Pre-Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy programs vary greatly in their requirements. Students are encouraged to check with schools concerning their prerequisites. Below are the basic requirements for most programs: 

  • Anatomy and Physiology I
  • Anatomy and Physiology II
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Medical Terminology
  • General biology courses

Note: Spalding University’s OT program also requires a semester of chemistry or physics. Northern Kentucky University’s OT program also requires physics, sociology, lifespan development and abnormal psychology.

Suggested coursework arrangement:

First semester

  • HES 1004 Intro to Health and Exercise Science
  • FYS 1004 First-Year Seminar

Second semester

  • BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems
  • FYS 1104 First-Year Research Seminar

Third semester

  • Anatomy and Physiology I

Fourth semester

  • Anatomy and Physiology II

Eastern Kentucky University’s Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program has the following requirements for admission: 

  • Completion of 60 hours of coursework, including prerequisite courses
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or above
  • A minimum of four B grades and one C grade in the prerequisite courses 
  • Completion of the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT)
  • Application with personal statement and resume
  • Three completed recommendation forms

Competitive applicants

  • Overall GPA: 3.2

In addition to a minimum grade point average and the prerequisite coursework, many occupational therapy schools also require that applicants have a minimum number of direct observation hours in occupational therapy clinical settings.

Factors that increase competitiveness:

  • Community service/volunteer work
  • Experience in the field
  • Leadership
  • Strong communication skills

Important Links

In-state schools: