The second step in your application process is applying to the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

What You’ll Need Before Applying

Before you begin, gather the following required information:

• Your contact information and details about your experiences
• OTCAS Personal Statement
• Contact information for three individuals who will provide evaluations (references)
• PDF copy of your JMU Graduate School Application
• Documentation of OT Exposure, including:
  • JMU Exposure to Occupational Therapy Verification Form
  • Virtual Shadowing

How to Complete this Step

Follow these steps to submit your application:

• Visit the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) website.
• Create an account and follow the instructions provided by OTCAS.  
• Complete the General OTCAS Application (this information is accessible to all programs).
• Enter/upload all required information in the My Application section and pay the fee. 
• Submit your OTCAS personal statement and evaluations (references). 
• Complete the Program Specific Component: 
  • Select James Madison University Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program 
  • Upload the following information into the JMU program-specific “Documents” section:
    • PDF copy of your JMU Graduate School Application
    • Contact information for three references supporting your application
    • OT Exposure documentation: submit documentation of Virtual OT Shadowing and/or the JMU Exposure to OT Verification Form

Important Notes

• Your application must be verified by OTCAS by January 10, 2026. Visit OTCAS for more details about verification.

Questions?

• For help with navigating the OTCAS site or completing the general OTCAS application, contact OTCAS directly.
• For questions about JMU-specific requirements, email the JMU OT Program

Final Reminder

Make sure you complete all three steps by the required deadlines.