Program Admissions Policy

Admission to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is conducted in accordance with the policies and procedures of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and the School of Health Professions. The program maintains clearly defined and publicly available admission policies and procedures that are applied consistently and equitably to all applicants.

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University admits students based on their qualifications and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender, color, creed, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, or veteran status. Admissions policies and procedures are available to prospective students and the public through the Office of Student Admissions, the School of Health Professions Bulletin, and the Occupational Therapy Program website.

Admissions Requirements and Selection Process

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of each applicant’s academic preparation, professional potential, and readiness for graduate-level study in occupational therapy. In accordance with institutional policy, the Admissions Committee considers multiple factors when evaluating applicants, including:

• Prior academic performance and cumulative grade point average
• Completion of prerequisite coursework and grades earned in those courses
• Results of standardized assessments when required
• Letters of recommendation
• Communication skills and motivation to pursue the occupational therapy profession
• Volunteer, observational, or related healthcare experience

Applicants must complete all prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or higher prior to enrollment. Competitive applicants typically complete prerequisite courses before applying. Applicants who meet minimum academic screening criteria may be invited to participate in the program’s interview process. The interview process may include an individual interview with faculty, clinicians, or alumni, an onsite writing assessment, and a standardized reasoning assessment used to evaluate critical thinking skills relevant to healthcare practice.

Admissions recommendations are reviewed through the School of Health Professions Admissions and Academic Standing Committee, which includes program representatives and institutional leadership. Final admissions decisions are made through this committee in accordance with university policies.

Advanced Placement and Transfer Credit

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is an upper-division transfer and graduate institution. Students entering graduate programs must have completed a bachelor’s degree and all prerequisite coursework at another accredited institution of higher education prior to enrollment.

The MSOT program does not grant advanced placement for occupational therapy professional coursework completed at another institution or academic credit for prior work experience or experiential learning. Requests for transfer of credits for pre-requisite courses are reviewed in accordance with institutional transfer credit policies and must meet university and program requirements. Completion of prerequisite coursework does not guarantee admission to the program.

Additional Admissions Requirements

Students accepted into the program must comply with additional institutional requirements prior to enrollment, including:

• Admissions deposit: Accepted students must submit the required enrollment deposit, which is applied toward their first semester tuition.
• Criminal background check: All admitted students must complete a background check prior to enrollment, at the student’s expense. Background checks are conducted after admission and are not used in admissions decision-making.
• Student health clearance: Accepted students must submit required health documentation to the Student Health Office before the enrollment deadline listed in their acceptance letter.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

The Occupational Therapy Program supports the diversity vision and mission of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. The program seeks to recruit and admit a diverse student population that reflects the communities served by the university and the occupational therapy profession.

Consistent with the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the admissions process aims to attract and enroll students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and identities. The program embraces a broad definition of diversity that includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, language, culture, religion, socioeconomic background, and life experiences.

Through its admissions practices and outreach efforts, the program supports the university’s mission to cultivate a supportive learning environment in which all students feel valued and are able to thrive academically and professionally while preparing to provide culturally responsive and equitable healthcare.

Policy Review and Accessibility

Admissions policies and procedures are reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and the mission of the program. All admissions requirements, policies, and procedures are publicly available through the SUNY Downstate Office of Student Admissions.

Admissions Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree in any discipline from colleges or universities accredited by one of the following: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) or the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC),United States Department of Education (USDE). If you have any questions about whether a transfer course will be accepted, you should check with the Office of Admissions prior to enrolling in the course.

2. You must submit two letters of recommendation. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University has moved toward exclusive use of electronic recommendation submissions. Letters should be written by a current/former College Science Professor or an employer/supervisor, or another college professor. Please visit the application instructions to learn more about the letter of recommendations requirement.
   • Interviewed candidates will take a proctored form of the Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University as a part of their admissions criteria to the Occupational Therapy MS Program. Further Information on the assessment can be found through the following web link:
     https:// www.insightassessment.com/products/products-summary/criticial-thinking-skills-tests/health-sciences-reasoning-test-hsrt

3. A minimum letter grade of “C” or better in the following prerequisite courses:

   Subject	Credits
   Anatomy & Physiology 1 with lab and Anatomy & Physiology 2 with lab	8
   General Biology 1 with lab	4
   Physics 1 with Lab or Kinesiology with Lab*	3–4
   Statistics	3
   Sociology or Anthropology	3
   General Psychology	3
   Abnormal Psychology	3
   Developmental/Life Span Psychology ** OR Child Psychology and Adult Development OR Child Psychology and Psychology of Aging	3–6

    

   *Beginning with the 2027 incoming class, Physics/Kinesiology course (with lab; 3-4 credits) will become a mandatory prerequisite.                                              **More than one course may be required to fulfill this requirement. Course must cover from birth to aging.
4. Admissions preference will be given to applicants who have:
   1. Volunteer experience in a clinical setting related to occupational therapy. No specific number of hours is mandatory, but knowledge of the profession is required.
   2. Completed/plan to complete a Physics /Kinesiology course with Lab 3-4 credits prior to matriculation and who have completed the science prerequisites within the past 5 years.
   3. Engaged in interactive classroom and extra curricular activities during their undergraduate college experience.
   4. Note: The Occupational Therapy program strongly prefers science courses completed in a classroom setting with wet lab