Duke OTD takes the following actions to create an inclusive and equitable 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 they are taught and practiced at Duke. Whether you're just starting to explore OT or are fully committed to the profession, there's lots to learn.
More information. Registration for the July 2024 event is closed.
Information Sessions
Duke OTD hosts virtual information sessions for prospective students monthly from August to November.
- Wednesday, August 21, 2024 (12:00–1:00 PM)
- Tuesday, September 24, 2024 (10:00–11:00 AM)
- Thursday, October 24, 2024 (7:00–8:00 PM)
- Monday, November 4, 2024 (12:00–1:00 PM)
To register (or request the link to a recorded session), please complete the information session registration survey.
Application Workshops
These informal, virtual, open forum events scheduled a few weeks ahead of 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 17, 2024 (7:30–8:30 PM)
- Wednesday, December 11, 2024 (7:30–8:30 PM)
To register, please complete the application workshop registration survey.
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.
- Saturday, September 21, 2024 (9:00 AM–3:00 PM)
- Saturday, January 4, 2025 (9:00 AM–3:00 PM)
To register, please complete the open house registration survey.
How to Apply
The Duke OTD admissions process is 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 Evaluations (Letters of Recommendation) and for prerequisites. Only those applications that follow the Duke-specific instructions will be considered complete in OTCAS. Duke has no supplemental application outside OTCAS.
After an application has been verified by OTCAS, applicants will be emailed a link to pay the Duke application fee of $50 (the OTCAS fee and Duke's fee are separate). Applicants may apply for an OTCAS fee waiver following these instructions. Applicants who receive an OTCAS fee waiver should forward the email documenting that waiver (Subject: "You are approved for an OTCAS waiver") to OTD_Admissions@duke.edu to have Duke's fee waived.
Admission Timeline
Duke Application Submission Deadlines
Early: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Standard: Friday, January 10, 2025
If your application is complete and submitted by the deadline, it may be verified by OTCAS 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 (early round) and February (standard round)
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.
Background Check
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 onboarding process. All admitted students will undergo a 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.
If a past event might impact your eligibility to be licensed as an occupational therapist, we recommend that you request a review before you apply to Duke OTD or another graduate OT program. Visit the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy website to request an Early Determination Review.