Occupational Therapy Program FAQ

A: First and foremost, we are training clinicians. The OT Program at UW-Madison is unique in that it places a strong emphasis on both clinical practice and research. Upon graduating, students are well prepared to scrutinize evidence, and make decisions in practice based on the strongest evidence available. Students are also prepared to provide evidence-based clinical interventions, in addition to learning about considerations in practice through additional coursework, hands-on experience in research and clinical labs, and extensive program opportunities.

A: One of the curricular values of the new entry-level OTD Program is culturally responsive care. All coursework and research labs will incorporate this value. Students will have the opportunity to engage in research and learning opportunities focused on culturally responsive care, equity and social justice. Fieldwork and learning opportunities are available in traditional settings, and in community-based sites. Many of the community-based sites especially include opportunities to work with clients with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

A: UW-Madison is able to offer a very strong PhD opportunity in Occupational Science. Entry-level OTD students will have the opportunity to engage in a PhD that can be completed sequentially if acceptance into a research lab for a PhD opportunity is determined. We also have scholarship funding available for students who are interested in this opportunity. Please reach out to Karla Ausderau (kausderau@wisc.edu) with any questions.

A: GRE and MCAT are not required.

A: Upon receiving the Kira Talent Invitation, applicants are asked to complete the assessment within two weeks of receiving the invitation. We expect that a number of applicants will complete the assessment after November 15th.

A: No. Letters of Recommendation should be included in the OTCAS application only.
Please visit the following webpage for details: https://kinesiology.education.wisc.edu/elotd/apply/#application-instructions

A: In the past, roughly 50-60% of the applicants offered admission had research experience. While research experience can be very strong, there are additional factors that also contribute to the strength of an application.

A: The Kira Talent Assessment is the only interview included in the admission process.

A: You are welcome to explore the Kira Talent website: https://www.kiratalent.com/
After receiving the invitation to complete the Kira Assessment, you will have the opportunity to participate in a welcome session, and practice questions, to prepare for the assessment.

A: We do practice rolling admission. We begin reviews anytime after October 1st. It is possible that an applicant might receive an offer of admission before November 15th, however the Admissions Committee completes the majority of application reviews during winter break. The Admissions Committee will not fill the class until all of the applications have been reviewed.

A: There is no set timeline for this process. The Admissions Committee will complete the majority of application reviews over winter break, but application reviews still can occur in February or March as well. The Admissions Committee will attempt to provide all applicants with a decision (accepted/not accepted/wait list) by mid-March.

A: Within OTCAS, there is a response to a conflict question that is required. Here is what to expect:

OTCAS CONFLICT QUESTION (Limit 2000 Characters):

Describe an interpersonal conflict in which you were involved during the past year or two. An interpersonal conflict is a situation in which you and others experienced discord and disagreement with each other due to differences in perceptions and opinions related to the conflict area. The conflict could be one that occurred in school, work, family life, or recreation. The conflict should not be an internal conflict that you alone experienced. Please address the following:

• Describe the conflict and how it came to occur.
• Describe individual emotions, needs, and desires each person had regarding the conflict and its outcome (including your own).
• Describe how you knowingly or unknowingly contributed to the conflict.
• Describe whether a resolution was achieved and how the resolution was generated.
• Describe the conflict outcome.

A: Please begin by visiting the following webpage, and explore the “Lifespan Development (6 credits) Tab”: https://kinesiology.education.wisc.edu/elotd/apply/#prerequisite-coursework
Two courses must be completed. This can include one course that highlights child development and one additional course that highlights adolescent through adult development. If your educational institution offers only one course that highlights the entire lifespan (for example: Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Development-3 credits) you will still need to complete an additional course highlighting a segment of the lifespan. Potential options could include: Infant Development, Child Development/Psychology, Adolescent Development/Psychology, Aging, Educational Psychology, Learning & Development, Motor Development. Please contact the admissions coordinator (OTadmissions@education.wisc.edu) with any questions.

A: The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is a new program, with a new funding structure. With the change in funding structure, entry-level OTD students will not be eligible for traditional TA/RA/PA positions on campus. However, new scholarships have been developed within the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, in addition to opportunities to receive compensation for leadership in teaching or research within the Occupational Therapy Program.

A: Yes! The majority of the department scholarships are open to all students. Please visit the following webpage for details: https://kinesiology.education.wisc.edu/elotd/ot-tuition-and-financial-aid/

A: The credit load per semester, for the entry-level OTD Program, is very demanding. Students will be encouraged to determine the amount of time needed for course participation and research engagement, before determining if they are able to add additional responsibilities to their schedule.

A: Incoming students will be notified about awards starting in mid-March.

A: Regarding the experiential requirement, any opportunity to observe, volunteer, or work, in at least two different settings with individuals with special needs will satisfy this requirement. The experience does not need to take place with an Occupational Therapist, however, if possible, it is a good idea to gather some experience (shadowing or other) with Occupational Therapists, to make sure the career is a good fit for you.

A: There is a fee included with the OTCAS application, and the UW-Madison Graduate School Application. There are some opportunities for fee waivers/fee grants available.

For OTCAS, visit: https://help.liaisonedu.com/OTCAS_Applicant_Help_Center/Starting_Your_OTCAS_Application/Getting_Started_with_Your_OTCAS_Application/03_Application_Fees

For the UW-Madison Graduate School Application, visit:

https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/fee-grant/

A: The Doctoral Capstone will be an opportunity for OTD students to advance their ability to lead and contribute to the profession of occupational therapy. The doctoral capstone will include both an independent capstone project, and a 14-week full-time capstone experience. Via the doctoral capstone, our program will adhere to the ACOTE (2018) Standards which identify that the experience will provide an in-depth exposure to one of the following areas: leadership, clinical practice skills, education, research skills, advocacy, administration, theory development, program and policy development.

Coursework and faculty support will be provided for students as they develop a connection with a capstone site.