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Fall 2027 Application Deadlines

Priority Deadline – September 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Regular Deadline – December 31, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.

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Application

Application Requirements Overview
  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with transcripts received by June 30, 2027.  
  • Prerequisite Coursework
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 or greater for the most recent 60 credits.    
  • 40 Observation Hours 
  • Three Evaluations (Letters of Recommendation)
  • Personal Statement
  • Maverick Questionnaire
  • Application Fee An application fee of $50 paid to CMU is due at time of application. 

CMU employs a holistic admissions process. It is highly recommended to complete the experiences section in the OTCAS application thoroughly. Please detail all work, volunteer, research, and leadership experiences from high school graduation to present. Some experiences may fall under multiple headings. Choose the option that is the best fit.

Step 1

Minimum Qualifications

  1. Bachelor's Degree

    A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution is required. The degree may be in progress at time of application, but transcripts must be received by June 30, 2027. 

  2. Meet GPA Requirements

    A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 or greater is required for the most recent 60 credits.    

  3. Complete 40 Observation Hours

    Before submitting the application, applicants must complete 40 hours of shadowing under a licensed OT or OTA, 20 of which must be with an OT. Further details are below.

  4. Complete Prerequisite Coursework

    Prerequisite coursework may be in progress at the time of application, but all prerequisite transcripts must be received by CMU by June 30th, 2027. Click to visit our Prerequisite webpage for detailed information.

Step 2

Apply through OTCAS

Start the Application Process in the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)

OTCAS is a web-based application system that allows you to submit a single application to multiple OT programs, while facilitating a streamlined admissions process for programs. The application includes a personal narrative essay and maverick questionnaire, which are assessed by the OT program’s admissions team.

APPLY HERE

Step 3

Complete 40 Observation Hours

Before submitting the application, applicants must complete 40 hours of shadowing under a licensed OT or OTA, 20 of which must be with an OT. 

Observations must take place in at least two different settings (e.g., hospitals, schools, pediatric clinics, outpatient rehab, skilled nursing facilities, community settings). Observation hours may not be completed virtually, or as part of paid employment.

Applicants who work as an OT Assistant (OTA) are not required to complete the observation requirement of the application process.

All observation hours must be documented and signed by the supervising OT or OTA. It is recommended to use the CMU OT Observation Hours Log, however, other documentation will be sufficient if all required information is included.  These forms should be uploaded in the "Program Materials" section under "Documents". Hours should also be manually inputted in the "Observation Hours" section under "Supporting Information".

CMU OT Observation Hours Log

Step 4

Submit Letters of Recommendation

Upload three evaluations (letters of recommendation) to the OTCAS application from people who can attest to your character.  

Letters should not be written by friends, family, or therapists who you shadowed for only brief periods. Instead, letters should be from supervisors, professors, coaches, and others who know you well and can speak to your character, work ethic, leadership, and professionalism.   

Step 5

Provide Transcripts

Complete the “Transcript Entry” section in the OTCAS application using official copies of your transcripts.

Questions related to submission of transcripts should be directed to [email protected] or by calling 617-612-2860.
Step 6

Supplemental Questions

Answer all supplemental questions in the OTCAS application. Preference will be given to applicants who attended Colorado Mesa University, live in the state of Colorado, and are interested in living and working in Western Colorado. Complete the following supplemental questions in the Experiences section of the OTCAS application.

  • Health-related experiences
  • Employment
  • Internships
  • Clinical experiences
  • Leadership
  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Volunteer work
  • Community enrichment
Step 7

Pay Application Fee

Pay a $50 application fee to Colorado Mesa University at the time of application.   

PAY APPLICATION FEE HERE

Post-Application

Invitation to Interview

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to participate in a virtual interview. The program utilizes rolling interviews, where seats are filled on a first come, first served basis. All interviews are conducted by CMU OT faculty.

View Post-Acceptance Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions