Pre-Health Advising: Occupational Therapy Preparation

• 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.
• Common majors pre-occupational therapy UO students pursue: Human Physiology, Multidisciplinary Science, Psychology, Family & Human Services, Anthropology, Sociology, Business, or Planning, Public Policy & Management. 

• 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 common requirements can fit into a 4-year plan. 

• Keep in mind that 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. 
• Following the "common requirements" list above will allow you to cast a wide net when applying to Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs. 
• The list above outlines "requirements that vary" and "highly recommended" courses. It is recommended that students explore programs to ensure their graduation plan captures all of the requirements they need for their programs of interest. 
  • Use the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) to explore Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs.
• Work with a pre-health advisor to solidify your graduation plan! 

Watch the Occupational Therapy Prerequisite Overview video. 

i This course is not required by OT programs. This is a co-requisite/prerequisite for General Chemistry I. 

ii This course is a prerequisite for UO’s anatomy & physiology sequence. It may not be required by OT programs.

Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.