Apply to Duke OTD

The Duke OTD envisions an inclusive world where all people flourish through access to and participation in meaningful, health-supporting occupations, the activities of everyday life.

Duke OTD takes the following actions to create an inclusive and equitable admissions process:

  • No GRE or other standardized tests
  • No observation hours
  • No prescribed pre-requisite courses
  • Virtual interviews
  • Vision and mission-driven selection criteria

INFO SESSIONS
Duke OTD hosts virtual Information Sessions for prospective students monthly from August to November. Fall 2024 Info Session dates will be posted in summer, 2024.

If you would like to view a recorded Information Session from Fall 2023, please email OTD_Admissions@duke.edu and request the link.

APPLICATION WORKSHOPS
These informal, virtual, open forum events are designed for applicants in the current application cycle. They are a chance to ask questions, clarify requirements, and connect with Admissions staff before submitting materials in OTCAS.
Workshops for the 2023-2024 application cycle have passed. Dates for 2024-2025 workshops will be posted in summer, 2024.

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS
For those able to visit Duke in person, we offer two Open House events that allow you to tour our facilities; learn about the curriculum, admissions process, and student life; talk with current faculty, staff, and students; ask questions, and be our guest for lunch.

Registration is now closed for the September 23, 2023 and January 6, 2024 Open House events. Please check back in summer 2024 for our 2024-2025 events.


HOW TO APPLY
The Duke OTD admissions process will be managed through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). If you are using OTCAS to apply to other programs, please note that Duke has specific requirements for the Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation and for pre-requisites. Only those applications that follow the Duke-specific instructions will be considered complete in OTCAS.

After an application has been verified by OTCAS, applicants will be emailed a link to pay the Duke application fee of $50. (The fee paid to OTCAS is a separate fee that pays for OTCAS’ services. This is an admission application fee for Duke.) Applicants may apply for an OTCAS fee waiver following the instructions found here. If OTCAS grants a fee waiver, the applicant should submit proof of the waiver via email to OTD_admissions@duke.edu and Duke will also waive the $50 application fee.


ADMISSION TIMELINE
Duke Application Submission Deadline (OTCAS verification may occur after the deadline):
Early: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Standard: Thursday, January 11, 2024

Interviews (by invitation only): November (early round) and February (standard round)
The application review process will begin as soon as applications are verified in OTCAS and deemed complete. Verification can take several weeks after submission. Applicants will be invited to interview based on their written applications.

Notifications: December (early round) and March (standard round)

Email OTD_admissions@duke.edu with any questions.


Apply to Duke OTD

A criminal background check (CBC) is not a component of the application, interview, or admission decision-making process. However, it is a mandatory component of the post-acceptance matriculation process. All admitted students will undergo a criminal background check (CBC) involving federal, state, and local records that extend back a minimum of five years. Matriculation into the program is contingent upon the review and acceptance of the applicant’s CBC report. A felony conviction may impact your ability to take the certification exam or attain a state license. For more information, contact NBCOT.