Pre-Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists treat patients of all ages with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. An occupational therapist uses the occupations of self-care, work, and play or leisure activities to increase independence, enhance development and prevent disability.

Major Selection

As an undergraduate student, you may choose any major in preparation for attending occupational therapy school. Occupational therapy schools do not have a specific preference on a particular major, so you are encouraged to choose a major based on your own personal interests and strengths. What’s important is that you have completed the prerequisite courses required by the institution you are applying to.

Prerequisite Courses

Requirements may vary from school to school, so you will want to research different program requirements. In general, most occupational therapy schools will expect applicants to have completed the following types of courses:

^{*Other courses may be required/recommended by specific programs. You are responsible for knowing the requirements for each individual program. Policies on AP, IB and community college credits vary by institution.}

For a complete listing of accredited occupational therapy schools and their admission requirements, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. website.

Admissions Test

GRE: Graduate Record Exam

The GRE is comprised of the following sections:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

Resources

• The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
• OTCAS: Centralized Application Service
• Pre-Health Self-Assessment