Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Michael Tijani
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals of all ages improve their ability to perform daily living and work-related tasks through the use of meaningful and purposeful activities. These activities, known as “occupations,” are designed to improve the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practices, and collaborate with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers to achieve their goals.
The field of occupational therapy is evolving and expanding. Given the great demand, having a degree in occupational therapy nearly guarantees you a decent job anywhere in America.
For you to become an occupational therapist, you must attend an occupational therapy program. Without this, you can’t become an occupational therapist.
One major obstacle to attending occupational therapy programs in most institutions is your GPA. Institutions admit applicants based on this.
Because of the high number of applications, most institutions require a high GPA, but there are some exceptions with low GPA requirements. We’ll be taking a look at some of them. We have taken the time to list 10 occupational therapy schools with low GPA requirements. Make sure you read this post to the end, as it promises to be very informative and helpful.
A Low GPA: What Does It Mean?
The goal of every student who wishes to apply to college is to score well in every examination. This can at least guarantee your admission into your college and/or course of choice. But what happens when you fall below the average required score?
A low GPA simply means a GPA score below 3.0. This can be considered a poor GPA for graduate school. This limits your chances of enrolling in top graduate programs.
Having a GPA lower than 3.0 doesn’t automatically mean your chances of enrolling in a graduate program are completely ruined. A lot of graduate schools are implementing a more all-encompassing admissions process. This indicates that they value you as a whole person rather than simply your statistics. GRE or GMAT scores can come in handy when applying to college. Your resume, interview, and essay can all be used to remedy any weaknesses you may have.
Having an outstanding GPA is important because it tells schools how well you did in your classes. However, you are not automatically disqualified because of your bad marks. Before pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy, you must hold a bachelor’s degree. Your bachelor’s degree might be in any discipline or a variety of disciplines for the majority of graduate programs.
Top 10 Occupational Therapy Schools with Low GPA Requirements
Below is a list of the top 10 occupational therapy schools with low GPA requirements.
1. Bay Path University
Occupational therapy doctoral programs, coeducational master’s degree programs, and an EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Studies program are all available at Bay Path for both men and women. The occupational therapy program at Bay Path University remains in high demand. This is because it has one of the lowest GPA requirements. With a GPA of 3.0, you can be accepted into its program.
One very important thing to take into consideration is that its low GPA requirement means there’ll be more applicants. As a result, only 75% of applications are accepted.
The curriculum at Bay Path University’s occupational therapy program emphasizes community involvement through an extensive fieldwork program. It also sets up job placements with businesses, care facilities, and clinical initiatives. Because of its location in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, students need not worry about anything.
2. Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and has eight colleges and schools. Its occupational therapy program is excellent, as evidenced by the large number of students who apply each year. This is not just because they accept a minimum GPA of 3.0. Their program in occupational therapy is arguably considered worthy of note. The occupational therapy program at Eastern Michigan University is flexible and can be completed between 2.5 and 6 years.
It is a fantastic financial bargain, especially for citizens of Michigan who can finish the program from start to finish for roughly $65,000. Even if your first two years of college were less than you expected, you can still be admitted to this institution. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%, so applicants have a fair chance of getting accepted.
3. Boston University
At Boston University, you can enroll in an occupational therapy program that is evidence-based, student-centered and planned from a life-course perspective that integrates academic courses and fieldwork.
Through Level I and Level II fieldwork placements chosen from Boston University’s extensive network of regional and national clinical sites, you will acquire an exceptional range of clinical experience starting in your first semester and continuing throughout the three-year entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy curriculum.
Interested applicants must have acquired a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 to be accepted into the occupational therapy program at Boston University. Admission to the entry-level OTD program does not require GRE results. One major downside of this institution is that the chances of getting in are very slim, with an acceptance rate of 19%.
4. Gannon University
Gannon University is located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The institution is divided into three main colleges: the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences; the College of Engineering and Business, which houses the Dahlkemper School of Business Administration; and the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences.
The tuition at Gannon University is $138,285 and is the same whether you live in Pennsylvania or outside of it. The three-year occupational therapy program at Gannon University welcomes applicants with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher. You have a higher chance of getting in since it has an acceptance rate of 84%.
5. Clarkson University
The OT program at Clarkson University prepares its students for today’s world, tomorrow’s challenges, and future careers. It helps its students master fundamental academic abilities, personal and social development, and the philosophical values of occupational therapy (OT).
To be eligible for this program, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Clarkson University has a 75% acceptance rate. After financial help, the average cost of attendance is $30,000. The Direct Entry Occupational Therapy Program will offer a $20,000 CU Health Sciences Undergraduate Scholarship and a $20,000 Presidential Scholarship for Graduate Applicants to all approved students.
6. Barry University
Barry University is located in Miami Shores, Florida. Barry’s curriculum is excellent if you want to continue working while earning your OT degree. Its program can be attended during the week online, and every Saturday it offers all-day sessions. Completing the occupational therapy program at Barry University takes 2.5 years.
Additionally, it’s one of the least expensive occupational therapy programs offered at a private university. Entry requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.2 and a total cost of attendance of $78,000. Barry University has an acceptance rate of 63.7%.
7. Towson University
If you reside in Maryland, Towson University’s occupational therapy program should be your option. It offers a reputable and reasonably priced master’s degree in occupational therapy that can be completed for less than $50,000.
For admission, Towson additionally considers your GPA for the last two years of your college courses. Towson University has an acceptance rate of 88%, making it less competitive to get into. Its occupational therapy program can be completed in two years and six months, and a minimum GPA requirement of 3.25 for the final 60 credits is required for entry. The cost of attendance is $48,288 for Maryland residents and $85,480 for non-residents (non-Maryland resident)
8. Husson University
Husson University is a private university in Bangor, Maine. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Husson University can assist you in pursuing your dream of becoming an occupational therapist, regardless of whether you are a current student, a transfer student from another university, or an applicant with a four-year undergraduate degree.
A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy can be earned after completing the first year of the program. Approximately 40 students are accepted each year by the occupational therapy program at Husson University. A cadaver dissection facility, an outstanding library, wireless computer access, and an occupational therapy lecture and lab are just a few of Husson University’s resources.
Very importantly, Husson University accepts students with a GPA of 3.27 and has an acceptance rate of 86%.
9. University of Buffalo
The University of Buffalo is arguably the only university in the SUNY system where you can complete an occupational therapy program within 5 years after high school. That is one of the reasons this institution is unique.
While ensuring that you are ready to pass the national certification exam and state licensure criteria to enter the profession, this curriculum is flexible enough to accommodate your unique needs and interests. With a GPA of 3.67, the University at Buffalo requires you to be above average in your high school class, and it has a 70% acceptance rate.
10. Hofstra University
Long Island, New York-based Hofstra University’s 68-credit Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program trains students to work as registered and licensed occupational therapists.
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program aims to produce competent, caring, and evidence-based practitioners who have the critical thinking abilities and competencies necessary to be lifelong learners capable of meeting occupational standards and societal demands.
To get accepted into Hofstra University, students are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.67. But getting in is competitive because it has an acceptance rate of 68%.
What Options Do I Have If My GPA Is Under 3.0?
There are a few choices available to you if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 and you want to enroll in an occupational therapy program.
1. You Could be Given Conditional Acceptance
This is probably the easiest and most common option available in occupational therapy schools for applicants with a GPA less than 3.0.
This policy permits acceptance with a GPA as low as 2.75, but it is only granted to candidates who exhibit strength in other aspects of their application and can offer a convincing justification for their academic underachievement. Usually, when you’re not able to meet up the requirements after acceptance and assessments, admission could be terminated. This option is really helpful because it provides students with an opportunity to try.
2. You Could Take Up Additional Undergraduate Coursework
You could take additional undergraduate courses to improve your overall average if your GPA is less than 2.75. This is also another very effective way of making up for a low GPA.
The majority of occupational therapy programs demand 120 hours of college-level study. Only 120 hours with the best grades will be considered if you have more than that. So, by enrolling in more than 120 credits, you can essentially replace low grades with great ones.
3. Your coursework from the last two years
Some occupational therapy schools place a lot of emphasis on your last 60 hours of coursework. Even though your overall GPA is below 3.0, if your past two years of performance were strong, you might still get admitted. This policy specifically applies to two universities: Towson University and Eastern Michigan University.
Conclusion
Students who desire to work in a fulfilling field that improves people’s lives frequently choose occupational therapy. Since the majority of employment in this field requires a bachelor’s degree, it may be advantageous for students to enroll in any of the best occupational therapy schools with low GPA requirements.
We have taken the time to research some of them. We hope you found this post helpful.
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