Duke OTD envisions a world where all people flourish through access to and participation in meaningful, health-supporting occupations, the activities of everyday life.
The program takes the following actions to create a holistic admissions process:
- No GRE required
- No observation hours required
- No prescribed prerequisite courses
- Virtual interviews
- Vision and mission-driven selection criteria
(All times are U.S. Eastern Time Zone)
OT Summer Discovery Day 2025
Duke OTD students and faculty host this half-day, interactive virtual program designed to broaden participants' understanding of occupation and occupational therapy as taught and practiced at Duke. Whether you're just starting to explore OT or fully committed to the profession, there's lots to learn--join us on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Register for OT Summer Discovery Day 2025
Information Sessions 2025
Duke OTD hosts virtual information sessions for prospective students monthly from August to November. Learn more about our curriculum, admissions process, and Duke distinctives from our faculty, staff, and students.
- Monday, August 25 (7-8 PM)
- Wednesday, September 24 (11 AM - 12 noon)
- Thursday, October 23 (10-11 AM)
- Tuesday, November 18 (1-2 PM)
Register for Duke OTD Information Sessions 2025
Application Workshops 2025
These informal, virtual, open forum events scheduled a few weeks before each application deadline 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.
- Tuesday, September 16 (7-8 PM)
- Thursday, December 11 (7-8 PM)
Register for Duke OTD Application Workshops 2025
Open House 2025-2026
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.
- Saturday, September 27, 2025 (9 AM - 3 PM)
- Saturday, January 3, 2026 (9 AM - 3 PM)
Register for Duke OTD Open Houses 2025-2026
Health Professions Fairs
Every spring, Duke OTD participates in the NC Health Professions Expo, with tabling events at universities across NC. We hope to see you at a fair near you in late March 2026!
How to Apply
The Duke OTD admissions process is managed through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). If you are applying to multiple programs through OTCAS, please note that Duke has specific requirements for Evaluations (Letters of Recommendation) and prerequisites. Only applications that follow Duke-specific instructions will be considered complete in OTCAS. Duke requires no supplemental/secondary application outside of OTCAS.
Once OTCAS has verified your application, you will receive an email with a link to pay the Duke application fee of $60 (This fee is in addition to OTCAS fees). Applicants who receive an OTCAS fee waiver through their Fee Assistance Program may forward the approval email ("You are approved for an OTCAS waiver") to OTD_Admissions@duke.edu to have Duke's fee waived, as well.
Admissions Timeline
Duke Application Submission Deadlines
Fall: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Spring: Thursday, January 8, 2026
If your application is complete and submitted by the deadline, it may be verified by OTCAS up to 10 days after the deadline and still be considered in the intended round/cycle. Verified applications are reviewed after each submission deadline, not on a rolling basis. Applicants admitted in both rounds start the program together in August.
Interviews (by invitation only): November and February
Notifications: December and March
Email OTD_admissions@duke.edu with any questions.
Apply to Duke OTD
Background Check
A criminal background check (CBC) is not part of the application, interview, or admission decision-making process. However, it is mandatory during the onboarding process. All admitted students must undergo a CBC that includes federal, state, and local records spanning at least the past five years. Matriculation into the program is contingent upon successfully reviewing and accepting the applicant’s CBC report.
A felony conviction may affect your ability to sit for the certification exam or obtain a state license. If you have concerns about how a past conviction might impact your eligibility to become a licensed occupational therapist, we recommend requesting a review before applying to Duke OTD or any other graduate OT program. You can visit the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy website to request a review of your eligibility. Early Determination Review.