Pre-Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists are instrumental in helping people gain the skills they need to function independently despite a variety of physical or psychological issues.
As an OT, you might support the development of premature babies, design a beneficial learning environment for a child with different physical abilities, or measure the effectiveness of treatment activities. Whether you work in a school, a hospital, a nursing home, or a home health agency, you’re certain to have a tremendous impact as an occupational therapist.
Yes. You’ll need to complete a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to practice in the field.
As a pre-occupational therapy student, you can major in any subject area as long as you complete the course requirements to apply to professional schools.
Most professional programs in OT require applicants to fulfill certain prerequisite courses, which may include anatomy, physiology, psychology, statistics, and sociology. They often expect volunteer, shadowing, and/or paid work experience related to the field as well. Requirements vary by program so it is best to verify with professional schools what they require. Applicants to the MOT program at Elmhurst University can find details about our specific requirements here. If you would like to schedule a visit with the Elmhurst MOT program, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Wanka at elizabeth.wanka@elmhurst.edu.
In general recommended, courses include:
- BIO 107/108 or 207/208
- MTH 345 or PSY 355
- PSY 210, 315, 327
- SOC 100
- HST 400
Elmhurst undergraduate students will meet with the health professions advisor to discuss your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career giving guidance and support.
To practice as an OT, one must graduate from an accredited occupational therapy program, be licensed to practice, and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
You can start by checking out this useful website: