The OTD Program has designed a holistic admissions process for qualified individuals who wish to further their academic studies in the field of occupational therapy. The program specifically targets traditional and nontraditional students with the demonstrated potential for success in occupational therapy and those ready to navigate the academic rigors of an accelerated, hybrid model OTD curriculum. The admissions process implements a model designed to determine academic potential, diversity of background, and personal attributes. Once applicants meet the required minimums, they are invited to interview. A successful interview progresses the applicant forward for final eligibility. The Hanover College OTD Program accepts applications from students who are U.S. Citizens or U.S. permanent residents. Students accepted into the OTD Program must meet the following criteria:
- Complete a baccalaureate degree from a United States regionally accredited institution prior to classes beginning. Admission may be granted pending completion of the degree.
- Complete all required prerequisite courses with a minimum cumulative prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale. Admission may be granted pending completion of prerequisite coursework.
- Grades must be a 2.0 (C) or higher in prerequisite courses to be accepted.
- Five prerequisite courses must be completed to determine an initial cumulative prerequisite GPA for the application process to be initiated.
- A cumulative prerequisite GPA may be improved as completed prerequisite course GPAs are added.
- The highest grade in a repeated prerequisite course will be applied.
- Coursework in which the grade is applied to the GPA must be from a regionally accredited institution.
- Complete prerequisite coursework consisting of:
- Human or Lifespan Development (3 semester hours/ 4 quarter hours)
- Human Anatomy/Physiology including at least one laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)*
- Statistics (3 semester hours/4 quarter hours)
- Psychology (3 semester hours/4 quarter hours)
- Abnormal Psychology (3 semester hours/4 quarter hours)
- English Composition or Writing (3 semester hours/4 quarter hours)
- Medical Terminology (1 semester credit)
*Applicants must complete anatomy/physiology courses within the last five (5) years prior to the date of entry into the program. If an applicant can demonstrate work experience which has kept anatomy/physiology knowledge current and verify eight semester/12 quarter hours in anatomy/physiology completed from a regionally accredited institution, then a refresher course equivalent to three (3) semester/four (4) quarter credits may be taken from a non-accredited institution. The refresher course must be completed and passed. The grade from a non-accredited institution is not applied to the cumulative prerequisite GPA.
- Complete a virtual interview. Applicants are invited for an interview based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting materials.
- Submit two (2) letters of recommendation of applicant’s choice with intent to demonstrate readiness for an accelerated hybrid program and fit for a career in occupational therapy. References must come from persons other than family, friends, clergy, or politicians. Clergy or politicians may submit a recommendation, but only as a current or previous supervisor to the applicant.
- Complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours observing occupational therapy practice with clients in work settings. These hours may be obtained through virtual training or direct shadowing. Ten (10) of the thirty (30) hours must be onsite face-to-face with a licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant and observing clients. If all thirty hours are completed in person, arrange observations from a variety of OT practice settings. Documentation should show exposure to the scope of occupational therapy practice.
- Complete the Hanover OTD essay. Character or word count guidelines will be provided.
For all applicants for whom English is not their first language, or those who have completed a degree and prerequisite courses in a foreign country, demonstration of English language proficiency is required through completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English Test. Test results must be less than two (2) years old at the time of application. Approved minimum scores are as follows:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum total score of 80 with a minimum Speaking score of 20 for exams taken before January 21, 2026
- TOEFL iBT: minimum total score of 4.5 with a minimum Speaking score of 4 for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026
- IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: minimum overall score of 125.
