How To Apply

Dear Prospective OTA Student: 

We are excited about what our Occupational Therapy Assistants program offers. We hope that you will be a part of it! Please review this application packet carefully so you will understand the application procedure to apply to the OTA program. 

Applications will be taken until May 1, with interviews being held in May. All applicants should be notified in writing, by June 1st of their admission status unless otherwise stated or noted.  

If we can assist you during the application process, please do not hesitate to call us at  601-554-5487 or email us at ota@prcc.edu. 

How to Apply: 

1. Complete the PRCC Admissions Application. Within 3-5 days, you will receive RiverGuide Credentials. 
2. Once you receive your RiverGuide credentials, use them to complete the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Application 
3. *You must eScript (preferred) or mail an official high school/GED transcript and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges to:
   
   Pearl River Community College 
   Office of Admissions 
   101 Hwy 11 North 
   Poplarville, MS 39470
4. Submit your ACT score(s) of 18 or higher. (Applicants who have taken the ACT prior to October 1989 will have their results converted to the Enhanced ACT scores. Example: a score of 15 prior to October 1989 converts to an 18 on the Enhanced ACT scoring scale.) 
5. Click this link to print the Verification of Observation Hours Form – To ensure each applicant has an understanding of the various roles within occupational therapy, we require a minimum of six (6) observation hours in a setting that provides occupational therapy services and have the verification form completed and returned with your application information.

*If you have attended PRCC, please indicate it on your program application. The program administrative assistant will be able to obtain your PRCC transcripts, as it will be available in our Admissions Department. We will also have prompt access to any transcript you have E-scripted. Any information you submit will be confirmed via email. Please email us if you don’t receive confirmation. 

PRCC Applications: You will have the option of saving your application information before submitting. You will be able to return at a later date to complete the application. Once you have completed the information and submitted the application, the application will no longer be available to you. You will receive an email stating that your application has been submitted for the current program application period, along with further information. 

Admission Point Scale 

Admission to the OTA program is competitively based on ACT scores and GPA. Applicants are “ranked” according to an Admission Point Scale. The OTA faculty will compile a list of candidates according to “rank” on the point scale for a personal interview. Only the highest-ranking applicants are interviewed (up to a maximum of 60 individuals). Interview points, in addition to total ranking points, will determine the applicant’s admission into the OTA program. Points granted at the interview will be largely based on: (1) communication skills, including verbal, nonverbal, and writing; (2) general awareness of the field of Occupational Therapy and the role of the OTA; (3) Other positive personal characteristics including a history of community service. 

Program Requirements: 

1. It is required that BIO 1514/1524 or 2514/2524 (Anatomy and Physiology I & II or A & P for Allied Health I & II) be completed prior to starting the OTA program curriculum. It will benefit the student greatly to complete all academic course requirements prior to starting the OTA coursework program. It is required that all students complete both of the above BIO courses prior to their first OTA semester. 
2. All OTA courses (with the OTA prefix) must be passed with a “C” average or better to continue to the next OTA course in the curriculum sequence. 
3. Failure to maintain a “C” average or better in each OTA course following admission to the program will result in dismissal. Students may reapply to the program but are not guaranteed re-admission. 
4. A health examination, including a TB test and drug screening, must be obtained within three (3) months of beginning Level I Fieldwork. A student accepting the Hepatitis B vaccination series should also expect an additional expense. An acceptance or declination of the Hepatitis B vaccination form must also be completed before beginning Level I Fieldwork. Flu shots will be required prior to clinical rotation. 
5. The student will be required to complete two eight-week level II fieldwork clinical rotations. These clinical rotations may be assigned with contracted facilities within or outside of the state of Mississippi to allow the student the most appropriate educational experience. Please know that this may incur an extra expense to the student; please make a note of this additional expense prior to the Level II clinical rotation. 

Attention All Applicants:
All students are required to successfully complete two 8-week (16 weeks total) Level II fieldwork rotations during the last semester of our program. We have many clinical partnerships within a 100-mile radius of our school, but in some instances, students may be required to travel a further distance for at least one of those rotations. Grace is given to anyone who has a child or other caregiver obligations, and all fieldwork placements are carefully considered and chosen based on the expertise of faculty. 

Application Notes:
 If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of submitting your program application, please contact us via e-mail or phone for application confirmation status. You may need to also contact us sometime in late March or early April as the application deadline is May 1. Please contact us at ota@prcc.edu with any questions. Applications will be accepted through May 1. Only your coursework on your transcript(s) before May 1 will be used to compute your GPA for determining your interview status. The applicant will be responsible for completing the online PRCC Admissions Application. You also complete the OTA Online Application and submit required forms to the OTA department no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 1.  

Please send a copy of your ACT scores; if you only took it in high school, it should be on your H/S transcript, an official copy of your high school transcript or GED transcript, and college transcript(s) from every college you have attended to the PRCC Admissions address listed on this page*. E-script (electronic mail) is the most efficient manner to submit your transcript(s) if this option is available at the educational institution you attended classes. Most high schools do not E-Script at this time.