How to apply:
Applications for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTA), main campus, are being accepted for review until April 1. Please contact Erica Parsley, Program Director for more information at (740) 351-3385 or eparsley@shawnee.edu
Note: We will not be accepting applications for the Dual Enrollment Program at Southern State Community College for the 2025-2026 academic year
1. Apply for Admission to Shawnee State
2. Submit the Health Science Application
3. Send Admissions your high school transcript or GED.
Talk to your high school guidance counselor to have your transcript sent to us by email (admissions@shawnee.edu), by fax (740) 351-3111, or by mail to:
Office of Admission
Shawnee State University
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662-4344
4. Send Admissions your ACT/SAT scores.
If you have a copy of your report, email it to admissions@shawnee.edu. Your high school counselor may also be able to include your ACT/SAT score on your transcript.
Office of Admission
Shawnee State University
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662-4344
You may also contact ACT or College Board to have your scores officially sent to Shawnee State. If you listed Shawnee State at the time that you took your test, you’re good to go. We will receive your scores automatically.
5. Mandatory Admission Criteria:
- Send Admissions your Official College Transcripts (if applicable)
- Must have Algebra, Biology and Chemistry (or other Physical Science course) with grade of 'C' or better (Can be high school or college level courses but most recent grade will be considered)
- Must have ACT composite of at least 18 OR an 18 on the Science portion of the ACT (NOTE: Students must choose the optional Science section on the ACT effective Spring 2025). Equivalent SAT score also accepted
- f ACT requirement is not met, it can be waived with 20 hours of prior college credit with a college GPA of at least a 2.5. At least 10 of these hours must be in courses required for the OTA program (preferably BIOL 1130, STAT 1150, PSCY 1101 and AHNR 1102). *must have a C or better in BIOL 1130
- Complete OTA Program Observation Hours Form (PDF) (20 observation hours required)
- If accepted, attend mandatory OTA orientation
Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
The program accepts an average of 25-30 qualified students per year. The OTA program is 5 semesters in length (2 academic years, including the summer semester the first year). The program curriculum includes general education, technical education and clinical education components.
Need help?
If any questions regarding the application process please contact:
Jenny Lawson
Selective Admissions Specialist
Kricker Hall, Room 227
(740) 351-3187
jlawson2@shawnee.edu