- 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). OT certification is in the process of changing the minimum degree requirement from a master’s to doctorate degree by 2027.
- Certified Occupational Therapy Programs in Oregon: Pacific 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!
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: Mind & Society (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 | HPHY 212 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 | SOC 204: Intro Soc (SS, US) or |
ANTH 161: Cultural Anth (SS, GP) |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
PSY 308: Developmental PSY | |||
YEAR FOUR | |||
i Prerequisites vary widely by school. Research specific schools that interest you to be sure you meet any additional requirements.
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).
Note: This page lists all the common prerequisites for programs. Please research programs to identify additional courses you may need to include and work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.
Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.