Occupational Therapy

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

GUARANTEED PROFESSIONAL ADMISSION PROGRAM

Thanks for being interested in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU). Founded in 1897, LMU has a rich tradition in delivering a comprehensive values-based learning community dedicated to providing quality educational experiences at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The LMU OTD program is housed within the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine- Knoxville campus located in West Knoxville, Tennessee, alongside many other healthcare programs, such as Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA).

The innovative LMU OTD curriculum prepares our graduates to excel in their careers. The threads woven throughout the curriculum are critical thinking, client-centered care, evidenced-based practice, and collaborative care. Being positioned within a health sciences campus, our students will have many opportunities to learn through interprofessional education. These opportunities will allow students to better understand occupational therapy's distinct value as part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Our faculty is comprised of renowned academicians and occupational therapists, recognized both nationally and internationally for their work as professors, clinicians, and leaders. We are committed to providing our OTD students the best graduate experience possible! Our state-of-the-art facilities will rival those across the nation. Our classroom and laboratory spaces are designed to bridge education and practice, better preparing you for your rewarding career as a Doctor of Occupational Therapy!

Please, feel free to peruse our webpage. If you would like to learn more about our program, please email us at OTDadmissions@LMUnet.edu or attend one of our Open House events.

Students enrolled in LMU's GPA program who apply to the OTD Program through OTCAS.org are guaranteed an interview if they meet the Program's criteria for application and admission. Completion of an interview does not guarantee an offer for admission.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OTD

Pathways to Admission in Occupational Therapy

THERE ARE THREE (3) OPTIONS TO ENTER INTO THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM

Three pathways to enter the LMU Doctor of Occupational Therapy program:

Direct entry (traditional admission pathway)
3+3 that results in only an OTD
3+3 that results in a B.S. General Exercise Science and an OTD. (Internal to LMU undergraduate students only via the GPA Program)

3 + 3 Program Pathway Requirements

3 + 3 Pathway that Results in Only a doctoral degree (OTD)

Overall Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) 3.0
Minimum GPA for each Required Course- Math/Science GPA of 2.8
Personal statement
Minimum of 40 hours of shadowing occupational therapists.
Three professional letters of reference.
Interview
All application materials are submitted at OTCAS.org

Prerequisite Coursework:

Anatomy & Physiology I (w/lab): 4 cr. hrs
Anatomy & Physiology II (w/lab): 4 cr. hrs
Kinesiology: 3 cr hrs.
Human Growth & Development OR Lifespan Development- 3 cr. hrs
Introduction to Psychology: 3 cr. hrs
Abnormal Psychology: 3 cr. hrs
Sociology, Anthropology, OR Philosophy: 3 cr. hrs
Statistics: 3 cr. hrs
Medical Terminology: 1-3 cr. hrs

3 + 3 Pathway with Gen. Exercise Sc. (BS) AND doctoral degree (OTD)

Please, see below for our requirements for Undergraduate Freshmen who elect the 3+3 pathway that results in a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science.

High school graduate with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 
Minimum Math (21) ACT score or minimum Math SAT score of 530.
Students will be required to answer an occupational therapy-focused writing prompt/personal statement.
Two (2) character references from (choose 2 of the following)

Guidance counselor/humanities teacher 
Science Teacher 
Coach
Employer

Freshmen admitted as BS/OTD students will be granted acceptance into the OTD program upon satisfactory completion of the above requirements. Full acceptance will be granted pending satisfactory completion of the criteria for progression to the Professional OTD Program. Students must also complete LMU's general education core curriculum requirements in addition to the BS requirements to earn a baccalaureate degree in General Exercise at the end of the second year of the OTD program.

Occupational Therapy Pathway Requirements

TO SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITION TO THE PROFESSIONAL PHASE OF THE 3+3, STUDENTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

Recommended Undergraduate Major(s)- B.S. General Exercise Science

Required Undergraduate Courses- See attached curriculum

Recommended Undergraduate Courses- See attached curriculum

Overall Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) 3.0

Required GPA in Undergraduate Major- no requirement

Minimum GPA for each Required Course- Math/Science GPA of 2.8

Required Entrance Test(s)- ACT-SAT, No GRE required- Minimum Score on Required Entrance Test(s) Minimum Math (21) ACT score or minimum Math SAT score of 530. No GRE required.

Required Technical Standards and Competencies for Program Admission

The Program has identified minimum technical standards all students must meet and maintain for enrollment and progression in the Program to ensure successful completion of the Program and the delivery of safe and effective client care during fieldwork and following graduation. These technical standards, listed below, are necessary for achievement of the Program's Graduate Competencies (found in the LMU-Knoxville OTD Program Student Catalog), competencies stipulated by accreditation agencies, and the standards of OT practice.

General Health
Critical Thinking and Cognitive Abilities
Computer Technology Skills
Communication Skills
Visual Abilities
Hearing and Tactile Abilities
Motor and Fine Skills
Interpersonal Abilities

Other requirements/activities for admission: Interview with OTD faculty

GPA Program Application