Professional Program Admissions

• Specific pre-requisite coursework is not required. In-progress bachelor's degree or a conferred bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university/college is required.
• Applicants are evaluated based upon undergraduate cumulative GPA, application essay, and an invited interview.
• Undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0; preferred GPA of 3.2 or higher.
• An undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is not required by our program.  
• Optional: Submission of GRE score report is optional and can be used to enhance your application.
• Applications are reviewed on a periodic basis, and the deadline to apply is January 15th.

All applicants for admission must submit or be responsible for the submission of the following:

• A completed application through the centralized application service, CSDCAS.
• Final official transcripts  sent directly to CSDCAS from all previously attended undergraduate,
  • professional, and graduate institutions
  • If opting to submit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report (taken within five years of the date of application), send report directly to CSDCAS using code 4997, which is the NSU Audiology CSDCAS GRE code.
  All coursework from international institution(s) if applicant attended or is a graduate of any of international institution(s). An applicant is responsible for contacting one of the evaluation services listed below. An official course-by-course evaluation must be sent directly from the evaluation service to CSDCAS.
   
  • Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
    International Education Consultants
    7101 SW 102nd Avenue
    Miami, FL 33173
    Phone: (305) 273-1616
    Fax: (305) 273-1338 

    Email: info@jsilny.org 

    Website: www.jsilny.org
  • Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
    P.O. Box  415070
    Milwaukee, WI 53203
    (414) 289-3400
    Website:  https://www.ece.org/ECE
  • World Education Services, Inc.
    Bowling Green Station
    P.O. Box 5087
    New York, NY 10274-5087
    (212) 966-6311
  Website:  https://www.wes.org/

   

Applicants must also obtain an I-20 and be a full-time degree-seeking student.

For additional information, contact the  NSU Office of International Students and Scholars at (954) 262-7240. Students are responsible for all housing and financial arrangements in advance of registration.

The audiology committee on admissions will not consider an application until all required fees, credentials, transcripts, recommendations, and test scores have been received. The deadline to apply is January 15.

The CSDCAS application help center can be found  here.

• 3.5 or higher grade point average (GPA) or GRE scores taken within the past five years.
• Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Transcripts from all schools attended or agency evaluation of foreign degree
• $50 nonrefundable application fee (USD)
• Statement of 500+ words explaining your interest in the program and your goals
• Sample of your academic writing (academic paper or professional)
• Three letters of recommendation, academic or professional
• Resume or curriculum vitae

To apply, you must have—or be in the process of completing—a master’s degree. And you must possess a master's degree from a licensing degree before you can begin doctoral studies.

A Note about Deadlines

Due to the competitive application pool, it is recommended that you start your application process at least 1-2 months prior to the deadline dates. The Office of Admissions processes applications on a year-round basis.

• Priority application deadline for Fall/August admission: January 15
• Late application deadline for Fall/August admission: June 30 (based on seat availability)

Ready for the Next Step?

1. Complete the online application form and pay the $50 nonrefundable fee. If you're a first time user, be sure to to create a Graduate Account to begin.
2. Request your transcripts. Request transcripts from all schools attended and/or agency evaluation of foreign degree be mailed to the address below or sent electronically to electronictranscript@nova.edu.
3. Submit GRE scores.*

   GRE scores* are not required if you have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. If you have less than a 3.5 GPA, a total score of 300 or higher on the combined verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE taken within the past five years is required.

   Please have your official scores sent to the mailing address below.

   *International students should submit TOEFL scores, if applicable. Visit Requirements for Obtaining a 1-20 for more information.

4. Write a statement of interest. Please briefly explain (500-word minimum) why you are interested in the program for which you are applying, as well as your professional goals, your assessment of your abilities to manage the challenges of graduate school, and any other information you would like to provide.
5. Send a sample of academic or professional writing. Choose your best piece of professional writing and send it to the address below.
6. Request three letters of recommendation. Provide three academic or professional letters of recommendation, written in the past year and sent to the address below.
7. Send in a resume or curriculum vitae. Please send to the email address below

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program selects students based on a number of admission requirements, as described below, as well as an interview for qualified candidates.

Please note that the GRE is not required.

All applicants must:

1. Complete an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for the last two years of study.
3. Applicants must have a grade of 2.0 (C) or better in all prerequisite courses and a combined GPA of 3.0 or better in all pre-requisite coursework, including post-baccalaureate courses.

   COURSE PREREQUISITE NAME/SUBJECT	SEMESTER HOURS	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   Human Anatomy and Physiology  or  Human Anatomy AND Human Physiology	4-8	Human Anatomy & Physiology now requires a lab for a total of 4 credits. If enrolled in separate anatomy and physiology courses, 8 semester hours will be required.
   Psychology	6
   Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology	3	Must be from birth through aging.
   Other Social Sciences	3
   English Composition	6	Writing courses or literature courses can fulfill this requirement
   Other Humanities	6
   Mathematics	3	Statistics or any other math course college algebra or higher.
   Medical Terminology	1-3

4. Observation Hours: Though we do not require observation hours, we encourage prospective applicants to have exposure to and familiarity with the profession of occupational therapy and the various populations with which OTs work, so that they are prepared to effectively articulate their interest in the field. This can be achieved by shadowing OTs, research and readings, prior occupational therapy college coursework, or personal experience.
5. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores (If applicable)

Still have courses or requirements in progress? 

Prospective students who have not yet met all admissions requirements can apply and may be reviewed pending completion of some of these requirements. Individuals in this situation must have no more than two prerequisite courses in progress during the Spring semester and must be in compliance with all other admissions requirements at the time of application. Additionally, all outstanding coursework must be completed with acceptable academic standards prior to the start of the Summer semester.

Throughout the program, students must have access to and demonstrate proficiency in computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. It is recommended that students have coursework or self-study to meet these requirements.

Additional Information

If you have any questions about NSU's entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program or application process, please email pchcsinfo@nova.edu. 

Nova Southeastern University participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, known as  OTCAS. OTCAS may take up to six weeks verifying supporting documents. Therefore, early application is highly recommended.

Note: NSU’s O.T.D. program uses a rolling admissions model where applicants are reviewed in the order that their completed application packets and supporting documents are received. As a result, applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early in the application cycle as reasonable.

• OTCAS Application 
  • Nova Southeastern University participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, known as  OTCAS. OTCAS may take up to six weeks verifying supporting documents. Therefore, early application is highly recommended.
• Interview
  
  • Upon receipt of the verified application packet from OTCAS, the Committee on Admissions will review the applicant's file and select applicants for an interview. Those selected will be notified in writing with details regarding the interview process. An invitation to interview should not be construed by the applicant as evidence of acceptance. Notice of acceptance or other action by the Committee on Admissions will be on a "rolling" or periodic schedule. 
• Character Review/Early Determination
  • Graduates of the Nova Southeastern University entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program are eligible to apply to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Board Exam ® (NBCOT). Applicants should be aware that a character review is part of the certification process.  Prospective or enrolled students who have a disciplinary record with law enforcement are encouraged to utilize the Early Determination review to learn if they will be eligible to sit for the exam once they have completed all other eligibility requirements. Please go to NBCOT Early Determination Review for more information on how to request a review. A felony conviction/charge may affect a  graduate’s eligibility to sit for the NBCOT exam and/or apply for state licensure. 

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program selects students based on a number of admission requirements, as described below, as well as an asynchronous interview completed by all applicants via the Kira Assessments platform.

Please note that the GRE is not required.

All applicants must:

1. Complete an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for the last two years of study.
3. Applicants must have a grade of 2.0 (C) or better in all prerequisite courses and a combined GPA of 3.0 or better in all pre-requisite coursework, including post-baccalaureate courses.

   COURSE PREREQUISITE NAME/SUBJECT	SEMESTER HOURS	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   Human Anatomy and Physiology  or  Human Anatomy AND Human Physiology	4-8	Human Anatomy & Physiology now requires a lab for a total of 4 credits. If enrolled in separate anatomy and physiology courses, 8 semester hours will be required.
   Psychology	6
   Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology	3	Must be from birth through aging.
   Other Social Sciences	3
   English Composition	6	Writing courses or literature courses can fulfill this requirement
   Other Humanities	6
   Mathematics	3	Statistics or any other math course college algebra or higher.
   Medical Terminology	1-3

    

4. Observation Hours: Though we do not require observation hours, we encourage prospective applicants to have exposure to and familiarity with the profession of occupational therapy and the various populations with which OTs work, so that they are prepared to effectively articulate their interest in the field. This can be achieved by shadowing OTs, research and readings, prior occupational therapy college coursework, or personal experience.
5. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores (If applicable)

    

Still have courses or requirements in progress? 

Prospective students who have not yet met all admissions requirements can apply and may be reviewed pending completion of some of these requirements. Individuals in this situation must have no more than two prerequisite courses in progress during the Spring semester and must be in compliance with all other admissions requirements at the time of application. Additionally, all outstanding coursework must be completed with acceptable academic standards prior to the start of the Summer semester.

Throughout the program, students must have access to and demonstrate proficiency in computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. It is recommended that students have coursework or self-study to meet these requirements.

Additional Information

If you have any questions about NSU's entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) program or application process, please contact:

Jason Barshay at (813) 574-5286 or barshay@nova.edu 

• OTCAS Application 
  • Nova Southeastern University participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, known as OTCAS. OTCAS may take up to six weeks verifying supporting documents. Therefore, early application is highly recommended.
• Interview
  
  • The NSU TBRC OTD program conducts the interview portion of the application process through the Kira Assessments platform. This platform supports a virtual interview, whereby applicants record their responses to questions. All applicants are required to record their Kira Assessment as part of their completed OTCAS application.
• Decision Timeline
  
  • Verified OTCAS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the application cycle with decisions typically released mid-month.
• If Accepted into the O.T.D. Program
  
  • If accepted into the program, you will receive a phone call followed by an official offer letter via email. This letter will include an Intent to Enroll (ITE) form which must be completed and returned to NSU. Additionally, you will have six weeks from the date of your acceptance letter to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1,000.
• Character Review/Early Determination
  • Graduates of the Nova Southeastern University entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program are eligible to apply to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Board Exam ® (NBCOT). Applicants should be aware that a character review is part of the certification process. Prospective or enrolled students who have a disciplinary record with law enforcement are encouraged to utilize the Early Determination review to learn if they will be eligible to sit for the exam once they have completed all other eligibility requirements. Please go to NBCOT Early Determination Reviewfor more information on how to request a review. A felony conviction/charge may affect a graduate’s eligibility to sit for the NBCOT exam and/or apply for state licensure.

The occupational therapy doctoral programs select students based on cumulative GPA, and potential for success in the program.

1. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in occupational therapy from a regionally accredited college or university or internationally recognized university or university and be eligible to practice within one year of initiating the program. If applicant's bachelor's degree is in occupational therapy, the applicant must have a master's degree which may be in any field or 30 graduate credits. International applicants must present the equivalent of a bachelor's degree and evidence of successful completion of an O.T., educational program approved by WFOT. All foreign course work must be evaluated by World Education Services, Inc., Josef Silny and Associates or Educational Credential Evaluators.

2. Minimum Requirements:

   • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

3. International applicants also must take the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and obtain a score of 550 or higher for written or 213 or higher for the computer-based test.

4. All students will be required to have a computer that meets the recommended minimum specifications

The dean is empowered to evaluate the total qualifications of every applicant and to modify requirements in unusual circumstances.

1. A completed application along with a $50 non-refundable application fee and a letter of application. Notice of acceptance or other action by the Committee on Admissions will be on a "rolling" or periodic schedule for fall, winter, and summer semester start. Early completion of the application is therefore in the best interest of the student.

   Semester Start	Application Deadline	Classes Begin
   Winter 2025	Dec. 10, 2024	Jan. 6, 2025
   Summer 2025	April 21, 2025	May 12, 2025
   Fall 2025	August 10, 2025	August 18, 2025

2. Resume or CV
3. Test of English as a Foreign language Examination (TOEFL) scores or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores (foreign applicants only).
4. Official transcripts from all undergraduate, professional and graduate institutions attended sent directly from the institution.
5. Undergraduate and graduate course work taken at a foreign institution must be evaluated for U.S. institution equivalence by one of the three services listed below. It is the applicant's responsibility to have this course work evaluated, and an official evaluation must be sent to NSU. You should contact:
   
   
   • World Education Services, Inc.
     P. O. Box 5087
     Bowling Green Station
     New York, NY 10274-5087
     (212) 966-6311
     www.wes.org
   • Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
     P.O. Box 415070
     Milwaukee, WI 53203
     (414) 289-3400
     www.ece.org
6. Confirmation of initial certification, or eligibility for certification, by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). (Candidates without occupational therapy certification must complete all courses required to take the national certification examination and take the exam within one year of beginning the program. International students must present their country of residence’s equivalent documentation.)

Upon receipt of the completed application and required credentials, the Committee on Admissions will notify, in writing, applicants who are selected for interview. Interviews may be conducted by telephone for applicants to the distance doctoral programs. No applicant will be admitted to the Occupational Therapy Program without an interview, but an invitation to appear for an interview should not be construed by the applicant as evidence of acceptance. 

For more information, please contact Rebecca Johnson, Assistant Director Graduate Admissions (954) 262-1111 or rjohnso2@nova.edu

To be considered for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, earned by the May 2026 program start date
• Minimum 3.0 Science + Movement Science GPA
• Minimum 3.0 Prerequisite GPA
• Grade of C or better in each of the 11 prerequisite courses Prerequisites 
  • May have up to three incomplete or in progress courses at time of application submission 
• Official GRE scores (verbal, quantitative & analytical)
  • Must be taken between 12/2/2020 and 12/2/2025
  • No minimum score is required
  • Applicants with an earned Master's degree or higher are not required to have a GRE score
• Official Test of English (TOEFL) for international students, where the course of study was not in English
• Important Notes:
  • NSU uses the highest grade earned in GPA calculations if a course was repeated.
  • The PTCAS Applicant Help Center provides information about course subject categories and what constitutes as Science and Movement Science coursework for Transcript Entry.
  • We do not accept nor apply transfer credits toward the DPT degree 

The Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Nova Southeastern University participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) for admission. The PTCAS may take up to 6 weeks for verifying supporting documents. Therefore, early application is highly recommended. 

To apply, follow the steps below:

1. Complete the online PTCAS application between June 17 and December 15 
2. All official transcripts must be sent to PTCAS electronically or via mail at the address below:
   
   • PTCAS Transcript Processing Center
     P.O. Box 9112
     Watertown, MA 02471
3. All official GRE scores must be sent to PTCAS utilizing the NSU school code of 7741

The Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program wholistically reviews applicants based on a number of criteria including grade point average (GPA), prior academic performance, work experience, interview, and completed application. The general requirements include:

1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. A minimum of 3.0 prerequisite grade point average (GPA) on a four-point scale.*
3. A minimum of 3.0 science and movement science, grade point average (GPA) on a four-point scale.*
4. A grade of C or better in each of the following prerequisite courses:
   
   Note: Applied sciences are not acceptable for admission. Prospective students who have not yet completed all pre-requisite coursework can apply as long as they will have no more than two pre-requisite courses in progress during the semester prior to the program’s Fall start and as long as they are in compliance with all other admissions requirements. Additionally, all pre-requisite coursework must be completed with acceptable academic standards before the program’s start in order to avoid an applicant being disqualified.
   

   Prerequisites	Credits
   Psychology/Sociology	6 credits (one general psychology and an additional psychology or sociology)
   Statistics	3 credits
   Biology	7 credits (4 credits biology with lab and 3 credits additional biology course)
   Human Anatomy and Physiology	8 credits with labs (anatomy and physiology may be combined or separate)
   Chemistry with lab	8 credits
   Physics with lab	8 credits

    

5. GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores from the ETS (Educational Testing Service) no later than December 15, 2025. (Last day to exam and receive scores by 12/15 would be 12/2). The Admissions Committee will not consider the application until the official GRE scores are received.  
   • GRE scores must be no more than 5 years old.
   • Applicants with an earned master's degree or higher are not required to have a GRE for consideration.
   • Both the GRE General Test and the GRE revised General Test will be accepted.
   • There is no required minimum GRE score. The GRE is considered along with all other application requirements including GPA, volunteer experience, educational maturity, and the interview.
   • Scores should be sent to PTCAS using the PTCAS GRE code for Nova Southeastern University - 7741.
6. An understanding of the profession of physical therapy and current issues being addressed by the American Physical Therapy Association (www.APTA.org) 
7. Exposure to and/or understanding of physical therapy practice settings such as outpatient, acute care, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and specialty practice settings.
8. Official Test of English** (TOEFL) for international students, where the course of study was not in English

* As calculated by NSU’s admissions office

** The scores required on the TOEFL are 550 on the written examination, 213 on the computer-based examination, or 79 on the Internet-based examination. Students may also submit an IELTS score of 6.

Throughout the program, students must use computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. It is recommended that students have coursework or self-study to meet these needs. Also, students should have a working knowledge of medical terminology.

Additional Information

Upon review of a student’s individual record, the Committee on Admissions may require additional coursework and/or testing as a condition of acceptance. No prior graduate credits can be transferred or counted toward the DPT degree.

Inquiries should be directed to:

Jason Barshay
Senior Associate Director, Graduate Admissions
NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus
(813) 574-5286
barshay@nova.edu

The Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Nova Southeastern University - Tampa Bay participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) for admission. The PTCAS may take up to 6 weeks to verify your application and supporting documents. Therefore, early application is highly recommended.

• For complete application information, including a list of acceptable references, please visit the NSU-Tampa Bay DPT PTCAS profile 
• To begin the application process, please visit the PTCAS application for the Tampa Bay Program 

If you have any questions regarding your application, please email Danielle White at dw1396@nova.edu.

Once NSU receives the PTCAS application and your GRE scores your file will be reviewed by our admissions counselor. Upon confirmation that the application is complete, and the applicant meets the minimum admission requirements, the application will be sent to the Committee on Admissions for review.  

IMPORTANT DATES

• Completed admission application packet
• Official transcripts indicating conferral of a master’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (minimum 3.2 grade point average required)
• Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
• Copy of current vitae/resume which includes work experience of at least three years (cumulative) as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) - Applicants with less than three years of experience will be considered under the provision that they are employed during their enrollment in the program.
• Valid documentation of the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and a copy of current state SLP licensure - OR - Provide proof of the accepted credential in the country of practice -Applicants that are in process of completing their CF during the admissions cycle will be considered; however, these students will be under the provision that they must obtain the CCC-SLP or equivalent credential during the first year of admittance in the program.
• Applicant interview

FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS

Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to demonstrate English proficiency. The standardized tests listed below satisfy the university's English requirement for non-native English speakers. Test results must be sent directly from the testing agency to NSU's Enrollment Processing Services (EPS):

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Score of 213 on the computer-based test or 79-80 on the Internet-based test
• International English Testing System (IELTS): Score of 6.0 on the test module
• Pearson Test of English – Academic: Score of 54
• American College Test (ACT): Minimum score of 20 on the verbal section

Proof of English language competency can also be in the form of a degree at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS

International students living in the United States must present verification of student visa or residency status.

(updated: 7.6.2023)

Please note that NSU reserves the right to rescind or place conditions upon admissions offers should information become available that calls into question an admitted student’s academic performance or character, including that which reflects a violation of NSU’s Code of Student Conduct.

Family Therapy Programs

Transfer students must meet the program admissions criteria. The courses that may be transferred into the program will be determined on a case-by-case basis and must be deemed comparable in level, content, and rigor to those within the D.M.F.T. program.

Foreign nationals who reside outside the United States at the time of application and whose native language is not English must present evidence of proficiency in English by satisfactorily completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Score requirements are as follows: minimum paper score = 550; minimum computerized score = 213; minimum Internet score = 79. A score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (ILETS) exam is accepted in lieu of the TOEFL.

For a full list of English proficiency tests that are accepted by the university, please visit International Students. Test scores must be submitted to the admissions office. For a TOEFL application information, visit the website at TOEFL or write to:

TOEFL
Educational Testing Services
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
(609) 771-7100

Applicants who have attended foreign universities or colleges are required to have their academic credentials evaluated for U.S. institutional equivalence. While there are several credential evaluators, the most widely used companies are listed below, or visit NACES.

World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, New York 10113-0745
(212) 966-6311
www.wes.org

Josef Silny & Associates
7101 SW 102nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33173
(305) 273-1616
www.jsilny.org

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53203-3470
(414) 289-3400
www.ece.org

International students are encouraged to contact the Office of International Student Services at (954) 262-7240 or 866-298-6319, ext. 27240, or by emailing International Students or visiting the International Students web page.

Resident Alien students are required to submit a copy of their Resident Alien card.

The Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine is pledged to the admission and matriculation of qualified students and wishes to acknowledge awareness of laws that prohibit discrimination against anyone on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, non-disqualifying disability, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, military service, veteran status, or political beliefs or affiliations. Regarding those students with verifiable disabilities, the university and College of Osteopathic Medicine will not discriminate against such individuals who are otherwise qualified but will expect applicants and students to meet certain minimal technical standards (core performance standards) as set forth herein, with or without reasonable accommodation.

In adopting these standards, the university and College of Osteopathic Medicine believe it must keep in mind the efficacy and safety in the learning environment, as well as the ultimate safety of the patients who some of its graduates will eventually serve. Specifically, the standards reflect what the university and College of Osteopathic Medicine believe are reasonable expectations required of future osteopathic physicians in performing common functions. Any exceptions to such standards must be approved by the dean of College of Osteopathic Medicine based upon appropriate circumstances.

Honor and integrity are essential and depend on the exemplary behavior of the individuals in their relations with classmates, patients, faculty members, and colleagues. This includes accountability to oneself and to relationships with fellow students, future colleagues, faculty members, and patients who come under the student’s care or contribute to the student’s training and growth, as well as members of the general public. This applies to personal conduct that reflects on the student’s honesty and integrity in both academic and nonacademic settings, whether or not involving an NSU-sponsored activity. All students must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. Upon accepting admission to NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, each student subscribes to, and pledges complete observance to, NSU’s Student Code of Conduct Policies. A violation of these standards is an abuse of the trust placed in every student and could lead to suspension or dismissal.

Students in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program must have, with or without reasonable accommodation, multiple abilities and skills including intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities; interpersonal communication; mobility and strength; motor skills; and hearing, visual, tactile, behavioral, and social attributes. Students must be able to perform these abilities and skills in a reasonably independent manner. Osteopathic physicians must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. In order to carry out the activities described below, students in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program at College of Osteopathic Medicine must be able to integrate consistently, quickly, and accurately all information received. They must also have the ability to learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data.

Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Qualitative Abilities

Students must have critical thinking ability sufficient for problem solving and good clinical judgment. This is necessary to identify cause/effect relationships and to develop plans of action or plans of care. In addition, students should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures. Students are expected to be able to perform multiple tasks in a diverse, dynamic, highly competitive, and challenging learning environment. They must be able to think quickly and accurately in an organized manner, despite environmental distractions. Examples include, but are not limited to, identification of cause/effect relationships in clinical situations, development of treatment plans, transferring knowledge from one situation to another, evaluating outcomes, problem solving, prioritizing, and using short- and long-term memory.

Interpersonal Communication

Students must be able to interact and communicate effectively with respect to policies, protocols, and process—with faculty and staff members, students, patients, patient surrogates, and administration—during the student’s educational program. They must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech, but also reading and writing. Students must also be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in all written forms with all members of the health care team. They must have interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

Students must have sufficient proficiency with English to retrieve information from texts and lectures and communicate concepts on written exams and patient charts; elicit patient backgrounds; describe patient changes in moods, activity, and posture; and coordinate patient care with all members of the health care team. Students must be able to communicate or provide communication in lay language so that patients and their families can understand the patient’s conditions, treatment options, and instructions. Students must be able to accurately enter information in the patient’s electronic health record, according to each program’s requirements.

Motor Skills

Osteopathic medicine students must have sufficient motor function to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of some health care professionals are cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), administration of intravenous medication, the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, and the ability to calibrate and use various pieces of equipment. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.

Strength and Mobility

Students must have sufficient mobility to attend emergency codes and to perform such maneuvers as CPR when required. They must have the physical ability to move sufficiently from room to room and to maneuver in small places. Osteopathic medicine students must have the ability to position patients for the administration and delivery of osteopathic manipulative treatment in a variety of settings and to position and move patients when required.

Hearing

Students must have sufficient auditory ability to monitor and assess auditory communication, when necessary. Osteopathic medicine students must be able to hear information given by the patient in answer to inquires; to hear cries for help; to hear features in an examination, such as the auscultatory sounds; and to monitor equipment.

Visual

Osteopathic medicine students must have visual ability sufficient for observation, assessment, and rendering of treatment necessary in patient care. It must be consistent in many cases with being able to assess asymmetry, range of motion, and tissue texture changes. Osteopathic medicine students must have sufficient visual ability to use ophthalmologic instruments. It is necessary to have adequate visual capabilities for proper evaluation and treatment integration. Students must be able to observe the patient and the patient’s responses, including body language and features of the examination and treatment.

Tactile

Osteopathic medicine students must have sufficient tactile ability for physical assessment. They must be able to perform palpation and functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention. Osteopathic medicine students must be able to use tactile senses to diagnose directly by palpation and indirectly by sensations transmitted through instruments.

Sensory

Osteopathic medicine students are required to have an enhanced ability to use their sensory skills. These enhanced tactile and proprioceptive sensory skills are essential for appropriate osteopathic evaluation and treatment of patients.

If you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email invitation from the Health Professions Admissions Office. A confirmation email will provide an agenda and other important information. Local travel, overnight accommodations information, parking, and other details can be found on the interview website. Please be sure to inform the office about any special dietary needs for the day. Applicants may view their status at any time on the NSU Self-Service Banner (WebSTAR).

Interview Day

• The candidate experience is a full day and includes:
• Meeting the NSU College of Osteopathic admissions counselor
• Information regarding the admissions committee decision process
• Overview presentation of the curriculum, facilities, and student support
• Private interview with a small team of faculty members
• Tour of the medical college facility by students ambassadors
• Experience NSU as a student (activities vary)
• Interactive lunch session
• Q&A with the dean of NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Campus bus tour (optional)

Need to check on your application file? Call Enrollment Processing Services at 1-877-640-0218 or email us.