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Occupational Therapy in Downers Grove
Admission Requirements
Prerequisite Courses
International Students
Technical Standards for Admission
Application Process and Deadlines
Interview / Selection Process
Matriculation Process
Articulation Agreement
Reapplication Process
Related Links
Occupational Therapy Admission
The College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program considers for admission those applicants who possess the academic and professional promise necessary for development as competent, caring members of the health care community. To select these candidates, a rolling admissions framework has been established.
Competitive Admissions
Within this competitive admissions framework, multiple criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates from an applicant pool that exceeds the number of seats available. Interested individuals are advised to complete their application as early as possible to ensure timely consideration.
Applications received are reviewed by the Director of Admissions in conjunction with the OT Program Admissions Committee to determine the applicant eligibility for interviews. Admissions decisions are made approximately one to two weeks after interviews have concluded.
Admission Requirements
Individuals applying for admission to the College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program must submit documentation for the following minimum requirements before the academic year commences for the incoming class:
- Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
- Grades of C or better for prerequisite coursework (grades of C- are not acceptable)
- Completion of the minimum number of prerequisite courses in the prescribed subject areas at regionally accredited colleges or universities
- Satisfaction of the standards set forth by the Admissions Committee (including documentation of academic and professional promise in prospective students)
- Completion of the OT Program's interview process; on-campus interviews are by invitation only
- Completion of a first aid course within the three years prior to enrollment
- Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Level C/Health Care Provider or Basic Life Support of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross (students are responsible for maintaining CPR certification at this level while enrolled in the Program)
- Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities
- Motivation for and commitment to health care as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
- Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with clients and colleagues
- Commitment to abide by Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy
- Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check
Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores is optional. The Midwestern University institution code for the GRE is 1769. For more information about the GRE, contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866/473-4343 or visit www.gre.org.
Prerequisite Courses
Students must complete the following courses with a grade of C or higher.
Human Anatomy — One course*
Physiology — One course*
Statistics — One course
Human Development — One course†
Abnormal Psychology — One course
Social & Behavioral Science — One course
*The Anatomy and Physiology requirements may also be fulfilled by taking Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II, as some universities offer combined courses.
†The Human Development course requirement refers to at least one course which includes the physical, social, and psychological development throughout the lifespan. This may include child development and another course related to adulthood or the elderly.
Additional courses in the sciences and mathematics are recommended, including chemistry, physiology, physics, and biology.
General education electives are also recommended to demonstrate competency in English composition, oral communication, problem-solving behavior, logic, and ethical theories.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
An international student must satisfy all of the requirements for admission to the college or program that apply to a student who has completed all of his/her prerequisite coursework in the U.S. at a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, an international student must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This may be accomplished by satisfying both of the following requirements:
1. The international student has completed a minimum of two full time semesters or three full time quarters of instruction at a postsecondary institution in the United States. Completed coursework must include a minimum of 50% of the prerequisite science coursework for the college or program of interest, 6 semester hours of non-remedial English composition, and 3 semester hours of public speaking/speech.
2. The international student must submit official TOEFL scores. A minimum passing score is 550 (paper version, maximum score 677) or 100 (internet version, maximum score 120). The TOEFL scores must be from an exam taken within two years of the anticipated date of matriculation into the college or program.
If the international student wishes to receive credit for prerequisite coursework completed at a college or university outside of the United States, he/she must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation of this coursework. The student must obtain this evaluation from one of the following services:
1. Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 or Fax 414/289-3411 (www.ece.org, e-mail: info@ece.org)
2. Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or Fax 305/273-1338
3. World Education Service (WES): 212/966-6311 or Fax 212/739-6100 (www.wes.org, email: info@wes.org)
Based on the official foreign transcript evaluation and the grade earned in the course(s), the college or program will decide if it will apply any of these credits toward fulfillment of its prerequisites.
International Applicant Packet
Technical Standards for Admission
A candidate must have abilities and skills in five areas: I) observation; II) communication; III) motor; IV) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and V) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
I. Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.
II. Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently and sensitively in both oral and written form and be able to perceive nonverbal communication.
III. Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular movements, maintain equilibrium and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks.
IV. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record and synthesize large amounts of information in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.
V. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically, mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process.
Candidates are required to certify that they understand and meet these Technical Standards. Candidates must provide such certification prior to matriculation. Candidates who may not meet the Technical Standards must inform the Director of Admissions, who will then contact the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the academic dean (and program director), will identify and discuss what accommodations, if any, the College(/Program) would need to make that would allow the candidate to complete the curriculum. The College(/Program) is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum. Students must meet the Technical Standards for the duration of enrollment in their professional program.
Application Process and Deadlines
To be considered for admission to the Occupational Therapy Program, applicants must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:
- Completed Application
The application, forms, and instructions are available at www.midwestern.edu; click on the IL Occupational Therapy Program section. For questions about the application or admissions process, the applicant may contact the Office of Admissions as noted below. Applications must include a nonrefundable, nonwaivable application fee of $50. - Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two signed and sealed letters of recommendation sent directly from professionals who know the applicant well. The Office of Admissions will accept letters from prehealth advisors or committees, science professors, and health professionals. - Official transcripts from every undergraduate, graduate, or professional school attended. Transcripts MUST be signed and sealed by the registrar of each institution.
Send application materials to:
Office of Admissions
Midwestern University
555 31st St.
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800/458-6253
admissil@midwestern.edu
Please Note: Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or e-mail address. All requests for application withdrawals must be made in writing via e-mail, fax or letter to the Office of Admissions.
GPA Verifications
The Office of Admissions considers grades from all nonremedial, college-level courses completed after high school. All attempts to repeat courses must be used in the calculation of the GPA. Grades of C- or below are not acceptable for any preprofessional course considered a prerequisite for admission; however, the grades must be used in the GPA calculation. Courses in which "credit" or a grade of "pass" is earned will be counted as fulfilling the prerequisite requirement when applicants provide verification that the grade earned was equivalent to a C or better. Such courses are not included in the cumulative GPA calculation.
Interview / Selection Process
Students Students selected for an interview will be notified by letter or telephone of available interview dates and invited to schedule their on-campus interviews by contacting the Office of Admissions.
During each interview session, the interviewer(s) questions applicants about their academic, personal, and professional aspirations and preparedness for admission to the Program, and rate(s) prospective students on a standard evaluation form. These evaluations are included in applicant files provided to the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee. The Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee meets approximately one to two weeks after the interviews. The Committee reviews the full application file for applicants who were interviewed and then formulates and submits a recommendation for action. Each applicant will be notified in writing of the admission action/decision.
Matriculation Process
The matriculation process begins after an applicant receives notification of his/her acceptance into the Occupational Therapy Program. The student must return both a signed matriculation agreement and deposit to the Office of Admissions. The student must also complete the following:
- Submit deposit monies by the date designated in their matriculation agreement. Deposits are applied toward the first quarter's tuition.
- Submit official final transcripts from all colleges attended post-high school by the deadline of two weeks (14 calendar days) prior to the first day of classes. Students who are accepted to MWU less than one month prior to the first day of classes will have 30 calendar days from the date of their acceptance to submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Any special circumstances or requests for exceptions to this policy must be sent to and approved by the Office of the Dean of the College. Students who fail to submit all official final transcripts by the stated deadline may jeopardize their acceptance or continued enrollment in the College.
- Complete a medical file as requested by the Office of Student Services.
- Submit proof of medical insurance coverage. Students may select either a plan offered by an MWU-approved carrier or a comparable plan offered by an outside carrier of their choice.
- Submit proof of Illinois residency if requested by MWU.
- For non-U.S. citizens/nonpermanent residents only, provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds have been deposited in a U.S. bank to cover all expenses while attending CHS.
- Provide documentation that any additional coursework or service requirements stipulated by the Admissions Committee of the Program have been completed.
- Authorize and pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
- Submit additional documents as required by the Office of Admissions.
- Sign and submit a Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy Statement.
- Complete a physical exam and submit form.
- Sign and submit a Credit Policy Statement.
- Meet the Technical Standards for the Program.
Students who either fail to satisfy these matriculation requirements or omit or falsify information required on official admissions documents will automatically forfeit their seat in the Program. Individuals accepted for admission to the Occupational Therapy Program who do not comply with stated timelines for submission of all required materials will not receive further notification from CHS regarding forfeiture of their seat.
Articulation Agreement
Students enrolled in a Midwestern University program are guaranteed an admission interview with another Midwestern University program if the student:
1. is currently in good standing in the academic program in which the student is enrolled and does not have any pending misconduct charges against him/her;
2. meets all admission requirements for the professional program of interest;
3. after a minimum of two full time quarters of study, achieves a minimum Midwestern University grade point average, derived from all courses completed at Midwestern, that is equal to or greater than 3.0; AND
4. achieves a score on the professional entrance exam (if required) that is not less than one standard deviation below the mean score for students that matriculated into the professional degree program in the previous year.
A guaranteed interview does not guarantee admission into the professional program.
Reapplication Process
Students who receive denial or end-of-cycle letters may reapply for the following year's admissions cycle. Before reapplying, however, individuals contemplating reapplication should seek the advice of an admissions counselor. To initiate the reapplication process, prospective students must complete and submit a new application and proceed through the standard application process.
Related Links
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) / Educational Testing Service
