COTA Bridge Application

APPLICATION PROCESS

Students are admitted to the COTA-to-MOT program in Denton once a year in the fall semester. Applications are accepted year round for fall entry, but must be received by February 1^st  for assured consideration for entry in the coming fall semester.

REQUIREMENTS

• Completed online application to Texas Woman’s University Graduate School
• Completed School of Occupational Therapy application packet
• Baccalaureate degree completed by time of enrollment
• The equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a licensed COTA 
• Overall grade point average of 3.0 calculated on last 60 credit hours before completion of baccalaureate degree  OR overall grade point average of 3.0 on 12 graduate credit hours. Please note that undergraduate courses completed after the bachelor’s degree are not figured into the undergraduate grade point average.
• Completion at the time of application of a minimum of 7 credit hours of prerequisite courses for the COTA-TO-MOT program, four hours in the biological sciences and three hours in the behavorial sciences with an overall grade point average of 3.0.  The remainder of prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program.
  • Math Sciences
    • Elementary Statistics
  • Biological Sciences
    • Anatomy & Physiology I
    • Anatomy & Physiology II
  • Behavioral Sciences
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Abnormal Psychology
  • Other
    • Medical Terminology 
• Submitted plan to complete all prerequisites prior to enrollment (form is included).
• Overall grade point average of 3.0 on prerequisite courses completed for the COTA-TO-MOT program. 
• Recommendation Form completed by a licensed occupational therapist who can document a minimum of 1 month of COTA clinical experience with that individual therapist.
• One additional letter of recommendation from a supervising OTR will be accepted. This can be an additional Recommendation form or a narrative letter summarizing COTA work experience.
• International students:
  • Must submit documentation of all coursework completed outside the United States to the TWU Office of International Education for review. External review is not required.
  • Students for whom English is not the primary language of their home country, must satisfy the university’s minimum TOEFL score (see www.twu.edu). International students may contact the Office of International Education directly at 940-898-3048 for more details.
• Resume
• Copy of current state license

SELECTION PROCESS

• After initial eligibility is established, the COTA-to-MOT Admissions Committee reviews all application packets
• The Admissions Committee meets approximately monthly.  Students are recommended for acceptance on the basis of academic proficiency and ratings by clinical supervisor. All applicants are notified in writing as to acceptance status.

IF ACCEPTED INTO THE COTA-TO-MOT PROGRAM PROOF OF IMMUNIZATION RECORD AND A BACKGROUND CHECK WILL BE REQUIRED.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition most states require licensure in order to practice.  A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATION

Step 1:  Apply to the Graduate School at Texas Woman’s University

Navigate online to www.twu.edu/admissions/  to begin the process.  Applications will not be processed by the School of Occupational Therapy without Graduate School application.

Step 2:  Submit the Recommendation Form documenting COTA work experience.

Contact your supervising OTR and present them with the enclosed recommendation form and instruction letter.  As indicated in the instruction letter provide the supervising therapist with an envelope for the recommendation form to be sealed and signed.  You will submit this with your application packet.  You may submit one additional Recommendation Form or letter of recommendation from an OTR who is familiar with your work experience.

Step 3:  Obtain two sets of official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended

Official transcripts only are accepted.  Be certain to include all post-secondary colleges/universities attended.  Missing transcripts may delay or prevent processing of your application.

Step 4:  Complete the Plan for Completion of Prerequisites form

Attach copies of course descriptions of prerequisites taken at schools other than TWU. Include course descriptions of both courses completed and courses planned. Do not leave any blanks on this form. To verify whether a course meets prerequisite requirements contact the School of Occupational Therapy admissions secretary at 940-898-2801 or ot@twu.edu.

Step 5:  Complete the Supplemental Questions

In addition to answering the routine question asked of all MOT applicants on why you're seeking a graduate degree in OT, COTA-to-MOT Bridge applicants are also to reflect and respond on these questions.  These supplemental questions serve as a substitute for the on-campus interview required of other applicants. Please submit your answers with your completed application packet. There is no word limit, but concise, focused answers are appreciated. Supplemental Questions

Step 6: Apply to the School of Occupational Therapy

Complete the COTA-TO-MOT Application form.

Step 7: Mail your application packet

Place all application materials (listed below) in a 9” x 12” envelope

_____ Graduate School application completed online (no paper mail in)

_____ Sealed & signed envelope containing the COTA-TO-MOT Applicant Recommendation form completed by a licensed occupational therapist who can document COTA work experience

_____ Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

_____ Plan for Completion of Prerequisites with course descriptions

_____ COTA-TO-MOT Application

_____ Resume

_____ Copy of current COTA state license to practice

Texas Woman’s University
School of Occupational Therapy
PO Box 425648
Denton, TX  76204-5648

For information concerning our COTA-Bridge online and weekend program email Cynthia Evetts at cevetts@twu.edu