You should ask for letters of recommendation from a core subject teacher/professor, school counselor, coach/club advisor, or employer. Prioritize those who can meaningfully speak to your academic performance, character, and abilities. 

If you are unsure where to start with this request, you can start with this email template. Be sure to personalize your request and customize any of the wording as needed.

There is also a sample letter below if your recommender asks for one.

Example Request Email

Subject line: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation for OT/OTA Programs

Dear [Name],

I am reaching out to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me as I apply to [Occupational Therapy/Occupational Therapy Assistant] programs. Given our work together during [class, job, internship, etc.], I believe you can speak to my strengths, work ethic, and commitment to the field of healthcare.

I am applying to [University/College and Program Name(s)] with a goal of beginning in [start term/year], and your support would mean a great deal to me. The deadline for submission is [application deadline]. I would be happy to provide any information you may need to assist your recommendation, such as my resume, personal statement, or a summary of my experiences and goals.

Please let me know if you would feel comfortable writing this letter or if there’s any additional information I can provide. I deeply value your perspective and would be honored to have your endorsement.

Thank you very much for your consideration, and I appreciate your time and support.

Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]

Thank you for supporting your student on their journey to occupational therapy school. Your student may have asked you to write a letter of recommendation and below is a sample letter. This sample letter may serve as a useful guide, but please customize your recommendation to your student’s character, experience, expertise, and interests. 

The best recommendation letters emphasize personal experience with the student and the unique points of interaction that lead you to support them as they apply for continued study. The sample provided includes examples of some observations that help tell the story of a student with some common attributes of those interested in OT.

Example Recommendation Letter

[Teacher’s Name] [Title, e.g., Biology Instructor] [School Name] [School Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

Admissions Committee, [Name of College or University] [Occupational Therapy Assistant/Occupational Therapy Program] [College/University Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student’s Full Name] for admission to your Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)/ Occupational Therapy (OT) program. I had the pleasure of teaching [Student’s First Name] in [Course Name, e.g., Human Anatomy and Physiology] at [School Name], and I can say without hesitation that they are one of the most dedicated and capable students I have encountered.

Throughout the course, [Student’s First Name] demonstrated a strong work ethic, genuine curiosity, and a deep interest in science – qualities that are essential for success in a healthcare-related field. [Student’s First Name] consistently submitted high-quality work, participated actively in discussions, and often went beyond the required material to deepen their understanding of course concepts.

What particularly impressed me was [his/her/their] ability to connect academic material to real-world applications. [He/She/They] often expressed a desire to use this knowledge to make a direct and positive impact on others’ lives—a goal perfectly aligned with the values and demands of the occupational therapy profession.

Beyond academic performance, [Student’s First Name] is kind, reliable, and mature. [He/She/They] is/are an excellent communicator and work exceptionally well in team settings—both in the classroom and in lab environments. These interpersonal skills, combined with [his/her/their] strong sense of empathy and commitment to helping others, make [him/her/them] an ideal candidate for a career in occupational therapy.

I have no doubt that [Student’s First Name] will thrive in your program and go on to become a compassionate and capable occupational therapy practitioner. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission and would be happy to provide additional information if needed.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name] [Title, e.g., Biology Instructor] [School Name]