OTD Direct Entry

A faster timeline to your calling

High-achieving high school seniors admitted to Trine University can apply for direct entry into the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD). Choose a major in exercise science, applied health science or psychology and select either:

  • 3+3 Path: Complete your undergraduate degree in three years, followed by the three-year OTD program.
  • 4+3 Path: Complete your undergraduate degree in four years, followed by the three-year OTD program.

This highly selective program has limited seats (20). Don't miss the deadlines for application review: November 1, December 1, February 1 (until filled).

Fast-track your future with the 3+3 program

  • Accelerate your education: Complete your undergraduate and graduate degrees in just six years, saving time and tuition.
  • Attract success: Designed for ambitious students ready to fast-track their careers.
  • Cohort collaboration: Progress with a dedicated group of peers, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
  • Save on tuition: Spend less on overall tuition with a shorter educational timeline, easing financial stress.
  • Strategic enrollment: Smooth transitions from undergraduate to graduate studies ensure consistent academic progression.
  • Cross-disciplinary learning: Engage in interdisciplinary studies that broaden your perspectives and innovation potential.
  • Meet professional demand: Quickly enter the workforce as a highly skilled professional, ready to meet industry needs.

Embrace a pathway designed for efficiency and success

Join the 3+3 program today. See below for the OTD direct entry program admission process:

1. Apply and get admitted

2. Meet eligibility requirements

    • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) on high school transcript.
    • Shadowing or previous occupational therapy experience is preferred but not required.
    • Meet and maintain standards as listed in the OTD student handbook.

3. OTD direct entry application

    • After admission to Trine, an OTD direct entry application will be sent to you via email.
    • Submit a brief essay describing how your extracurricular activities or work experiences have prepared you for a career as an occupational therapist.

4. Interview

    • Participate in an interview a Trine University direct entry admission representative.

5. Acceptance and enrollment

    • Receive a formal OTD direct entry acceptance letter and a Letter of Intent.
    • Secure your seat by submitting your enrollment fee and the signed Letter of Intent.
    • Your seat is guaranteed only after the deposit and signed Letter of Intent are received.
    • Note: If all seats are filled before your submission, you will be put on a waitlist and are not guaranteed a seat.

Direct entry maintenance requirements

Once enrolled in the OTD direct entry program, to maintain eligibility during the undergraduate years, the following criteria must be met:

  • Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all undergraduate coursework.
  • Advanced Placement (AP) credits with a transcript-documented grade of 4 or 5 may be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements.
  • Matriculation to the OTD program requirements:
    • Complete an OTCAS application
    • Must meet all other applicable admissions standards
    • 3+3 Path: Conferral of undergraduate degree is contingent on completion of the first year of the OTD program.
    • Undergraduate direct entry students are required to obtain a minimum of 40 hours of healthcare experience including, but not limited to, healthcare experience, observations or patient contact.
    • Students in the direct admit degree program at not eligible for institutional scholarships during their graduate student years.
      • 3+3 Path: No scholarships in years four, five and six
      • 4+3 Path: No scholarships in years five, six and seven
      • Students are encouraged to explore alternative funding options for these final years of graduate school. Federal financial aid is available and outside scholarships are also an option.