Duke OTD takes the following actions to create a holistic admissions process:
- No GRE required
- No observation hours are 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 they are taught and practiced at Duke. Whether you're just starting to explore OT or fully committed to the profession, there's much to learn.
More information. Registration for the 2025 event will be opening soon.
Information Sessions
Duke OTD hosts monthly virtual information sessions for prospective students from August to November. The 2025 event options will be available soon.
Application Workshops
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. The 2025 event options will be available soon.
Open Houses
For those able to visit Duke in person, we offer two open houses 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. The 2025 event options will be available soon.
Health Professions Fairs
Visit our booth at these upcoming events:
- March 24, Duke University; 6–8 p.m., Penn Pavilion
- March 26, NC State University; 10 p.m–1 p.m, Ballroom, Talley Student Union
- March 26, Elon University; 3–4:30 p.m., Lindner Hall
- March 26, UNC Greensboro; 6–8 p.m., Cone Ballroom, Elliot University Center
- March 27, Appalachian State University; 6–8 p.m (tentative)
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. There is no supplemental application outside of OTCAS for Duke.
Once OTCAS has verified your application, you will receive an email with a link to pay the Duke application fee of $50 (please note that the OTCAS fee and Duke's fee are separate). Applicants may apply for an OTCAS fee waiver by following these instructions. If you receive an OTCAS fee waiver, please forward the approval email ("You are approved for an OTCAS waiver") to OTD_Admissions@duke.edu to have Duke's fee waived.
Admission Timeline
Duke Application Submission Deadlines
Fall: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Spring: Friday, January 10, 2025
If your application is complete and submitted by the deadline, it may be verified by OTCAS slightly after the deadline and still be considered in the intended round/cycle. The application review process begins after each submission deadline, not on a rolling basis.
Interviews (by invitation only): November (fall) and February (spring)
Applicants will be invited to interview based on their written applications.
Notifications: December (fall) and March (spring)
Email OTD_admissions@duke.edu with any questions.
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. Suppose 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.