There are Two Early Assurance Pathways for Occupational Therapy
3+3 Early Assurance Pathway: Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Minimum requirements for First-Year student applicants to be considered for the OTD program:
- High School GPA: minimum 3.3
- High School Courses: minimum grade of B- in both biology and chemistry
COVID-19 Impacts: We understand that the last 3 academic years have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Early Assurance programs have some criteria that may have been impossible to meet due to these restrictions and alterations. Each applicant to an Early Assurance program will have an opportunity to explain barriers to achieving the criteria due to COVID-19, on a case-by-case basis, as part of the application to be reviewed for admission.
Supplemental Requirements:
- Required interview with Division of Occupational Therapy faculty
- Shenandoah University Observation Hours Form – Students must complete a minimum of 10 hours of observation of a licensed occupational therapist in practice prior to the on-campus interview
- Optional: Brief explanation of any COVID-19-related barriers to achieving admission criteria
If a student qualifies to be considered for the Early Assurance Pathway option, they will be notified via email how to register for the required interview and how to submit the required supplemental documentation.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply and submit their application materials prior to completing any supplemental requirements.
EA Pathway students:
- 10 seats offered each year
- Suggested undergraduate degree path: Psychology, Exercise Science; Pre-Health Certificate recommended
While at Shenandoah a student must:
- By the conclusion of the second semester of their first year, achieve and then maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2
- Follow specific guidelines outlined in the 3+3 Early Assurance Occupational Therapy Doctorate contract
Learn about the Early Assurance Pathway
Students who do not qualify for consideration for the Early Assurance Pathway are welcome to pursue the Articulation Agreement Pathway or the Traditional Pathway to the graduate health professions.
3+2.5 Early Assurance Pathway: Master of Science in
Occupational Therapy
Minimum requirements for First-Year student applicants to be considered for the MSOT program:
- High School GPA: minimum 3.3
- High School Courses: minimum grade of B- in both biology and chemistry
COVID-19 Impacts: We understand that the 2020-2022 academic years may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Early Assurance programs have some criteria that may have been impossible to meet due to these restrictions and alterations. Each applicant to an Early Assurance program will have an opportunity to explain barriers to achieving the criteria due to COVID-19, on a case-by-case basis, as part of the application to be reviewed for admission.
Supplemental Requirements:
- Required interview with Division of Occupational Therapy faculty
- Shenandoah University Observation Hours Form – Students must complete a minimum of 10 hours of observation of a licensed occupational therapist in practice prior to the on-campus interview
- Optional: Brief explanation of any COVID-19-related barriers to achieving admission criteria
If a student qualifies to be considered for the Early Assurance Pathway option, they will be notified via email how to register for the required interview and how to submit the required supplemental documentation.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply and submit their application materials prior to completing any supplemental requirements.
EA Pathway students:
- 10 seats offered each year
- Suggested undergraduate degree path: Psychology, Exercise Science; Pre-Health Certificate recommended
While at Shenandoah a student must:
- By the conclusion of the second semester of their first year, achieve and then maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2
- Follow specific guidelines outlined in the 3+2.5 Early Assurance Master of Science in Occupational Therapy contract
Learn about the Early Assurance Pathway
Students who do not qualify for consideration for the Early Assurance Pathway are welcome to pursue the Articulation Agreement Pathway or the Traditional Pathway to the graduate health professions.