Frequently Asked Questions

Our mission is to educate highly skilled and compassionate occupational therapy professionals and to prepare them to advocate for those with limited opportunities for occupational engagement. In fulfilling our mission, ACHE School of Occupational Therapy uses a context-based teaching approach instead of traditional lecture-based methods.  This provides learners with authentic learning experiences that better prepares graduates for occupational therapy practice day one!  In addition to our teaching/learning approach, resources such as our state-of-the-art award-winning facilities enable the faculty to teach in a manner that reflects real world practice.  Among these are our learning spaces that mirror occupational therapy practice and settings. Our simulation and standardized patient center provide opportunities for students to practice and reflect on their skills, building confidence in their abilities when working with individuals in the clinic and community settings. The on-site Interprofessional Clinic provides students an opportunity to incorporate what they learned in the classroom while also developing skills necessary for effective inter and intra professional practice.  Our faculty view service to others as a priority and as a result provides students with many opportunities to make a difference in the health and wellness of others long before graduation. The river valley community of occupational therapy practitioners and other healthcare providers fully support the program providing fulfilling opportunities for learning and service.  ACHE is an institution solely dedicated to educating future healthcare providers.  Recognizing the unique needs of healthcare students, occupational therapy students are not only supported academically, but in all areas that impact their success.

No.

You can schedule a campus tour at this link.

You can schedule a campus tour at this link.

You can register for events at this link. 

Tuition and fees are how much it costs to be enrolled in the program. A student’s cost of attendance consists of allowable educational costs that consist of direct costs charged by the institution such as tuition, fees, equipment, and housing as well as indirect costs the student may pay out-of-pocket for such as books, supplies, health insurance, personal miscellaneous, and transportation expenses that may be incurred during enrollment. Click here for information about the Cost of Attendance.​

The OTCAS application opens mid-July each year and the final deadline to apply is April 1 the following year.

All applications are received through a centralized application service called OTCAS. This service allows you to apply to multiple programs using one application.

OTCAS fee information can be found here. ACHE OT does not charge any additional supplemental fees.

ACHE OT admits up to 36 students each year.

ACHE OT does not have set minimum GPA requirements. Applicants are reviewed through a holistic admission process, taking into consideration all factors indicating an applicant is a fit for the ACHE OT mission. However, applicants should realize competition dictates that most students will have an overall GPA ≥ 3.5 and prerequisite GPA ≥ 3.0. These standards reflect a greater opportunity for success with the curriculum and national board examination.

• • • Sociology or Anthropology – 3 credit hours
    • Abnormal Psychology – 3 credit hours
    • Lifespan Development/Developmental Psychology* – 3 credit hours
      • *Must cover the lifespan from birth to death.
    • Statistics – 3 credit hours 
    • Anatomy and Physiology (with lab) – 8 credit hours
    • Medical Terminology – 1 credit hour

• Please note that Anatomy and physiology 1 & 2 (8 credit hours) and abnormal psychology (3 credit hours) must be completed by application submission and no later than the December prior to year of planned enrollment.

All prerequisite coursework must be completed within 10 years of application.

Yes, OTCAS will calculate your overall GPA based on all credits completed regardless of if they were “repeat” courses or not. However, the ACHE OTD program will calculate your Prerequisite GPA by using your highest grade earned in prerequisite coursework. For instance, if you completed Abnormal Psychology twice and earned a C grade the first time and an A grade the second time, the A grade will be used in the calculation of your prerequisite GPA, not the C grade.

No. These course exams are not allowed to satisfy Occupation Therapy prerequisite coursework. Letter grades must be obtained (excludes Pass/Satisfactory grades earned during Covid-19).

The ACHE OT Program requires a minimum of two letters of recommendation. They can be from a faculty member, current employer, occupational therapist, or other person knowledgeable of the applicant’s character and abilities. Family members are not permitted.

No. There are no set number of shadowing hours required. However, if you submit them on your application they will be considered.

Our interviews are held on select Fridays throughout the interview cycle and take place from 8:15 A.M. – 3:45 P.M. CST. You will meet with the dean, faculty, staff, and students. Your small group interview will be about 50 minutes and will include an OT faculty member, and member of the community. While on campus, you will tour the ACHE facilities, so comfortable, but professional, shoes are recommended. Lunch will also be provided to enjoy with current students. To conclude your day, you will receive information from different departments regarding campus life, services, and resources offered here at ACHE.

• Applications Received: 153
• Average GPA: 3.42
• Average Prerequisite GPA: 3.4