Department of Occupational Therapy. Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Fall term 2018 Supplemental Application Packet. Application deadline:

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1 Department of Occupational Therapy Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Fall term 2018 Supplemental Application Packet Application deadline: December 1, 2017 University of South Alabama Department of Occupational Therapy Health Sciences Building, Room USA Drive North Mobile, AL Phone: FAX:

2 Minimum Requirements for Admission Fall term 2018 The candidate is expected to satisfy the following minimum requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university by June 1, 2018 Minimum 3.0 (A=4.0) overall cumulative GPA Minimum 3.0 GPA OT prerequisite courses Minimum GRE scores of 290 on the combined verbal &quantitative sections, and 3.0 on the analytical section reported from the same test date and must not be more than five (5) years old Minimum grade of B in the OT prerequisite courses (see list below) Minimum of 25 Documented OT Observation hours (see required form) International students must meet the minimum requirements for admission and apply to the University Office of International Services with certified translations of transcripts at least 60 days prior to applying to the occupational therapy program. International coursework must be evaluated by the USA Office of International Services to verify equivalency to USA courses. International applicants must have a TOEFL score = 100 on Internet based tests, OR itep Academic = 4.9, OR IELTS = 7.5, OR PTE Academic = 75. Applicants who hold a bachelor s degree from an accredited U.S. institution are not required to submit TOEFL results. Prerequisite Courses Required for ALL Applicants completed by December 15, 2017 A grade of A or B is required in these prerequisite courses: Developmental (life span) psychology Abnormal psychology Statistics **Anatomy & physiology I **Anatomy & physiology II **Kinesiology (biomechanics) preferred / or physics with algebra/trigonometry ** These prerequisite courses must be taken no more than ten years prior to submitting your application. AP credit and CLEP scores are not accepted for any of the prerequisite courses. EXTRA CREDIT POINTS are also given if the applicant has taken any of these additional courses and achieved a grade of A or B. Courses used to fulfill prerequisite course requirements cannot also be used for extra credit. OT 201 Introduction to OT (only for 2018 admission) Anatomy or Physiology (300/3000 level or higher) (BMD 311, 334, 335) Exercise physiology (PE 476) Adult Development & Aging (300 level or higher) (PSY 456) Gerontology (300 level or higher) (LS 397, 479; SY 372, 472) Diversity studies or cultural anthropology (AN 100; AIS 32; IST 210; SY 421) Kinesiology (biomechanics of human movement) (PE 380) Physics with algebra/trigonometry (PH 114) Minimum Requirements for ALL Applicants: 1. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores must be officially submitted to the University by December 1 st (Institution Code 2109). GRE must have been taken within the last 5 years. A minimum score of 290 on the verbal and quantitative, and 3.0 on analytical section is required. You may not mix/match scores from different exam attempts to achieve the minimum total score of Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 (A=4.0) overall grade point average (GPA). 3. Applicants must have a minimum grade of B in each of the prerequisite courses. 4. Documentation of OT experience (25 hours minimum) under the supervision of a licensed occupation therapy professional. Observation hours must be completed within two years of application to the program. 5. International students must have a TOEFL score = 100 on Internet based tests, OR itep Academic = 4.9, OR IELTS = 7.5, OR PTE Academic = 75.

3 INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE APPLICANT: YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS EARLY! The application period is July 1 st December 1 st **All applicants must complete OTCAS and Supplemental Application** All applicants who have met the prerequisite requirements and wish to apply to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at University of South Alabama must complete and/or submit the following items by December 1 st of the year prior to admission. 1. OTCAS application ( show completed by December 1 st. OTCAS portal open in July each year. 2. Supplemental Application, received by 5:00 p.m. December 1 st. Applications are available for download in July each year. 3. International students must apply with the University s Office of International Services, with certified translations of transcripts by October 15 of the year prior to admission. 4. A $75.00 non-refundable application fee (check, credit card, or money order), payable to USA Dept. of OT, enclosed with Supplemental Application, by December 1 st. 5. OT experience minimum 25 documented hours completed and must be submitted with supplemental application or uploaded with OTCAS application by December 1 st. 6. GRE scores: All applications must submit official report of GRE scores by December 1 st directly from the testing service to the OTCAS code: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections are utilized. A minimum score of 290 on the verbal and quantitative, and 3.0 on analytical section is required. You may not mix/match scores from different exam attempts to achieve the minimum total score of 290. GRE scores must have been taken within the past 5 years. 7. The Department of Occupational Therapy will not process any application that is incomplete (for any items noted above) or that is not submitted by the deadline. 8. A limited number of applicants who meet all admissions requirements will be invited for personal interviews. 9. Preference MAY BE shown to Alabama residents, however, highly qualified out-of-state applicants whose academics and experiences indicate that they may be a success in both the program and the OT profession will be given the same consideration as residents. Non-residents will be required to pay the non-resident tuition and fees as set by the University. 10. Students accepted to the program must submit completed health and physical forms to include required immunizations. Accepted students must also read, signed, and submit the Core Performance Standards document outlining fundamental tasks of which applicants should be capable upon entering the OT program. 11. Acceptance into the OT program is provisional pending a clear background check, submission of required medical forms, and completion of bachelor s degree by June 1, Failure to maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or completion of bachelor s degree will result in nullification of acceptance into the OT program. 12. Accepted students must submit a $300 matriculation fee with the Statement of Intent to reserve a seat in the class. This fee is non-refundable and is applied to the student s first semester tuition. Students offered admission may elect not to pay the matriculation fee and be placed on the alternate list. Supplemental Application and $75.00 non-refundable application fee mailed directly to USA OT Department at: Department of Occupational Therapy 5721 USA Drive North, HAHN 2027 Mobile, AL More information: If you have further questions about the application process, please contact the OT Department: Phone: (251) otdept@southalabama.edu

4 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION TO, PROGRESSION IN AND COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. (Rev. 8/13) It is the philosophy of the Faculty of the Department of Occupational Therapy that there are certain core performance standards and/or essential tasks and functions of an entry-level occupational therapist. Therefore, it follows that in order to successfully progress and complete the Master of Science degree program, students in occupational therapy must also possess or demonstrate the potential to develop these core performance essentials. It is acknowledged that compensation can be made for certain sensory and motor deficits and that a reasonable degree of accommodation can and should be provided. However, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to make certain that he/she can adequately perform the basic academic and clinical fieldwork requirements. General Abilities To provide quality health care, the student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, taste, and smell. All data received by the senses must be integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. In addition, the individual is expected to possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, equilibrium and movement. Observational Ability The student is expected to participate in and observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences including, but not limited to, physiologic and microscopic study of tissues in normal and pathologic states. In addition, the student is expected to observe the client accurately at a distance and close at hand and accurately assess health/illness alteration. Inherent in this observation process is the functional use of the senses and sufficient motor capability to carry out the necessary assessment activities. Communication Ability The student is expected to be able to effectively communicate verbally and non-verbally and to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity, and postures and to perceive non-verbal communications. This requires the ability to effectively utilize the English language in verbal and written interactions with clients, their families and other professionals in the work environment. The student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Motor Ability The student is expected to be able to perform gross and fine motor movements required to provide Occupational Therapy services and operate equipment to deliver care safely. Examples of movements the student must be able to perform include lifting, turning, transferring, transporting and exercising of clients. The student is expected to have the psychomotor skills necessary to perform or assist with occupational therapy evaluation procedures (i.e. manual muscle testing, joint range of motion), occupational therapy interventions, handling of equipment, and emergency interventions. The student is expected to be able to maintain consciousness and equilibrium, and have the physical strength and stamina to perform satisfactorily in clinical experiences. Critical Thinking Ability The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem solving skills. This includes the ability to measure, calculate, analyze and synthesize objective as well as subjective data and make decisions that reflect consistent and thoughtful deliberation and clinical judgment. In addition, the student should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. Interpersonal, Behavioral and Social Attributes A student must possess the emotional health and stability required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the assessment and treatment of clients. The student is expected to establish rapport, and develop and maintain mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. Students must be able to tolerate physically and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. Students must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many clients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all necessary personal qualities in order to successfully complete the training required to become an effective and competent occupational therapist. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to the Occupational Therapy Program. However, upon acceptance of the offer of Admission to the Master s degree program, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the University of South Alabama Office of Student Disability Services if there is any reason why the abilities/expectations described above cannot be met. Students who indicate that they cannot meet one or more of these and who request accommodation should meet with the Coordinator of Student Disability Services to determine, what, if any, reasonable accommodations might be possible to facilitate successful completion of the degree requirements. OT faculty are available for consultation on request.

5 IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION University of South Alabama Master of Science in Occupational Therapy SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION University of South Alabama Department of Occupational Therapy 5721 USA Drive North, Room Mobile, AL Phone: (251) Fax: (251) Female Male Birthdate (mm/dd/yy) / / Full Name Last Name First Name Middle Name Current Address Street/P.O. Box City State Zip Code Preferred Telephone ( ) Alt. Telephone( ) Address Our main mode of communication with applications is by , and it is the applicant s responsibility to maintain a functioning account, to check it frequently, and to alert the department should it change. By checking this box, you affirm that you have read and agree to the above statement. Yes Legal State of Residency Legal County of Residency Permanent Address Street City State Zip Code Are you a US citizen? Yes No? If not, what is your current visa status? Are you a veteran? Yes No? If yes, Vet. File Number. Vet. Type: Have you ever attended this University? Yes No If yes, USA Student Number: J Have you previously applied to this OT program at USA? Yes No Have you applied to other OT programs for this admission year? Yes No Have you submitted your OTCAS application? Yes No If yes, what is your OTCAS ID #? If no, when do you plan to do so? Have you requested GRE scores be sent to OTCAS (Code 2109)? Yes No List date(s) you took the GRE: If you have not taken the GRE, when do you plan to do so? Official GRE scores must be submitted directly to OTCAS by December 1 st. (Institution Code 2109). Please indicate the date, degree program, and university for completion of your bachelor's and/or master s degree. Have you been subjected to diciplinary action at or dismissed from any school? Yes No Have you ever been charged with a criminal offense (either misdemeanor or felony)? Yes No If the answer to either of the last two questions above is yes, append a written explanation. 1

6 EDUCATION INFORMATION List information below for each institution you attended. Applicants may not disregard any part of their educational history, and failure to report all institutions previously attended may cause for cancellation of the admission process or for dismissal from the University. Institution City/State Dates Attended Curriculum/Major Degree Received PREREQUISITE COURSES COMPLETED List only one course for each. Choose a course with the highest grade. Only courses with a grade of a B or higher are accepted. Grade Total Course Title & Year Course Name Institution Lecture/ Credit Number Completed Lab Hours Developmental Psychology (life span) Abnormal Psychology Statistics Anatomy &Physiology I Anatomy &Physiology II Kinesiology (biomechanics) preferred OR Physics with algebra/trigonometry BONUS COURSES COMPLETED List only one course for each. Bonus course are not required, but if completed, applicants will receive extra points. Only courses with a grade of an A or B are accepted. Please do not include courses already listed under PREREQUISITE COURSES COMPLETED. Course Name OT 201 Intro to OT Anatomy or Physiology (300/3000 level or higher) Diversity studies/cultural Anthropology Exercise physiology Gerontology Adult Development Kinesiology (biomechanics) OR Physics (dual credit is not given for the prerequisite course) Course Name Course Title & Number Institution PREREQUISITE COURSES NOT YET COMPLETED Grade Course can be in progress as long as they are completed before December 15 th. Course Title & Number Institution Grade Lecture/ Lab Total Credit Hours Total Credit Hours Year Completed Year Completed IP IP IP I certify that all the statements made in this application are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and are made in good faith. I know and understand that any or all items contained herein may be subject to verification and I consent to the full release of all information concerning my capacity and fitness for the educational program by employers, educational institutions and other agencies. Furthermore, by submitting this application I agree to abide by the policies and procedures as established by the University. Signature Date 2

7 University of South Alabama DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 2018 SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION PAYMENT FORM Complete and mail payment with Supplemental Application. Please keep a copy for your records. Please Note: 1. Personal checks, money orders, cashier s checks, and credit cards are accepted, please do not send cash. 2. Please make checks payable to USA Dept. of OT. 3. All application processing fees are non-refundable. 4. Payment must be included with Supplemental Application. 5. Payment and Supplemental Application must be received by December 1, DATE Applicant Name: OTCAS ID Number: Amount: $75.00 Form of payment: check enclosed cashier s check enclosed money order enclosed credit card (provide info below) Make checks payable to: USA Dept. of OT ($25 fee for returned checks) For credit card payments: Type: VISA MasterCard Discover Account number: / / / 3-digit Security code on back of card: Card valid through (month and year): / Name on credit card Signature By signing, I understand that this is a one-time, non-refundable application processing fee and no submitted fees will be returned.