerequisite course and other admission requirements and criteria, are eligible for Direct Admit status through the Viking Athlete Scholar Pathway.

Students must be a current athlete in one of Augustana University’s recognized sports.
Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 or greater to be eligible (students must maintain this GPA and graduate with a minimum 3.5/4.0).
Students must meet all admission criteria/requirements, with all degree and course requirements completed in compliance with specified deadlines for all students in the OTD program.
Due to the rolling admission process, eligible Viking Athlete Scholars must declare their intention to apply to the OTD Admission Committee, and submit an application through OTCAS before May 1 of the year of expected matriculation.
Viking Athlete Scholars may defer by 12 months without losing their seat. This must be clearly communicated to the Augustana OTD director of admission in writing before May 1 of the application year. Seat will not be held for longer than a 12-month deferral.

Augustana Viking Pre-OT Scholar Pathway (any major)

Students who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from any Augustana University undergraduate program are eligible for Direct Admission. To qualify, students must:

hold or be completing any undergraduate or graduate degree from Augustana University;
maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of application and upon graduation (If student does not meet the higher GPA requirement and meets the 3.0/4.0 standard requirement, they may still apply through OTCAS and will be recognized as Augustana students without direct admit eligibility in the admission process);
meet all prerequisite coursework and general admission requirements for the OTD program; and,
complete all degree requirements prior to enrollment in the OTD program. Due to the rolling admission process, all pre-OT students must declare their intent to apply to the Augustana OTD Admission Committee and submit an application via OTCAS no later than March 1 of the year of expected matriculation.

Augustana Viking Exercise Science Scholar Pathway

Students who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from the Augustana University Exercise Science undergraduate program are eligible for Direct Admission. To qualify, students must:

hold or be completing a degree in Exercise Science from Augustana University;
maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of application and upon graduation (If student does not meet the higher GPA requirement and meets the 3.0/4.0 standard requirement, they may still apply through OTCAS and will be recognized as Augustana students without direct admit eligibility in the admission process);
meet all prerequisite coursework and general admission requirements for the OTD program; and,
complete all degree requirements prior to enrollment in the OTD program.

Due to the rolling admission process, Exercise Science Scholars must declare their intent to apply to the OTD Admission Committee and submit an application via OTCAS no later than March 1 of the year of expected matriculation.

Early Assurance Direct Admit (EADA) Pathway

The Early Assurance Direct Admit (EADA) Pathway is for high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in health care and will allow them to earn three degrees (Bachelor of Arts, MSAT and OTD) in seven years. Students accepted into this program are guaranteed admission into both MSAT and OTD graduate programs upon completion of their undergraduate degree at Augustana, provided they fulfill and meet all of the MSAT and OTD program requirements. Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible to sit certification/licensure exams to be dual credentialed as an athletic trainer and occupational therapist, which may be a high advantage for those seeking careers in specialized areas such as hand therapy, work with athletes, primary care and wellness leadership.

Requirements for the EADA Pathway include:

acceptance into Augustana University;
complete required prerequisite courses for Augustana's MSAT and OTD programs;
meet all admissions criteria and requirements for the Augustana OTD Program;
complete BA degree with minimum GPA of 3.0 for entrance into MSAT;
pass the MSAT Annual Examinations with a minimum score of 70%; and,
complete MSAT degree for entrance into OTD.

Timelines for communicating intention to continue into the OTD program are to be followed by notifying OTD director of admission and submitting an application to OTCAS before May 1 of the year of expected matriculation. Students may defer for 12 months prior to continuing into the OTD program provided that intention is communicated to the Augustana OTD director of admission by May 1 of application year. Seat will not be held for longer than a 12-month deferral.

Additional Considerations for Augustana Students, Graduates & Alumni

Students who have already completed a degree with Augustana University are expected to be academically excellent with a strong foundation based on the core values and principles. The Augustana OTD Program believes interested students should have the opportunity to continue their education and pursue an OTD degree with Augustana. Therefore, the following considerations are provided for Augustana students, graduates and alumni.

Early review of applications: While applications in this rolling admissions model are reviewed in the order they are received, applications from Augustana students, graduates and alumni will be reviewed first in the batch of applications being reviewed at each cycle (biweekly). Students are still encouraged to apply early as once the cohort is filled; all other qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist. This is not a guarantee of admission.
All Augustana students, graduates or alumni who are not selected for admission after applying for the OTD program will be offered counseling and feedback for how to strengthen their application should they choose to re-apply.