Pre-Occupational Therapy
In its simplest terms, occupational therapists (OTs) help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).
Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Occupational therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (e.g., workplace, school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.
Admission to OT Programs
The criteria for admission vary from school to school, but usually include academic record (GPA), standardized admissions exam (GRE), letters of recommendation, demonstrated knowledge and commitment to the profession through experience and personal attributes, and in some cases a personal interview.
To be a competitive applicant for OT programs, it is sometimes required that you complete observation hours with a licensed occupational therapist. Many programs require that you observe in multiple settings such as rehab, mental health, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Check individual schools’ websites for program specific observation hour requirements.
Most occupational therapy (OT) programs do not require a specific major, just that you complete an undergraduate degree. Therefore, you may major in almost anything. You should consider a major that you enjoy, in which you will perform well and may serve as a basis for further graduate work or employment should you choose not to apply to or are not admitted to occupational therapy school. Many students will choose to major in Health Sciences (Pre-Occupational Therapy) at UC, as it requires the majority of the courses that will satisfy admissions requirements for OT programs.
- Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL 2001C and 2002C, HLSC 4015C, or BIOL 3020C(F,S) and 3021(F)
- Statistics: STAT 1031 or 1034 or MEDS 3023C
- Medical Terminology: HCMT 1001 or HLSC 2012 or MA 1010 or CLAS 2031
- English: ENGL 1001 and 2089
- *Biology I with lab: BIOL 1081/1081L
- *General Chemistry I with lab: CHEM 1030/1030L
- * Psychology: 3-4 semesters from PSYC 1001, 2040, 2051, 2001C, 2030
- *Sociology or Anthropology: SOC 1001 or ANTH 1001
- *Neuroanatomy or Biopsychology: PSYC 2070 or PSYC 3024 or HLSC 4020
- *Musculoskeletal Anatomy or Kinesiology: HLSC 2021C, HLSC 2022C (online), HLSC 3023C
- *Pharmacology: HLSC 3014
- *Biomechanics: HLSC 3020
- *Healthcare Ethics: HLSC 2011 or HLTH 2011
- *Physics: PHYS 1005C
- Additional requirements may apply, see specific schools for details
*See specific schools for details on which are required, requirements vary by school.
Many, but not all, OT programs require the GRE. Typically, you apply to OT programs before the beginning of your senior year (or a year before you plan to enter), so you should plan to take the exam by the spring or summer after your junior year. The GRE is usually offered five or six days a week and may be taken by appointment at UC Testing Services.
We suggest familiarizing yourself with the GRE early on so that you can plan for the test. Understanding the test can positively affect what you learn in class and how you choose to retain that knowledge. Stretch yourself in general education courses at UC and by reading beyond class requirements. The training will serve you well when you take the GRE.
Most students accepted to an OT program have a GPA of approximately 3.5 or higher. It is particularly important that you perform well in your prerequisite courses (anatomy, physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and stat).
Most programs require two letters of recommendation. One letter should come from a science professor that had you in class, and the other from an occupational therapist that you shadowed.
Nationally: 20% (AOTA, 2022).
Things to Consider Before Going Pre-OT
While a career in the medical field can be a rewarding choice, there are a few things to keep in mind before you pursue the pre-OT route.
- The cost of education and amounts and types of financial aid vary from school to school.
- Since you will likely incur a substantial debt for your OT program, you are strongly encouraged to investigate costs and aid early and adjust finances during your undergraduate education.
- Most applicants are eligible for federal aid.
- If eligible, apply for FAFSA during January of your application cycle, even if you are still awaiting admission decision.
- There are some financial assistance programs for:
For many students, the most difficult task is to acquire the study skills and self-discipline necessary to attain academic excellence. The success of your transition to college level work depends on ability, preparation, motivation, organization, and how well you learn. It is important that you really learn the material, not just memorize it, as it is crucial to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The rigorous curriculum of a pre-occupational therapy student demands tenacity and stamina.
Admission committees look at the "big picture" as they evaluate applicants. They realize that every student does not hit the ground running when they enter college. Admission committees expect an excellent academic record, but may make some allowances for a problem semester, slow start, or rough spot. If academic problems arise, you must bounce back and perform better than ever to show that the problem was an exception, rather than the rule. Use resources such as professor and T.A. office hours and the Learning Commons.
Having a parallel plan or alternative option to an OT program is highly recommended. That plan could include attending a post-bac or graduate program or pursuing a different kind of healthcare career. ExploreHealthCareers.org is a great resource to finding your alternative career path.
How to Get Started
Preparing for admission to professional schools requires careful long-term planning and accurate information. The PPAC specializes in providing students with necessary information and helping them develop good planning skills. Our staff can provide you with help through each step of the way, including course selection, career exploration, time management tips, information on individual schools, admissions test preparation advice, managing letters of recommendation, and ways to get experience in professional settings.
To get started or learn more, register for a Pre-Health Introduction Workshop.