- Through the therapeutic use of everyday activities, occupational therapists (OTs) help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
- OTs work with diverse populations, ranging in age, mental health, and physical ability, and in a variety of settings, such as homes, schools, workplaces, and hospitals.
- OT education has two degree levels: master’s degree (MOT, MS, or MA) and doctoral degree (OTD).
- Occupational Therapy Programs in Oregon: Pacific University, Western Oregon University, and George Fox University.
- Completing the prerequisite courses is just one aspect of the process. Applicants must also have a well- rounded application consisting of experience (shadowing, volunteer work, undergraduate research, life experience, etc.), letters of recommendation, GRE scores (may not be required), and a strong admissions essay.
- Observing an occupational therapist not only provides useful insight into the profession but is commonly an admission requirement.
- Applying to OT school can be a year-long process. Students applying in their final year at UO will have a gap year before starting OT school. Students can work, take courses, travel, etc. during the year.
- Be sure to research individual programs about any COVID-19 related changes (pre-requisites and GRE exceptions, pass/fail policy, etc).
The chart below illustrates one way an occupational therapy program's prerequisitesi can fit into a 4-year plan. Keep in mind a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it. Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. Pre-Health Advisors are here to help you create a graduation plan that works best for you!
Click here to watch the Occupational Therapy Prerequisite Overview video.
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
CH 221: General Chem I | CH 222: General Chem II ii | CH 223: General Chem III ii | |
YEAR ONE | MATH 112Z: Precalculusiiii | STAT 243Z:Elementary Statistics | PSY 202: Intro to PSY II (SS) |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
BI 211: Gen Bio - Cellsii | BI 212: Gen Bio - Organisms ii | PSY 309: Psychopathology or PSY 239: Abnormal PSY @ LCCiii | |
YEAR TWO | HPHY 211: Medical Terminology | HPHY 212: Scientific Investigation ii | |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
HPHY 321: Anatomy I | HPHY 323: Anatomy II | HPHY 325: A&P IIIi | |
YEAR THREE | HPHY 322: Physiology I | HPHY 324: Physiology IIi | PSY 308: Developmental PSY |
|
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
SOC 204: Intro Soc (SS, US) or ANTH 161: Cultural Anth (SS, GP) |
| ||
YEAR FOUR | |||
i Prerequisites vary widely by school. While some programs require this course, others may not. Research individual programs to determine whether you would like to add this ocurse to your graduation plan.
ii This course is a prerequisite for UO’s anatomy & physiology sequence. It may not be required by OT programs.
iii UO doesn’t offer a class titled “Abnormal Psychology.” Confer with the PSY department about similar classes, and confirm with graduate programs that it will satisfy the admission requirement (varies by school).
This course is not required by OT programs. This is a co-requisite/prerequisite for General Chemistry I.
Note: This page lists all the common prerequisites for programs. Research programs to identify additional courses you may need to take by visiting the ACOTE Program Directory. Work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.
Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.