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
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 are fully committed to the profession, there's a lot to learn.
Register here, through June 30, to attend OT Summer Discovery Day 2026 on Wednesday, July 8 with AM (8:30-12:30) and PM (1:00-5:00) options.
Information Sessions
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.
- Wednesday, August 26, 10:00-11:00 AM
- Thursday, September 24, 12:00-1:00 PM
- Wednesday, October 21, 11 AM - 12:00 noon
- Tuesday, November 17, 1:00-2:00 PM
Register here for Duke OTD Information Sessions or to request a recorded session after Sept 24
Application Workshops
These informal, virtual, after-hours events, scheduled a few weeks before each application deadline, provide support as you prepare your application. They're a place to ask questions, clarify requirements, and connect with Admissions staff and current students before submitting materials through the OTCAS system.
- Thursday, September 17, 2026, 7:00-8:00 PM
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 7:00-8:00 PM
Register here for Duke OTD Application Workshops. (These events are not recorded.)
Open House
We'd love to welcome you to campus! Attend Open House 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 26, 2026 (9:00 AM-3:00 PM)
- Saturday, January 9, 2027 (9:00 AM-3:00 PM)
Register here for Duke OTD Open House. (These in-person events are not recorded.)
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 future fair!
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 the OTCAS system. 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 for the 2026-2027 cycle are:
- Fall: Thursday, October 8, 2026; 11:59 PM in your time zone
- Spring: Tuesday, January 12, 2027; 11:59 PM in your time zone
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: Applicants invited to move forward based on OTCAS application will interview by Zoom:
- Fall: Week of November 9, 2026
- Spring: Week of February 15, 2027
Notifications:
- Fall applicants will be notified the first week of December 2026
- Spring applicants will be notified the first week of March 2027
Questions? Email OTD_admissions@duke.edu.
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 the successful review and acceptance of the applicant’s CBC report.
A felony conviction may affect your ability to sit for the certification exam or obtain a state license. Suppose you have concerns about how a past conviction might impact your eligibility to become a licensed occupational therapist. In that case, 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.
Duke is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning and work community that is free from prohibited discrimination and harassment. Duke does not discriminate based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, employment, or any other institution program or activity.