Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Q: I have heard that the occupational therapy program at WMU is highly competitive; is it even worth my time to apply?
A: WMU has a renowned occupational therapy program and we do get a high number of applicants each year. However, with a solid GPA and a quality application, any person has the potential for acceptance into our program.
Q: Do you have to have a degree in OT in order to be accepted into the master’s program?
A: No. Although some degrees may be more relevant then others, our program does not view one degree as more acceptable than another. As long as you have done the prerequisites to our program, all applications are reviewed equally. This includes where courses are taken (community colleges vs. universities), and out-of-state applicants verses in-state applicants. All applicants are reviewed equally.
Q: If I have already taken some of the courses, or similar courses as part of my undergraduate degree, will you waive those classes for me?
A: Each applicant’s transcript will be individually considered, and upon admission to the program there may be consideration given for courses previously taken with successful outcome. IN the event that a required course in the degree is waived, another graduate level course will have to replace those credits to qualify the candidate for the degree requirements.
Q: Do you require the GRE?
A: We do not require GRE scores and we do not account for them in the application review process.
Q: Should I send in letters of recommendation?
A: We do not require letters of recommendation and we do not account for them in the application review process.
Q: How many hours of observation should I have before applying?
A: When reviewing applications, faculty members are looking for the quality of your experience. Reviewers want to see that you have had meaningful experiences with occupational therapists in a broad range of settings. Some of these settings may include skilled nursing facilities, inpatient and outpatient rehab, acute care, school-based, psychiatric hospitals, hand therapy, etc. We are hopeful that you will have valuable experiences, and that you have allotted sufficient time at each site to gain a good awareness of the profession. GPA is 1/3 of your total score.
Q: What exactly is a “guest student” and how do I become one?
A: A guest student is able to take courses through WMU without becoming a degree-seeking student. This means that you can take individual courses at your leisure, including Orientation to OT (OT 2020), which is a prerequisite to our OT program. The guest application is only to be used for students who will not have a bachelor's degree when they attend. Students who have a bachelor's degree need to fill out the graduate non-degree application.
Q: I still need to take Orientation to OT (OT 2020). Where can I take this and how do I register for it online?
A: We offer OT 2020 online throughout the school year and you can register for it as a guest student. (See above paragraph for instructions on becoming a guest student) To view course dates and availability go to https://www.wmich.edu/classlookup/ After you are admitted as a guest student you will receive account information by mail and be able to register for OT 2020.
Q: What will school cost?
A: Total cost of your education will vary from person to person but to get estimation, go to http://www.wmich.edu/registrar/tuition/index.html and figure for 40 undergraduate courses and 30 graduate courses.
Q: What scholarships are available and when am I eligible to apply for them?
A: Each year there are many opportunities for students to apply for, and receive scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and work-study placements. Our office associate informs all OT students via email when many of these opportunities arise. To learn more about scholarship opportunities, visit http://www.wmich.edu/finaid/Publication/index.html or www.fastweb.com.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Financial aid is available for WMU students. To learn more about eligibility and the application process, go to http://www.wmich.edu/finaid/index.html
Q: Is there any way to take classes part-time?
A: Our program is a full-time, 28-month program and we do not offer the option of taking classes part-time.
Q: What happens if I need to take time off from my academic program?
A: Our program values each student and is very accommodating if extenuating circumstances arise. We will make every effort to get a student back on track after a leave of absence.
Q: Where are we located?
A: Our Kalamazoo campus is located on the 3rd floor of the College of Human Health Services building, which is on Oliver St., off of Oakland. If you would like more specific instructions, call the graduate assistant at 269-387-7983 and he/she can give you more detailed instructions. Our Grand Rapids campus is located at The Graduate Center – Downtown, located in the historic Cherry Street Landing district, two blocks south of the Van Andel Arena.
Q: I would like to meet with someone to ask questions about the program and the application process. Who should I contact?
A: Our graduate coordinator would be happy to meet with you. To set up an appointment, please contact our office at 269-387-7983. If you have questions, but are not able to come for a meeting, call this same number and we will send you an informational packet and answer your questions over the phone or via email. Never hesitate to have your question answered. We are eager to share our enthusiasm about occupational therapy with you.