Prospective students have a wide variety of background questions. Some of the most frequently asked questions are outlined.

 
GENERAL INFORMATION
■ When is the application deadline?
■ What are the admissions requirements?
■ How much volunteer experience is needed?
■ Do I have to complete all of my prerequisites before I can be accepted?
■ Do I need to complete my baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling in MCG?
■ What do you mean by evidence of first-aid training and current CPR certification?
■ What electives should I take?
■

I am a COTA and heard you will waive some prerequisites for the occupational therapy program. Is that true?

■ What if I am already a certified O.T.? What’s the right program for me?
■ Why is a master’s degree required for occupation therapy practice?
■ When will I know if I’m accepted?
■ What is an alternate list?
■ Can I work full time while attending your program?
 

When is the application deadline?

Completed applications received between September and February 15 will be given priority consideration. Earlier application is strongly encouraged as interviews are conducted in the spring. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date only if the class is not filled. (top)

What are the admissions requirements?

A weighted formula based on success of prior applicants is used. The formula heavily weighs overall grade point average. Competitive GPA for the O.T. program is 3.0 overall with a minimum of 2.5 math science requirements. Points are also included for quality of personal references, autobiographical section content, writing ability, volunteer experience in OT and Georgia residency and veteran status. Suggested references should be from individuals who can rate your work skills. Do not use family members or friends as references. Clearly explain why you chose occupational therapy as a career. Ratings from personal interviews are included in the final selection process. (top)

How much volunteer experience is needed?

There is no required number of volunteer hours. The ranking formula considers amount of time, number of settings and variety of experiences. Applicants should observe at least one O.T. to gain an insight to the profession. MCG Closer Look Visitations are held throughout the year to allow applicants to learn more about O.T. and our program. Contact the Office of Academic Admissions for further information. (top)

Do I have to complete all of my prerequisites before I can be accepted?

No. We will consider your application before you have completed all of the prerequisites. A page in the application asks where and when you took or plan to take each prerequisite. Make sure the courses you need will be offered the semester you plan to take them. (top)

Do I need to complete my baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling in MCG?
No. MCG requires 90 hours of pre-requisites and you will be admitted into an 88 hour professional OT graduate program. Georgia residents that have not completed their baccalaureate degree are currently eligible for HOPE scholarship for up to a predetermined number of hours. (top)

What do you mean by evidence of first-aid training and current CPR certification?
We will accept a course titled First Aid on your transcript or a copy of your card indicating completion of a first-aid course. You must send us a copy of your card showing CPR certification that is valid through your first semester on campus. If your CPR certification has expired, you must complete a recertification course. (top)

What electives should I take?
Elective means your choice, so choose courses that interest you and will help you be successful in the OT curriculum. We suggest additional coursework in computers, human development, communication, statistics, group process, psychology, sociology, ethics and fine or manual arts. See the prerequisites listing for suggestions. (top)

I am a COTA and heard you will waive some prerequisites for the occupational therapy program. Is that true?
No. You must complete all prerequisites. (top)

What if I am already a certified O.T.? What’s the right program for me?
Our post-professional Master of Science degree is appropriate for certified occupational therapists. Please visit www.mcg.edu/gradstudies/allied.htm to review these programs and their requirements. (top)

Why is a master’s degree required for occupation therapy practice?
The Representative Assembly of the American Occupational Therapy Association passed a resolution requiring post-baccalaureate-level entry into the profession by Jan. 1, 2007.The MCG Department of Occupational Therapy offers a master of health science in occupational therapy; no bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy is accredited by the OT profession. The current graduate curriculum will ensure that our program maintains its excellent accreditation status and that our graduates receive the most current educational credentials. The program consists of six progressive graduate semesters including fieldwork assignments. (top)

When will I know if I’m accepted?
The committee reaches final decisions after all completed applications received by the application deadline have been processed. We may accept highly competitive applicants prior to the deadline. The recommendations are forwarded to the Office of Academic Admissions, which sends the official written notice of action. The information cannot be released over the telephone. If you have not had a response by June, contact the Office of Academic Admissions. (top)

What is an alternate list?
We frequently have more qualified applicants than available class places. Qualified applicants may be placed on an alternate list. If an accepted applicant withdraws, an alternate will be contacted to fill the slot. Alternates may be contacted up to the first week of class. Although it makes planning difficult, we do not know how many alternates will be selected until classes start. (top)

Can I work full time while attending your program?
“No” is the best advice. Our program is very demanding and requires full-time participation. Classes meet all day Monday through Friday with assignments that fill evening and weekend hours. We will not prohibit you from working while in school, but most ­ students find it difficult. The Office of Financial Aid is very helpful in finding alternative funding sources. (top)