Occupational Therapy Assistant Admissions Requirements

The candidates with the strongest academic records are admitted into the OTA program, so the mix of successful candidates changes from year to year depending on the number of candidates from each type of applicant group; first-year, transfer, and current Penn State students (change of major, non-degree to degree, or re-enrollment). The minimum grade point average of successful candidates will also change from year to year depending on the strength of the pool of candidates’ academic records.

The program is competitive, and applicants who submit their application to Penn State by November 30 will be given priority consideration. Applications received after November 30 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program only admits students to begin in the program for the fall semester.

First-year applicants

First year students include those who have graduated from high school and have attempted fewer than 18 semester hours of college coursework at another college or university after high school graduation.

The minimum high school units required for admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program include four secondary units of English, two units of mathematics (including one unit of algebra), two units of science (one unit must be biology), and five units of arts, humanities, social studies, and/or foreign languages.

A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and satisfactory Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or ACT scores (for those who have been out of high school five years or less) are also required.

Although the minimum high school GPA required for admission is a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale), this does not guarantee admission into the program. The program is competitive, and applicants who submit their application to Penn State by November 30th will be given priority consideration. Applications received after November 30th will be reviewed on a space available basis.

Transfer applicants

Transfer students are those students who have taken at least 18 credits of college coursework (beyond high school) at another college or university. Consideration for transfer admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is based on the following criteria:

A cumulative collegiate grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, computed in the manner used for Penn State students, is the minimum University requirement for admission consideration. In general, admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program requires a substantially higher cumulative grade-point average. The number of qualified applicants typically exceeds the number of available program spaces; therefore, satisfaction of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

In addition to a cumulate grade point average, it is recommended that a transfer applicant should have demonstrated successful completion of at least three (3) credits of natural science (preferably with a lab) and one (1) social science related course from another institution. These types of courses may include (but are not limited to) mammalian anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology, and other core biological and social sciences. The admissions selection committee strives to select students who have demonstrated the potential to succeed in a rigorous, science oriented program of study.

There is never a guarantee that any course will transfer to Penn State until courses are formally evaluated at the time of admission. However, the Undergraduate Admissions Office provides an online course evaluation tool so that you can see courses from other institutions that have previously transferred to Penn State.

Penn State students

In addition to a cumulative grade point average consideration (see "Transfer applicants" section for more information), it is recommended that all current or former Penn State student applicants should have demonstrated successful completion of at least 9 Penn State credits, including two (2) laboratory based biological and one (1) social science related course:

Biological and Life Sciences

BIOL 161, 162L Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 163, 164L Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Social and Behavioral Sciences

PSYCH 100 General Psychology
HDFS 129 Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies

You should work with your academic adviser to choose appropriate courses, however, it is recommended that you review the recommended academic plan for Occupational Therapy Assistant program to help choose courses that will count toward the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Change of major

Students who wish to change their major must have a cumulative collegiate grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale as the minimum University requirement for change of major consideration. In general, admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program requires a substantially higher cumulative grade-point average. The number of qualified applicants typically exceeds the number of available program spaces; therefore, satisfaction of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

To request a change of major, current Penn State students must submit a change of major request through LionPath. Students will be notified by e-mail if the request has been approved.

Non-degree students at Penn State

Non-degree students who are currently attending Penn State and are now seeking degree status in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program must have completed a minimum of 9 credit hours and earned a cumulative Penn State grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale as the minimum requirement for admission consideration. In general, admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program requires a substantially higher cumulative grade-point average. The number of qualified applicants typically exceeds the number of available program spaces; therefore, satisfaction of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Non-degree students must apply to Penn State for OTA program consideration.

Re-enrollment (former Penn State students)

Re-enrollment allows a former degree candidate (policy 58-00) to resume degree candidacy. Re-enrollment is appropriate if you:

Withdrew from the University
Interrupted continuous degree enrollment during fall/spring semester
Were dismissed or suspended for nonacademic reasons
Invalidated a leave of absence
Plan to return for a second associate or baccalaureate degree
Plan to return for graduation
Voluntarily changed your enrollment status to non-degree

Students who desire to re-enroll and were not previously enrolled in the Shenango OTA program must have a cumulative collegiate grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale as the minimum University requirement for re-enrollment consideration. In general, re-enrollment to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program requires a substantially higher cumulative grade-point average. The number of qualified applicants typically exceeds the number of available program spaces; therefore, satisfaction of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

For those students who have previously attended the Shenango OTA program and wish to re-enroll, you must demonstrate you left the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Shenango in good standing with at least a cumulative collegiate grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. It is recommended that you discuss your re-enrollment intentions with the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Coordinator to determine any deficiencies you may have as well as your semester standing upon returning to the program. Your previous academic standing at Penn State, grade-point average, and a review of OTA relevant degree requirements completed while previously enrolled will be reviewed as part of the re-enrollment evaluation.

Complete the Undergraduate Re-enrollment Form and return it to the Shenango Campus Registrar, Matthew Goral.