Before you get started, we recommend that you attend a virtual information session, campus visit day or schedule a private one-on-one meeting with an admissions coordinator.  This is not an admission requirement but is strongly recommended as the best way to learn about Cabarrus College and our academic programs.

Application Requirements

For admission into the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Studies and/or Master of Occupational Therapy program, applicants must meet the general college admissions requirements found in the Catalog.

  • Official transcripts from all schools attended (excluding high school)
  • Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from an ACOTE or regionally accredited program
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, calculated as an average from all post-secondary transcripts
  • Evidence of successful completion of the following college level courses with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher:
    • English Composition
    • Introduction to Psychology
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Human Growth and Development Psychology
    • Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with labs)
    • Statistics (MOT only)
    • Kinesiology and Medical Terminology are not required but are strongly recommended
  • References – Three (3) Professional References submitted on the Occupational Therapy Reference Form. At least one reference must be from an occupational therapist the applicant has worked with in practice; and at least one reference from another healthcare professional the applicant has worked with in practice.
  • Essay - submission of a 600-700-word APA formatted essay reflecting upon your professional experience as an OTA. Essay should address the following:
    • Your greatest accomplishment and its contribution to your professional growth
    • A specific example of how you dealt with a significant challenge or adversity in your professional role to include:
      • Description of how you utilized critical thinking to problem solve for a successful outcome;
      • Reflection on what you learned from that situation and describe how you can apply this to your future role as an OT
  • Resume - submission of a professionally formatted resume that includes the following sections:
    • Goal/Aim
    • Academic Education
    • Scholarly Projects, Presentations, Publications, and/or Other Professional Activities
    • Awards/Honors
    • Related Work Experience (dates, roles, responsibilities)
    • Volunteer Experience and/or Community Service Activities
    • Professional Organization Membership and/or Leadership Activities
    • Other Experience, Skills/Readiness, Interests, Etc.
  • Proof of current OTA license and certification                                                                                                                                                                                 
  • Employment – Evidence of at least one year’s employment as an OTA within the past five years, at the time of enrollment. Employment must be full-time or part-time with a minimum of 20 hours per week.
    • Applicants who will not have one year of work experience prior to enrolling should wait to apply the following year.
    • Employment verification: Business letterhead containing name, position, and dates of employment.
  • Students enrolling in the combined BSIHS/MOT curriculum track will be required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 to progress to the master’s degree coursework.
  • For admission into the MOT track, applicants must also submit official transcript(s) showing successful completion of:
    • BA or BS degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • College-level Statistics course (preferably having a Math prefix) with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) or higher

Application Date

We accept applications on a rolling basis until programs are full, with priority given to applications received by:

  • January 1: for fall enrollment.

Application Process

  1. Apply - Apply online.  A 600-700 word essay reflecting on your professional experience as an OTA must be emailed separately to Admissions and must follow APA formatting and guidelines.

    Nonrefundable Application Fee: $50

  2. Send your transcripts and proof of degree - To complete your admission file, we require official transcripts from all colleges you have previously attended and proof of BA or BS degree from a regionally accredited institution.

    Official transcripts can be sent via mail or electronically to documents@cabarruscollege.edu

    ATTN: Office of Admissions
    Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
    401 Medical Park Drive
    Concord, NC 28025

    Fax: 704-403-2077

  3. Submit 3 professional references - Submit three professional references using the reference form for BSIHS/MOT. Forms can be sent via mail, email or fax.

  4. Submit professional resume - Applicants must email their professional resume to documents@cabarruscollege.edu

  5. Evidence of OTA licensure and certification - Applicants should submit a copy of licensure according to the state or jurisdiction of employment. 

  6. Proof of at least one full year of employment as an OTA within the past five years at the time of application - Employment can be full-time or part-time with a minimum of 20 hours per week. Employment verification: Business letterhead containing name, position, and dates of employment.

  7. Log in to view the application status - Please allow 48 hours for your application to be processed. Once the application has been processed by the admissions team, the applicant will receive a welcome email. This will instruct you on how to log into the applicant portal to review the application status and checklist for admissions.