Admission to Pre-Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (POTA)

Beginning freshmen who seek admission to the first segment of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (POTA) must meet the general admission requirements for admission to the University. Applications to ULM are submitted to the University Admissions Office. Students transferring from other divisions of the University and from other accredited colleges and universities should additionally have an overall academic record which indicates potential for success in a baccalaureate-level-Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Advising each semester is required. Students must go to the Student Success Center to have advising or developmental flags removed. Students entering the program with transfer credit must request a transcript review from the department to determine what coursework will be credited to the degree plan.

A grade of “C” or better is required for all occupational therapy assistant coursework contributing to the Bachelor of Science Degree. Completion of the pre-professional segment of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (POTA) requirements does not guarantee admission to the professional segment of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTAB).

Admission into the professional segment of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTAB) is on a competitive basis with enrollment determined annually based on the availability of resources of the Occupational Therapy Department.

Admission to Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTAB)

Applicants for admission to the professional segment of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTAB) must complete the following minimum criteria by the end of the spring semester that the application is made:

1. possess a minimum, uncorrected cumulative grade point average of 2.700 on a 4.000 scale in all previous coursework attempted at higher institutions of attendance and a minimum 2.700 uncorrected grade point average in all hours toward the OTA degree;
2. completion of 47 hours of required pre-professional coursework in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program with a grade of “C” or better (see course descriptions for prerequisites).

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that all 47 pre-professional hours be completed by the end of the fall semester of application to the professional program.

Criteria and procedures for application to the professional segment of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program are available at the University of Louisiana Monroe Occupational Therapy website and through the Occupational Therapy Department office. Completed applications are to be submitted to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Admissions Committee by October 1 for consideration for entry into the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program the following Spring Semester. Questions regarding out-of-state candidates should be directed to the OT office.

Applications will be reviewed by the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee.

The OTA Program Director will notify each applicant regarding admission status.

Students accepted into the OTAB program are required to fulfill the immunization requirements of the ULM Student Health Center.

To progress in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, a student must complete all required didactic occupational therapy courses with a grade of “C”. A cumulative 2.500 GPA on a 4.00 scale is required for continued enrollment. The student must observe all prerequisites in the sequential pursuance of courses leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. All OTAB professional courses must be taken at ULM. Students who fail to successfully meet all OTAB requirements (due to not meeting competency or based on grade) will be dismissed from the program. Students may request to appear before the Academic Performance Committee to determine continuation in the program. Before going on Level II Fieldwork clinical affiliations, students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.500 (uncorrected). The Academic Performance Committee has the right and responsibility to impose sanctions on a student who is not in compliance with ethical, professional behavior, or patient welfare guidelines of the program after following due process guidelines of the program. Sanctions can include dismissal from a course with a grade of “F” and may result in permanent dismissal from the program. The Occupational Therapy Academic Performance committee will determine the re-application status of any student who does not successfully complete the program. Students will receive a grade of either “CR” or “F” on Level II Fieldwork experiences.

A student who does not receive a grade of “CR” on any Level II Fieldwork placement shall be dismissed from the program. A dismissal may be appealed before the Occupational Therapy Academic Performance Committee to determine if repeated or additional coursework could justify readmission. All cases before the O.T. Academic Performance Committee will be reviewed on an individual basis. Students must complete all Level II Fieldwork requirements within 18 months following the completion of occupational therapy content courses.