Pre-Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
“Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).”
—The American Occupational Therapy Association
Common occupational therapy (OT) interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Pre-Occupational Therapy specialist:
Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.”
A two-year Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MOT) is required for practice. OTs must graduate from an accredited MOT program and pass the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) to be licensed in all 50 states.
The Health Professions Student Center will help students gain OT observation hours, fit prerequisite courses into their curriculum, and prepare the application to programs of interest. There are three MOT programs in the State of Washington.
Admission to occupational therapy programs is competitive. Both a strong academic background and grades are important. Other factors include:
- 40 to 200+ observation hours in at least two OT settings
- A one-page personal statement that demonstrates your knowledge of, and goals in, the occupational therapy field. In addition, one or more essays for supplemental applications addressing your preparation for the field and the personal attributes that will make you an outstanding OT.
- Strong letters of recommendation (three to five)
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
Students typically apply to MOT programs the summer after their junior year.
Prerequisite courses vary widely among OT programs, but usually include a semester each of general biology and general chemistry, anatomy and physiology, statistics, introductory, developmental and abnormal psychology, and additional social sciences courses. Some schools require English composition, a three-dimensional art or craft, or other specific courses.
While you can major in any subject, popular majors for future OTs at WSU include biology, human development, kinesiology, and psychology. Your major requirements will determine which prerequisite courses need to be added to your four-year plan.
All OT programs use the online OTCAS portal. Students can apply to multiple OT programs using a single Web-based application and one set of materials.
Additional coursework for OT preparation Some OT programs require courses such as English composition, expository writing, public speaking, medical terminology, biomechanics or other kinesiology courses, evidence of a 3-dimensional skill or craft, introductory physics, or a neuroscience lab course.
Learn more about various program prerequisites from the American Occupational Therapy Association.
U.S. Dept. of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook
The profiles featured here cover hundreds of occupations and describe what they do, work environment, how to become one, pay, and more. Each profile also includes BLS employment projections for the 2010–20 decade.
American Occupational Therapy Association
The professional organization for more than 40,000 occupational therapy practitioners, educators, researchers, and students.
Washington State Occupational Therapy Association
Look here for more details on in-state OT programs, scholarships, and volunteering and job shadowing opportunities.
University of Washington OT Volunteer Sites
A list of several sites where a prospective applicant to an OT program can find volunteering and job shadowing opportunities in the Puget Sound area.
Pre-Physical and Occupational Therapy Club
The Pre-PT/OT Club helps students aspiring to pursue a career in physical or occupational therapy. The club includes educational workshops, guest speakers, networking and skill-building opportunities, GRE and application support, and other social and community service events. This club serves as a resource hub, a networking platform, and a support system for students on the path to becoming physical therapists and occupational therapists. The club is open to students from any major.