Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OT) specialize in:

Designing customized treatment programs to improve a patient's ability to perform daily activities
Evaluating home and job sites with adaptation recommendations
Assessing performance skills and devising treatments
Recommending adaptive equipment and training patients on usage
Providing guidance to family members and caregivers

Degree Programs

In order to become an OT, you must graduate from an accredited OT master’s or doctoral program, complete Level I and Level II fieldwork requirements, pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification examination and apply for a license.

Both master's and doctoral degree programs prepare students to become entry-level practitioners, but doctoral students take additional coursework and complete a 16-week experiential component and culminating project. Graduates of both programs practice as generalists. OTs who wish to specialize may enroll in post-professional programs.

For more information, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) FAQ on OT Education and Career Planning.

Course Prerequisites

You should refer to individual schools to ensure that you have satisfied their prerequisites before applying. Prerequisite coursework varies significantly across occupational therapy programs, but may include coursework similar to this list.

Biology 1 & 2 (BISC 1111, BISC 1112)
Anatomy & Physiology 1 (EXNS 1110, fall)
Anatomy & Physiology 2 (EXNS 1111, spring)
Statistics (STAT 1051, 1053, 1111, or 1127; for Public Health Students only: PUBH 2142)
Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 2011)

Medical Terminology (EXNS 1113)
Bioethics (3 hours)
Sociology (SOC 1001 or SOC 1002)
Sociocultural Anthropology (ANTH 1002)

Application Requirements

Testing

Most schools require students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The exam is offered year-round at computer-based testing sites across the country.

GPA and Extracurricular Experience

Competitive applicants to occupational therapy programs typically have at least a 3.2 overall undergraduate GPA and strong GRE scores. Some programs will require a minimum of a “C” grade in all prerequisite coursework. In addition, some programs require that students have observation or volunteer experience prior to applying. Even if schools do not require clinical experience, having exposure to the field will make you a more competitive candidate. For more information, see AOTA’s Common Occupational Therapy Program Formats and Admissions Criteria.

Application Process

The Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) allows occupational therapy applicants to use a single web-based application and one set of transcripts to apply to multiple schools. The OTCAS maintains a list of participating programs. If a program is not listed, you will need to visit the school’s website to find its unique application and instructions.

Apply Early

The annual OTCAS application typically opens in July, one full year prior to the start date of OT programs. Application deadlines vary. Some schools expect your transcripts to be verified prior to the deadline, and this process can take up to six weeks to complete after you have submitted your application (see OTCAS overview). Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, so early applicants have a significant advantage.