Pre-Occupational Therapy

Is this career right for you?

  • Are you patient and kind?
  • Would you find it rewarding to help people who struggle with the activities of daily living?
  • Do you want to have the ability to work in various settings, have a flexible schedule, and work directly with wide range of patients?
  • Would you enjoy finding creative ways to help patients cope?

Prerequisite courses

Occupational Therapy (OT) schools seek applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a strong sense of service and leadership, and who have done well in their coursework. Completion of an undergraduate degree in any discipline is required for OT school. The best major to choose is the one you will find most interesting and challenging.

Your academic preparation is extremely important. The courses listed below meet the requirements for most OT schools, however, there is variability among school policies.

You are responsible for verifying the prerequisites for each of the schools that interest you.

OT schools generally require courses in the sciences and psychology. Requirements may change and you should always visit individual program websites for the most current course information.

OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can help answer complex quesitons regarding pre-requisites; however, OPHA generally recommends retaking AP/IB credits that are part of the course requirements for health professional schools. Because many schools do not accept AP/IB credits for prerequisite requirements, this helps students keep their options open when it comes time to apply as each school can differ in their exceptions.

Most programs require grades of at least C or higher for all prerequisites. If you do not receive satisfactory grades in required courses, we highly recommend you retake to ensure mastery of content and competitiveness of application.

There is a lot of variability and nuance when it comes to pre-requisites. OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can assist you in determining what courses you need to be most competitive and for which schools.

Biology

Generally courses in anatomy and physiology are required.

  • General Biology 1 and Lab (EBIO 1210 and EBIO 1230), 4 credits OR Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (MCDB 1150), 3 credits (prerequisite for anatomy and physiology)
  • Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Lab (IPHY 3410 and IPHY 3415), 5 credits
  • Human Physiology and Physiology Lab (IPHY 3430 and IPHY 3435), 6 credits

Not all schools will require both General Biology I and II, but some do. Be sure to check specific school requirements.

Chemistry

While courses in Chemistry are not specifically required by all schools, some will be needed to meet the pre-requisite of Human Physiology, such as General Chemistry I and II.

Psychology

Often, Abnormal and Development Psychology are required.

  • General Psychology (PSYC 1001), 3 credits (prerequisite for Abnormal and Developmental Psychology)
  • Biological Psychology (PSYC 2012), 3 credits
  • Developmental Psychology (PSYC 3684), 3 credits
  • Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 4303), 3 credits

Sociology and Anthropology

Some schools require coursework in sociology or anthropology, specifically ones that address how society and culture affect one’s thinking and behavior (minimum of 3 semester credits, but 6 credits is preferred). Many courses at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder could meet this requirement, including ethics and cultural diversity courses, for example Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 2100). At least one course in sociology is generally required.

Statistics

Statistics may not be required by all schools, but those that do require any basic college-level statistics course (minimum of 3 semester credits). AP credits are occasionally acceptable to meet this requirement. The following cover options available at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder:

  • Psychological Science 1: Statistics (PSYC 2111), 4 credits 
  • Introduction to Statistics (IPHY 2800), 4 credits -  no longer offered
  • Introduction to Statistics (MATH 2510), 3 credits 
  • Biological Statistics (EBIO 4410), 4 credits

Medical Terminology

A general medical terminology course is required by most OT schools.

  • Medical Terminology (IPHY 2400)

Additional Courses

At least one semesters of writing or English Literature/Composition course can be required. This requirement can be fulfilled via any WRTG or ENGL course. Be mindful of programs that specifically request this course to be an ENGL course.

Depending on the program, some schools may require a kinesiology or biomechanics, arts (painting, ceramics, etc.), and/or communications course. Even if these are not required by the school you may be looking to apply to, these types of courses could enhance your application. Talk to your Pre-Health Advisor for help with determining how specific courses can help set your application apart.

Other Desired Traits and Experiences

In addition to the academic requirements for admission, students must possess skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully complete the curriculum and practice occupational therapy. Almost all OT programs require applicants to shadow and observe practicing Occupational Therapists at work with patients.

It is a complex process and OPHA's Pre-health Advisors are here to help you learn the experiences can help you most with your application to OT school, showcasing your unique skills that set you apart.

Updated May 2023