Fayette, Mo. – Thanks to a new articulation agreement between institutions, occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students at Central Methodist University will now have the chance to be automatically accepted into a doctoral program at Rockhurst University.

“We are so excited to partner with Rockhurst University. This partnership provides our OTA graduates desiring an advanced graduate degree in occupational therapy with a streamlined opportunity,” said Dr. Rebbecca Fenton, OTA program director at CMU. Fenton thanked Rockhurst OT Program Director Lynne Clarke for helping facilitate the partnership.

Per the agreement, Rockhurst will extend automatic acceptance to a maximum of two CMU OTA students who meet the following academic standards:

• Semester grade point average of at least 3.5 and cumulative grade point average from all coursework of at least 3.5

• Cumulative science grade point average from all coursework of at least 3.5

• Letter of intent submitted to the Department of Occupational Therapy Office by June 1 of their junior year with a copy of their official transcript

• Completed occupational therapy application for admission through OTCAS before September 1 of their senior year

• Interview before beginning OTD program

• Achieve a 3.5 grade point average each semester and maintain a 3.5 science and cumulative GPA through the end of their senior year

Applicants who meet the requirements will be reviewed by the Rockhurst OT admissions committee. Students will begin the occupational therapy program upon completion of their bachelor’s degree.

“We can’t be more thrilled,” said Fenton. “Providing our students with one more advantage in building their professional careers is really what it is all about – student first!”