Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) programs currently lead to an entry-level master’s degree or a doctorate degree. Programs are looking for applicants who possess strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work in teams, and a desire to help others. Additionally, being a creative problem-solver, a good listener, and a resourceful and compassionate person with an interest in health, science and the arts are desirable qualities. Many OT schools require applicants to have documented paid or volunteer experience. Students interested in the study of occupational therapy should become familiar with the specific requirements of the schools to which they plan to apply. These requirements are contained in the OTCAS Program Directory. See the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) website: www.aota.org. The following courses will satisfy the requirements for admission to most U.S. occupational therapy schools:

• Biology — Biology 111 Principals of Biology, 112 The Biological World, 221 & 222 Human Anatomy I & II and labs, or 310 Physiology or 330 Human Physiology
• Mathematics — Mathematics 128 Introduction to Statistics or 247 Statistics with Applications
• Social sciences — Psychology 110 Introduction to Psychology, 240 Developmental Psychology, 260 Psychological Disorders; Sociology 117 Principals of Sociology or Anthropology 201 The Strange Familiar: Fundamentals of Cultural Anthropology

Note: Requirements vary. Many schools require a medical terminology course. Some schools require a chemistry or physics course or English composition (Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse 210) course.