Sign-Up for the UM OT Virtual Open House - November 16th, 2026 from 6 - 6:30 PM

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution required before matriculation.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for both cumulative and prerequisite coursework.

Step 3: Complete Prerequisites

All courses listed below must be taken within 7 years of the projected UM OT program start. In-progress courses are allowed at the time of application. All prerequisite coursework must be completed before matriculation. Applicants who have not yet done so may receive provisional admission, contingent on completing the remaining prerequisites with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

*Course must be taken in-person

Step 4: Gain Clinical Experience

• 20 hours minimum of volunteer/paid experience
  
  
• Must occur in at least two different practice environments
  
  
• Use UM OTD Observation Form to document (click here to download the form as a PDF)
  
  
  • Must be signed by a licensed OT or OTA
  • Must be uploaded to OTCAS by the application deadline

Step 5: Prepare Application Materials

• Obtain an endorsement for three letters of recommendation
  • OTCAS (see Step 6) sends a link to each recipient. The prsopective student only needs to gain persmission from the individual writing the letter of reccoemndation and their email. Do not collect individual letters of reccoemndation. 

Step 7: Await Response from UM OT Admissions

Once you've submitted your application, here's what to expect:

• Priority deadline applicants: Decisions sent by end of December

• All other applicants: Decisions sent by end of January

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us — we're here to help!

Step 8: If Accepted, Apply to the UM Graduate School

If you are accepted to UM OT, then make sure to apply to the University's of Montana's graduate school. This process is different than the ACOTE application (Step 6). All graduate students at the University of Montana must apply. Use the University of Montana Graduate Program page to apply.  

Step 9: Understand UM OT Technology Requirements Prior to Matriculation

Technology Requirements

The University of Montana Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program integrates technology throughout its academic coursework, clinical education, fieldwork, and doctoral capstone experiences. Prospective students should be aware of the technology requirements associated with participation in the program.

Students admitted to the OTD program are expected to have reliable access to a computer, internet connectivity, and the online platforms necessary to complete academic and clinical education requirements. Students must be able to access online course materials, participate in technology-supported learning activities, submit required documentation, and communicate electronically with faculty and program personnel.

The following technology platforms are used throughout the OTD curriculum.

Electronic Clinical Education Management System (EXXAT)

The UM OTD program uses EXXAT, a web-based clinical education management system, to document compliance with Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards, maintain student compliance records, and facilitate fieldwork and doctoral capstone placements.

All OTD students are required to use EXXAT to submit required compliance documentation and participate in the fieldwork and capstone placement processes.

The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) will provide training to assist students in learning to navigate and use the platform.

Virtual Simulated Learning Platform (ClinEdWeb)

The UM OTD program uses ClinEdWeb to supplement in-person coursework through virtual learning experiences and video-based healthcare case studies.

ClinEdWeb supports the development of clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and decision-making skills through simulated healthcare scenarios. Students will participate in these learning activities throughout the OTD curriculum as required by individual courses.

Students will receive login information upon matriculation into the OTD program.

Teaching and Learning Management System (Canvas)

The University of Montana uses Canvas as its online learning management system. OTD faculty use Canvas to distribute course syllabi, instructional materials, assignments, announcements, and course-related communications.

Students are expected to access Canvas daily to review course information, download instructional materials, complete assignments, and participate in required learning activities.

Students are responsible for maintaining access to Canvas and regularly monitoring course communications and requirements.

Canvas Learning Resources

The University of Montana provides the following resources to help students develop the technology skills needed for successful participation in the OTD program:

• UM Passport to Canvas — An introductory course designed to familiarize students with the University of Montana's Canvas learning management system.

• Strategies for Successful Online Learning — A tutorial offering strategies and tools for effective participation in online learning.

• Canvas Student Guides — Instructions for using Canvas features, including submitting assignments, completing quizzes, and communicating with instructors.

Student Technology Responsibilities

To meet the academic and clinical education demands of the OTD program, students are expected to:

• Maintain reliable access to a computer and internet connection sufficient to use required online learning and clinical education platforms.

• Access Canvas regularly and participate in required online instructional activities.

• Use EXXAT to complete required clinical education compliance and placement-related documentation.

• Participate in ClinEdWeb learning activities as assigned throughout the curriculum.

• Maintain access to program-required accounts and electronic communications.

• Develop and maintain the technology skills necessary to complete academic and clinical education responsibilities.

Technology requirements are an integral part of participation in the University of Montana OTD program. Prospective students are encouraged to review these expectations before applying to ensure they understand the technology-related demands of the curriculum.