College of Health Sciences

Degree Requirement (A.5.3.)
Applicants must complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to starting the OTD program. The program does not admit students on the basis of ability to benefit.

Prerequisite Courses (A.3.2.)
All applicants must complete each of the following prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better. Applicants may choose to repeat a course, and the grades will be averaged and only the first retake will be used.

GPA Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale as well as an overall undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale. However, as a Christian University we do offer a “second chance” program in which up to two and only two outstanding candidates with a grade point average of 2.7 – 2.99 may be granted admission to the program on a contingency basis. The “second chance” students (only 2) must maintain a 3.0 grade point average at the end of the first semester. If either of the two “second chance” students fall below a 3.0 at the end of the first semester, they will be dismissed from the program.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required with the application. One must be from a professor who can vouch for your academic ability to matriculate successfully through a graduate professional program. One letter must be from a licensed occupational therapist who can provide information about your professional demeanor, communication skills, and understanding of occupational therapy. One letter must be from clergy or a member of the community (coach, mentor, former employer, etc.) that can provide information about your character, sincerity, and commitment to complete a graduate professional program.

Observation Hours
Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 40 clinical observation hours with an OTR or COTA. The observation hours must occur in a minimum of at least 2 different settings (pediatrics, mental health, home health, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinic, etc.)

Essay
Applicants are required to submit an introductory essay introducing themselves and their desire to become occupational therapists.

Interview
Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting materials. Submission of all required application material does not guarantee an interview.

Supplemental Application
In addition to the OTCAS application, applicants must complete the Faulkner University Supplemental Graduate Application and submit a $75.00 application fee directly to Faulkner University.

Background Check Policy
Graduation from the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Faulkner University requires students to interact with others in a variety of settings both in and out of the classroom. One requirement of graduation is the successful completion of the fieldwork education component of the curriculum. Because many fieldwork education sites are required to perform background checks on all individuals who interact with patients, background checks are often required in order for students to be accepted in a fieldwork education experience. Therefore, a criminal background check is required of all students admitted in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Students may be required to have additional background checks during matriculation depending on the requirements of the fieldwork education site they are assigned to for their full or part-time fieldwork education experiences.

Students are responsible for the cost of the background check. The completed background check reports are made available online only to the OT Program Director. Reports will be permanently archived online with Universal Background Screening Inc. Printed copies can be made available to the student upon request. If a fieldwork site requests a copy of the report, it is preferred that the student deliver the report. The academic program will only provide a copy of the report to a student’s fieldwork education site if specifically requested by the site and student. Students acknowledged and agreed to the release of this information to the fieldwork education site when they signed the Student Agreement Form. The offer of admission will be revoked for failure to complete a background check within the defined timeframe or if the results are unsatisfactory.

In the event the institution receives an affirmative background check response, the student will be notified of the results and be provided an opportunity to clarify the items in his or her background prior to a final admission decision. In the event that any criminal history, sanctions, debarments, exclusions, suspensions or other adverse results are reported in subsequent background checks, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students will not be allowed fieldwork placement or retention in the program if criminal history, sanctions, debarments, exclusions, suspensions or other adverse results are reported.

Disclaimer: The Criminal Background Check Policy and process at Faulkner University does not guarantee the safety of students, faculty, patients or staff, nor is it able to predict the individual’s future behavior in the program or the profession. An acceptable student background check, as determined by the institution, state or experiential site, does not guarantee the student will be eligible to complete the program, fieldwork affiliation, obtain an occupational therapy license or employment. Entities such as a state board or health care facility may interpret the results of the background check differently or discover different or new information not present in previous searches.

Essential Functions
The following skills are considered essential for any student that is completing the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Faulkner University. Occupational Therapy is a demanding profession that requires essential skills for success. The profession can be physically, mentally, and psychologically demanding. Therefore, basic essential skills that are required for all students are as follows:

1. General abilities: Students are expected to possess adequate endurance and alertness to participate in a highly rigorous doctoral program. Students are also expected to demonstrate general strength and equilibrium to participate in laboratory courses and clinical experiences.
2. Observational skills: Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate visual acuity and visual perceptual skills to observe clients from a distance and closely to form an accurate observation. Students are also expected to have functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell. These senses will interpret data from the external environment and allow accurate observation skills of not only clients, but also in lecture and laboratory classes.
3. Communication skills: Students are expected to possess and demonstrate effective communication skills to interact appropriately and successfully with clients. These skills are necessary to discern accurate abilities of clients. Students are also expected to demonstrate sensitivity when addressing clients and their families. Students are expected to communicate appropriately in lecture and laboratory classes.

• • Motor skills: Students are expected to possess good fine and gross motor skills in order to accurately access and treat clients. Students should possess and demonstrate adequate stamina and equilibrium to access and treat clients, participate in laboratory classes, and operate necessary equipment pertaining to occupational therapy practice. Students should have the psychomotor skills needed to successfully complete occupational therapy evaluations to include manual muscle testing, goniometry, joint range of motion, etc. The motor skills of bending, stooping, lifting, turning, transferring, and transporting clients are necessary.
  • Interpersonal/Behavioral/Professional skills: Students must demonstrate good judgment, emotional health and stability, and therapeutic use of self in order to complete accurate assessments and develop personal, client-centered treatment plans. Students should have emotional maturity to develop good rapport, sensitivity, and respect with clients and their families. Students must demonstrate respectful professional behavior with clients, fellow students and faculty.
  • Critical Reasoning skills: Students must possess the ability to problem solve various situations through calculating and analyzing data. This skill is imperative in determining correct and effective client treatment. Students also need this skill when completing various work within the didactic and laboratory courses.
  • Technology skills: Students must have basic computer skills including Microsoft office, and the ability to learn other software programs quickly.

Health Insurance
All students are required to show proof of personal health insurance upon admission to the OTD program. This insurance will be needed for coverage of laboratory testing and medications (if necessary) in the event of an exposure incident. Additionally, health insurance may be required for particular fieldwork placements. It is up to each student to verify whether or not their insurance is effective in the state of Alabama or state where their fieldwork occurs.

Immunization Requirements
Immunization records must be submitted upon being admitted to the program and prior to orientation. All vaccine/immunization records must include full dates i.e. month/day/year and health care providers’ signatures. Health care provider initials may be considered sufficient if the document is on the letterhead (including the name and address of the practice) of a health care provider. School records which merely reflect dates of administration will NOT be accepted. Immunization records submitted without thorough documentation such as date received, lot #, expiration date, etc., may not be accepted at clinical sites, and student will be required to repeat vaccines or obtain titers in lieu of vaccines if applicable.

 Proof of the following immunizations is required prior to any clinical participation:
☐  Tdap – Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (must be renewed every 10 years)
☐  Tuberculin Skin Test (within the past year and again annually while participating in program)
☐  MMR – 2 doses or Positive Titer – Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (must submit lab report)
☐  Varicella – 2 doses or Positive Titer (Lab report required for Titers.)
☐  Hep B Series – 3 doses (dose 2 (30) days after dose 1, does 3 (5 months) after dose 2).
☐   Meningitis – complete primary dose/series or Positive Titer (Lab Report required for Titers).

The following immunizations are recommended by the college, but may be required by clinical sites:

☐ Flu – Due annually and must be current flu season (September – April). Receipts not accepted.

☐ COVID-19

*** Please note than any tit results that are negative may require a repeat of vaccine doses and additional titer screening.

Application Enhancements
Community service activities and leadership activities will be considered along with other factors as part of a holistic admission process.

Technology Requirements
Occupational Therapy program students are required to have a laptop with a camera, microphone, and WIFI capabilities. The laptop should also be compatible with the minimum system requirements for ExamSoft. https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system- requirements/ Students are expected to maintain their own technology equipment throughout their time in the OTD program. The program is not responsible for students’ personal equipment that is left unattended in the building.

Credit for Previous Courses/Work Experience (A.3.3.)
The program does not award credit to students for any previous course or work experience. The Department of Occupational Therapy does not accept transfer students. Students from other programs who wish to apply must do so through the OTCAS system and will be considered with the applicant pool for that academic year. Any student who has previously attended an Occupational Therapy program and was dismissed, must obtain a letter of support from the Chair/ Program Director of that program in order to be considered for admission. In extenuating circumstances, consideration may be made for students from programs in which accreditation has been denied or revoked. Students may be considered in this situation, if this occurs, and it will be on a case-by-case basis. If a student is considered for admission in this instance, there is no guarantee of admission nor of any transfer of credit for coursework.

Student Employment
Due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, students are not permitted to engage in off-campus employment. If a student is approved for federal work-study, the student may be permitted to work a limited number of hours per week on campus. Some students with exemplary knowledge of course work may function as a paid peer tutor. Matriculation through the OTD program at Faulkner University is a full-time responsibility. Students should expect OTD program activities to occur Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 5:30pm, as well as some nights and weekends.

Deferment of Admission
Extenuating circumstances may impact a students’ ability to accept admission into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, such as family emergencies, death in the family, catastrophic or life changing events, extreme financial hardship, or military service. In these situations, students may decide to defer acceptance into the program. Students who have accepted but would like to defer their admission must provide a written request for deferment which includes a detailed explanation of the reasons for the deferment. The written request must be submitted no later than July 1st. Any requests following the deadline will be made on a case- by-case basis. The OTD admissions committee will review the request to determine if it meets the program requirements and sufficient information have been provided. The admissions chair will contact the applicant directly for clarification, request additional information or supportive documentation (ie. letter from physician). Once a decision has been made, the admissions committee will notify the applicant in writing and a copy will be placed in the applicant’s file. If granted, the deferment will be given for one year only. After one year, the student will forfeit the deferment but is not prohibited from applying again to the program at any time. If the applicant accepts deferment, all requirements for admission must still be met prior to matriculation. If a deferment is granted, the next applicant on the waitlist will be admitted to the program.