Occupational Therapy, OTD/BS in Exercise Science 3 + 3 Program

Admissions

A guaranteed admission to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program may be offered to Belmont undergraduate exercise science majors who meet the eligibility criteria listed below. These are the criteria that must be met to be considered for early matriculation through the 3+3 program. The student must: 

1. Declare intent to pursue the B.S./OTD 3+3 program before the end of the first semester of the exercise science BS degree program. Belmont students who want to enter the 3+ 3 program after the end of their first semester will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine their eligibility for the 3+ 3 program.
2. Complete 50 volunteer or observation hours by the time of application to the OTD program in the fall of the junior year of the exercise science program. Hours must be accrued in at least 2 different occupational therapy settings. Of these hours, a minimum of 20 need to be completed by the start of the 4th semester of the exercise science program.
3. Demonstrate developing professional behaviors as indicated by a minimum rating of “in progress” on a professional behavior form completed by undergraduate exercise science advisor.
4. Attain an overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.7 or higher at the time of application to the OTD program
5. Attain an OTD prerequisite course GPA of 3.7 or higher at the time of application to the OTD program. Receive a B- or higher in all OTD program pre-requisites including:
   Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab  4 hours
   Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab  4 hours
   Statistics (from a math department or psychology department)  3 hours
   Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Development  3 hours
   Abnormal Psychology  3 hours
   Intro to Sociology OR Intro to Anthropology (no substitutes)  3 hours
   Introductory Physics or Kinesiology  3 - 4 hours
   Medical Terminology  1 - 3 hours
6. Satisfactorily complete the above listed prerequisites, with the exception of no more than 2 incomplete pre-requisites, before applying to the OTD program in the fall semester of the undergraduate junior year.
7. Schedule and attend a once per semester advisement meeting with an occupational therapy faculty member (who will be assigned to the student).
8. Complete WELL Core hours by the end of the junior year.
9. Complete the OTCAS application and all requirements for application to the program during the fall semester of the junior year of the undergraduate program. Requirements for the OTCAS application include completion of an application essay. In addition, two letters of recommendation must be submitted, one of which must be from a licensed occupational therapist. Official transcripts for all courses completed at Belmont University or any other colleges attended must be submitted.
10. The requirement to submit the GRE score is waived for 3+3 applicants.
11. Satisfactorily complete an interview to the OTD program.
12. The School of Occupational Therapy determines final acceptance into the program.
    
    Students should be aware that felony related charges and convictions may prevent participation in fieldwork experiences. In addition, a criminal record may prevent the student from taking the NBCOT (National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam and also from becoming licensed. Students should contact NBCOT if there is a prior criminal record that might interfere with eligibility to sit for the national exam.