Occupational Therapy FAQ
What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist is a healthcare professional who provides intervention to individuals across the lifespan whose lives have been impacted by physical, psychological, or developmental problems. The therapist designs activities for these individuals to maximize occupational performance in work, self-care, leisure, and other daily occupations. The therapist must have the ability to effectively interact with other people and enjoy creative problem-solving. Employment opportunities are found in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient facilities, mental health programs, private practice, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, industry, and school settings.
What is the difference between an occupational therapist and a physical therapist?
A significant portion of the OT curriculum focuses on psychosocial and cognitive issues as a part of treatment. These areas, as well as physical dysfunction are addressed by occupational therapists through the use of purposeful activity.
Occupational therapists treat individuals with physical and psychosocial dysfunction. Physical therapists focus on exercise as a treatment modality and treat physical dysfunction.
How is the new health care management issue affecting the OT profession?
The health care system is in a constant state of change. All health care professionals are in the process of adapting to meet the changes in the health care delivery system, the market needs and the incorporation of new technology. Due to this constant change it is hard to predict the affect on occupational therapy at any one given point.
What is the salary for an OT?
The salary for starting occupational therapists varies from region to region in the United States. The most current information can be obtained at
stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm.
Do you accept out-of-state residents? How can I establish residency?
The University of Mississippi is a state supported school and, therefore, preference is given to residents of the State of Mississippi. The Office of Student Records and Registrar determine the status of residency. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Registrar’s office directly if you have additional residency questions.
I am in my 50's. Am I too old to apply? Do I have less of a chance to be selected?
The Department of Occupational Therapy of the University of Mississippi Medical Center adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, sex, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. This policy extends to all programs and activities supported by the Medical Center.
Under the provisions of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the University of Mississippi at the Medical Center does not discriminate on the basis of age in its educational programs or activities with respect to admissions or employment.
How many are accepted each year into your program?
Currently, the Department of Occupational Therapy accepts 38 students one time a year. The resources available and the market demand determine the number accepted.
How many applicants receive an interview?
The Admissions Committee of the Department of Occupational Therapy determines the exact number of individuals who are offered an interview. Historically, this has been approximately twice the number of available admission slots.
What is the average GPA accepted into the program?
The average GPA is usually over 3.5. This is based on an average which means there are lower and higher GPAs, however, the range usually is from 3.00 to 4.00.
Does it help to be a COTA when I apply?
Preference is not given to anyone with an associate, baccalaureate or masters degree. Everyone is evaluated based on the prerequisites and their GPAs.
Does it help to get my pre-requisites from a senior college, preferably Ole Miss?
The Department of Occupational Therapy does not distinguish between where the courses are taken. The common number system of the Community Colleges and the Institutions of Higher Learning assures that the content is the same in the courses.
What can I do to improve my chances of being accepted?
Maintaining a high GPA and exploring as many facets of occupational therapy as possible will help initial ranking and performance on the interview.
If I have already graduated from college, can I go back to a junior college to take my prerequisites?
Yes.
I only lack one course in the summer. Can I take it simultaneously with my OT courses if I am accepted?
All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program.
How do I find out if my courses transfer?
The Office of Student Records and Registrar determines the courses that can be transferred. The telephone number is (601) 984-1080.
Does it matter if I take courses out-of-state?
No, as long as they have been taken at an accredited university or college.
How many classes do you accept each year?
The Department of Occupational Therapy accepts one class each year.
I have a family. May one work while attending the OT program?
The faculty of the Department of Occupational Therapy does not recommend that students work while going through the program. The average classroom time is approximately 30 contact hours a week with additional readings and papers required.
Is financial aid available?
The Student Financial Aid Office can supply information only after an individual is accepted into the occupational therapy program. The telephone number is (601) 984-1117. Other sources may be identified through the American Occupational Therapy Association or the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.
Where do I go to observe? Who sets it up?
Observation must be done with either an occupational therapist or a certified occupational therapy assistant. It is up to the individual applicant to set up his or her own observation hours. The documentation forms are included in the application packet sent out from the Office of Student Records and Registrar.
Are there living accommodations available on campus for male students?
The University of Mississippi Medical Center does not have accommodations for students.
Do you require a degree before applying to the OT program?
No.
Do you require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission?
No.
Is financial aid available?
The Student Financial Aid Office can supply information only after an individual is accepted into the occupational therapy program. Their telephone number is (601) 984-1117. Other sources may be identified through the American Occupational Therapy Association
(www.aota.org) or the American Occupational Therapy Foundation
http://(http://aotf.org/).
Is there a waiting list?
No, students who are not accepted for admittance during one enrollment year must submit a new application for any other enrollment year. This includes all forms, documentation and transcripts.
What is the application process?
All applicants must use the online application process. Specified documents must be completed and received by Office of Student Services and Records by the application deadline. The occupational therapy admissions committee reviews all information in completed student applications once received from the Registrar. From the group of completed applications, the most competitive students are invited for an interview. Academic record (prerequisite GPA and overall GPA), and written and verbal communication skills are all considered in the selection of each class.
Are online courses accepted?
Yes. Online courses are accepted as long as they have been taken at an accredited university or college.
When and where may I get an application?
Applications are available online by July 1 of the year preceding enrollment. The application deadline is January 15th. All applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee of $25. Further information may be obtained from the
Office of Student Records and Registrar for admission. Their address is:
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Office of Student Records and Registrar
2500 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39216-4505
Telephone: (601) 984-1080