Applying to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program (Post Professional)

Requirements

The PPOTD program is designed for registered and licensed Occupational Therapists (OTR/L). Applicants are required to have completed a Master's degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE accredited institution prior to entry into the PPOTD program. Occupational therapists with a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy and master's degree in a related field may be eligible to enroll as determined on a case-by-case review. The program is currently not accepting applicants with a baccalaureate degree in OT and no master's degree.

Individuals seeking to become an occupational therapist as a new career should seek enrollment in the MUSC entry-level OTD program rather than the PPOTD program.

International Applicants

MUSC’s OT programs are unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.

Application Process

To apply, click on the “enroll now” link at this website. The short, online application will ask for contact information, a current resume, and a copy of one’s OT license (from any state). After the application is complete, the applicant will submit 1) two (2) reference letters, and 2) transcripts. Each reference letter should be 1-2 pages in length. The purpose of a reference letter is to provide the admissions committee with perspective on the applicant’s potential for success in a doctoral program. The first reference may be from someone who can address the applicant’s professional reasons for enrolling, and the second reference may be from someone who can address the applicant’s potential to meet the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum while simultaneously meeting the challenges of one’s work/personal life. Reference letters may be written by colleagues, supervisors, friends, or mentors. Reference letters should be sent via email to the MUSC Office of Enrollment at oesadmis@musc.edu. MUSC requires that all applicants submit official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended. The applicant should request transcripts from their past institutions and have the transcripts emailed directly to the Office of Enrollment at oesadmis@musc.edu. All materials must be received by the application deadline.

Use of Marijuana and/or CBD Products

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and is illegal to purchase in South Carolina. Apart from a narrow and limited scope of codified/documented medical exceptions, it is illegal for individuals to use marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in South Carolina. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products may be purchased and used in South Carolina, please be aware that CBD products may contain higher levels of THC than represented on packaging and use of CBD products can result in a positive drug screen for THC/marijuana. Be aware that current drug testing methods cannot accurately ascertain the origins of THC metabolites (i.e., whether from marijuana or CBD products). Your academic program has the authority to conduct random and/or scheduled drug testing; if your test result is reported as positive for THC metabolites (even if you only used a CBD product), your ability to be accepted into the program, progress in the program, and/or successfully complete the program may be negatively impacted.

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC’s code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

Application Deadline