Hanover College Early Admission Pathway to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

The Early Admission Pathway offers exceptional high school seniors, transfer students, and current Hanover College undergraduates the opportunity to secure conditional acceptance into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program. Successful applicants will be guaranteed a seat in the OTD cohort upon maintaining all undergraduate academic requirements and earning a bachelor’s degree from Hanover College.

This streamlined pathway allows dedicated and high-achieving students to bypass traditional application and interview processes required by multiple graduate programs. By removing these barriers, the Early Admission Pathway enables students to focus their time and energy on academic excellence, professional growth, and exploration of Hanover’s rich liberal arts curriculum. Participants can more fully engage in courses and experiences that cultivate the knowledge, leadership, and compassion essential for success as future occupational therapists.

Students accepted through the Early Admission Pathway must maintain all required prerequisites and submit final transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended following the completion of their junior year for a confirmation of decision. An official transcript must also be submitted at the conclusion of their senior year to verify completion of the bachelor’s degree, GPA requirements, and all prerequisite coursework prior to matriculation into the OTD program.

Hanover College Eligibility for High School Seniors – Requirements

To be considered for the Early Admission Pathway to Hanover College’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program, applicants must submit the following materials:

  • Hanover College Undergraduate Application
    • Early Admission Program for Hanover College application submitted by February 1 of the applicant’s high school senior year
    • Admission offers extended no later than March 1
    • Letter of Intent submitted by April 1 (qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist based on application review)
    • Decision Deadline: May 1
  • Minimum High School GPA: 3.50 (unweighted)
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two total — one from a guidance counselor and one from a teacher
  • Résumé: Highlighting leadership, service, and community involvement
  • Applicant Essay:
    Applicants should describe their motivation for pursuing a career in occupational therapy, the personal attributes that will support their success in the rigorous hybrid doctoral program, and how Hanover College will help them achieve their personal and professional goals as a future occupational therapist.

Early Admit students transition seamlessly into the OTD program upon successful completion of all undergraduate requirements, including the bachelor’s degree, GPA standards, and prerequisite coursework. This pathway ensures a smooth, supported progression from undergraduate study to doctoral education, allowing students to remain focused on academic excellence, service, and professional development within the Hanover College community.

Hanover College Eligibility for Admission to the OTD Program

To be eligible for admission to Hanover College’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program through the Early Admission Pathway, applicants must meet the following academic standards:

  • Cumulative and Prerequisite GPA: Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (both cumulative and prerequisite) throughout undergraduate studies.
  • Course Grades: Earn a grade of C or higher in all prerequisite courses.
  • Course Retakes:
    • Non-prerequisite courses may be retaken as needed.
    • Prerequisite course retakes are permitted; however, no more than two prerequisite courses may be repeated.
  • Prerequisite Completion: No more than four prerequisite courses may remain outstanding at the end of the junior year.
  • Degree Completion: Accepted students must complete their bachelor’s degree by the fall term preceding their declared matriculation year into the OTD program.

Prerequisite Course Information

The following courses are required to ensure a strong academic foundation for success in Hanover College’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. Applicants must complete all prerequisites prior to matriculation:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology with Labs (8 credit hours)
    • KIP 162 Anatomy and Physiology I and KIP 163 Anatomy and Physiology II
      OR
    • KIP 215 Human Anatomy (with lab) and KIP 230 Physiology
  • Applied Statistics (3 credit hours)
    • MAT 217 Applied Statistics
  • Psychology (3 credit hours)
    • PSY 111 Basic Principles of Psychology
  • Human Development / Lifespan Development
    • PSY 247 Lifespan Development
      OR
    • PSY 244 Childhood and Adolescence and PSY 346 Adulthood and Aging
  • Abnormal Psychology (3 credit hours)
    • PSY 243 Behavior Disorders
  • Sociology (3 credit hours)
    • SOC 164 Introduction to Sociology
  • English Composition or Writing (3 credit hours)
    • Successful completion of any W1/W2 course will fulfill this requirement
  • Medical Terminology (1 credit hour)
    • KIP 323 Medical Terminology

Note: Some courses may have prerequisite requirements or require department chair or instructor permission for enrollment.

Additional Information: Courses offered in other academic departments that include substantial statistical content may fulfill the statistics prerequisite requirement. These courses will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine equivalency and applicability toward the OTD program’s prerequisites.