Frequently Asked Questions

No specific degree is required. Any bachelor’s degree is accepted as long as the applicant has successfully completed the necessary prerequisites to apply to the Chatham University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.

Because of the integrated nature of the program, no advanced standing or transfer of credits is granted. Each class is an integral part of the academic experience and is necessary for a complete education.

No, you may have prerequisite courses still in process. They must however be completed prior to matriculation if admitted into the graduate program.  Applicants must have three of the five prerequisites completed when they apply.  And, at least one of those courses must be human anatomy with lab or physiology, animal or human with lab or anatomy and physiology with lab. 

Yes, you may take outstanding prerequisites at a community college or any other accredited school. Online courses are permitted from accredited online programs as well.

Official GRE scores are required and must be sent directly to OTCAS using Chatham University's OTCAS code: 4271. We currently do not have a cutoff or minimum GRE score. Submitted GRE scores must be from GRE tests taken within three years of the application date.

The Graduate Admission Office will notify applicants by email. The volume of applications received far outnumbers the seats available in our entering class. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to interview for the program.

You will be interviewed by faculty, complete an on-campus writing sample, tour the facility, and have the opportunity to meet with current OTD students.

Fieldwork Level I experiences occur throughout the curriculum, allowing students to work with occupational therapists and apply information that they are learning concurrently in the classroom. 

Fieldwork Level II placements are full-time work experiences that occur during semesters five and six of the program. 

Fieldwork Level I experiences, which take place during the academic portion of the program are located in the Pittsburgh area. However, Fieldwork Level II may occur in any city that the student chooses. Currently the Chatham University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program has over 360 agreements with fieldwork sites. Every effort is made to arrange contracts to meet individual student needs and preferences.

Yes. Chatham University receives numerous requests from employers who are interested in hiring our graduates. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program maintains a bulletin board of current job opportunities. These are also listed on the Chatham University Career Services website. In addition, all job openings are e-mailed to students during their final semesters in the program.