Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
This study explored shifts in occupational therapy applicant characteristics across two distinct time periods: pre- and post-COVID-19, while also describing admissions policy changes implemented by an urban Midwestern Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. Retrospective data from admissions records from 917 applicants (2017 – 2024) were grouped into pre-COVID (2017 – 2020) and post-COVID (2021 – 2024). Academic, pre-professional, interview, and underrepresented minority (URM) status was compared using independent t-tests and chi-square analyses. Cumulative grade point average (GPA) and research experience increased post-pandemic, while pre-professional experience and interview performance declined. The proportion of URM applicants rose significantly from 8.1% pre-COVID to 18.6% post-COVID. These demographic and academic shifts coincided with changes to admissions criteria, most notably, the elimination of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement, reduced observation hour expectations, and a transition to virtual interviews, which likely broadened access and influenced applicant composition. Overall, findings suggest that while certain academic indicators improved, experiential readiness declined, reflecting evolving applicant profiles in the wake of systemic and policy-level changes. As occupational therapy programs continue to refine holistic admissions practices, attention to inclusivity, readiness, and targeted student supports will be critical to ensuring success in the post-pandemic educational landscape.
Biography
Bridget Hahn, OTD, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Admissions at Rush University in Chicago, IL. Dr. Hahn is actively involved in research and teaching, focusing on admissions practices, performance-based assessment, and knowledge translation.
Kajol Patel, OTDS; Jessica Rappaport, OTDS; and Jackie Siegel, OTDS were Doctorate Students at Rush University in Chicago, IL, at the time of the study.
Michelle McFall-Johnsen, BA is the Program Coordinator and Admissions Assistant at Rush University in Chicago, IL.
Kia Ashley Burks, OTD, OTR/L is an instructor and the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator at Rush University in Chicago, IL. Dr. Burks is actively involved in clinical practice, research, mentoring, and teaching. Her work focuses on health equity and DEIJAB practices in OT education.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Hahn, B. J., Patel, K., Siegel, J. A., Rappaport, J., McFall-Johnsen, M., & Burks, K. A. (2026). Recalibrating Readiness: Pandemic Impact on OT Admissions. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 10 (1). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol10/iss1/2
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