A pre-occupational therapy program is intended for students who wish to become occupational therapists.
The program’s coursework will introduce you to occupational therapy (OT) subjects to help prepare you for OT graduate school.
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If you’re interested in helping disabled, ill, or injured patients perform everyday activities through therapeutic methods, then a pre-occupational therapy program might be beneficial to you. It can also help you develop knowledge and skills that can be applied to other healthcare occupations.
Online Pre-Occupational Therapy Degrees
A pre-occupational therapy degree is a bachelors-level program that prepares students for a master’s in occupational therapy. It’s one of the first steps students can take toward becoming an occupational therapist.
Occupational therapists are responsible for helping patients develop, perform, or improve upon various skills needed to accomplish daily activities. These professionals typically care for ill, injured, disabled, or elderly patients.
A pre-occupational program includes core coursework that introduces you to subjects related to occupational therapy and healthcare. Common topics explored in a pre OT major include:
- Psychology and abnormal psychology
- Sociology
- Medical terminology
- Human development across the lifespan
- Biology
The curriculum of a pre-occupational therapy program focuses on various human functions and systems, including mental, physical, emotional, and social processes. This can help you gain an understanding of how to evaluate and treat patients based on their personal needs.
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Most students enter a pre-occupational therapy program to pursue a graduate OT degree and become an occupational therapist. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program, though, can also be helpful to other related positions.
Here are some alternative career options that students interested in occupational therapy might consider:
- Occupational therapy aide
- Recreational therapist
- Counselor
- Social or human services assistant
- Social worker
These professionals help patients cope with personal issues by providing assistance and resources to improve quality of life. Some schools don’t offer pre-occupational therapy programs, but you can major in a related course of study to prepare you for a graduate degree.
Biology, psychology, health sciences, or other similar majors can be useful courses of study for individuals interested in occupational therapy.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Careers & Salaries
Many students enrolled in a pre-occupational therapy program aspire to be an occupational therapist. Career options can differ depending on what type of major you may choose alongside a pre-OT program.
Salaries can also differ depending on the type of facility you work in as well as your level of education and work experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of occupational therapy roles and related career paths.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Occupational Therapists | $85,570 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $61,730 |
| Health Education Specialists | $60,600 |
| Recreational Therapists | $47,940 |
| Community Health Workers | $46,590 |
| Social and Human Services Assistants | $37,610 |
| Occupational Therapy Aides | $33,560 |
| Psychiatric Aides | $30,260 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,430 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | $29,200 |
While completing a pre-occupational therapy program, students may work in entry-level healthcare positions to gain experience in the field. You may pursue a master’s or doctor of occupational therapy online or on campus after completing a bachelors in pre occupational therapy degree.
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A masters degree is the minimum education requirement for professionals to become an occupational therapist. There are other entry-level to mid-level roles that have similar responsibilities, such as personal care aide or occupational therapy assistant.
Pre Occupational Therapy Bachelors Curriculum & Courses
The curriculum of a pre-occupational therapy program focuses on human body functions and systems, psychology, and human development across the lifespan.
A pre-occupational program typically includes foundational core classes for occupational therapy as well as general education and elective coursework. Some common courses that you might take for a pre OT major include:
- Biology: This introductory course teaches you the basic concepts and processes of biology, such as evolution, genetics, bacteria, and viruses.
- Microbiology: You’re introduced to the concepts of microbiology by examining microorganisms and how they affect the human body.
- Introduction to Psychology: This is a foundational course that introduces you to the study of the human mind and behavior.
- Abnormal Psychology: You’ll study psychopathology by learning about normal and abnormal human behaviors.
- Pathophysiology: This course includes the study of disease processes and how they affect the human body and its functions and systems.
- Introduction to Sociology: You’re introduced to the study of society by examining human behaviors, social interactions and conflicts, and forces that affect changing behaviors.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: In this course, you’ll learn about the major concepts of anatomy and physiology to gain an understanding of human systems and functions.
- Community Health: This course explores tools and resources used to promote community health and address issues, such as disease control.
- Aging and Neurodegeneration: You’ll learn about age-related neurodegenerative disorders by exploring genetics, cell function, and other mechanisms that initiate these disorders and diseases.
- Introduction to Occupational Therapy: You’re introduced to the basic concepts and principles of occupational therapy, including roles and responsibilities.
Coursework in a pre-occupational therapy program can differ between schools. Core pre OT major coursework introduces you to various human body systems and functions in preparation for more advanced coursework in a graduate program.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions process for every school is different. Some common admissions requirements for bachelor programs include:
- Official high school transcripts or GED. Most schools ask students to submit official transcripts from any prior education they’ve completed.
- Statement of purpose. A statement of purpose gives you the opportunity to discuss your goals and why you should be selected to attend a specific college or university.
- Letters of recommendation. A letter of recommendation, typically from a supervisor or teacher, can give the admissions board an idea of how you perform as a student.
You can check specific admissions requirements for prospective schools.
Pre Occupational Therapy Programs Accreditation
Colleges, universities, and education programs can become regionally accredited by meeting quality standards set forth by a regional accrediting agency. You can find out if prospective schools hold valid accreditation by visiting the US Department of Education’s website.
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The accreditation status of a school can affect your potential education and employment opportunities as well as your financial aid eligibility. In addition, attending an accredited institution for pre-occupational therapy can be essential. Most OT graduate programs require applicants to receive undergraduate training from an accredited institution or program to be considered for admission.
Pre Occupational Therapy Majors Financial Aid and Scholarships
Government aid is often income-based assistance offered to eligible students to help pay for education costs. It may be offered at the state and federal level. Financial aid eligibility requirements can vary between states.
Federal aid is determined by a number of factors, such as the cost of attendance at your prospective school and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). You can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if you’re eligible for federal aid.
Scholarships are offered by various organizations, foundations, schools, or the government. You can apply for as many scholarships as you’d like to potentially increase your chances of receiving a monetary award. Since many scholarships aren’t income-based, the amount you may receive can depend on the specific scholarship. Some scholarships are merit-based, while others may be available to almost any student.
What Degree Do You Need to Be an Occupational Therapist?
To become an occupational therapist, professionals must earn at least a master’s degree. If you’re about to graduate high school and have an interest in occupational therapy, you might consider researching undergraduate pre-occupational therapy programs.
You can choose any major you’re interested in for your bachelor’s degree. Selecting a major that complements occupational therapy studies, such as psychology or kinesiology, can be helpful for gaining skills and knowledge about the field of healthcare. Students who graduate from a pre-occupational therapy program can apply to a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program.
What to Major In for Occupational Therapy?
Most pre-occupational therapy programs are combined with a degree-granting program at the bachelor’s level. This means that students may have the option to major in a different course of study that pairs well with pre-OT coursework.
Some schools have an occupational science major that can be combined with a pre-occupational therapy program. Some colleges and universities don’t offer occupational therapy bachelor’s programs, but you can still major in a course of study that relates to the field.
Students who wish to pursue a career in occupational therapy might consider a major in biology, psychology, sociology, education, or health science.
What Is Pre Occupational Therapy?
Pre-occupational therapy is a type of program students take to complete foundational coursework as a prerequisite to entering occupational therapy graduate school. The major is centered around prerequisite courses that students complete to prepare for a master’s program in OT. It can also prepare students to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), if it’s required by the school.
Students may pair their pre-occupational coursework with another type of major. Many students who wish to work in healthcare as an occupational therapist might select a major that complements their pre-occupational therapy curriculum.
What Can I Do with a Pre Occupational Therapy Degree?
A bachelors in pre occupational therapy degree is designed to help you enter a master’s in occupational therapy program to become an occupational therapist. You may have the opportunity to pursue a career in healthcare or another industry depending on your major.
Knowledge and skills acquired in a pre-OT program can be useful for a number of related positions to help you gain work experience. Entry-level jobs related to occupational therapy include occupational therapy assistant, occupational therapy aide, recreational therapist, and social and human services assistant.
In fact, a growing number of schools now offer both on-campus and online occupational therapy aide training programs for students wishing to enter this profession.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Degree Online?
It usually takes 4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree if you’re enrolled in a traditional 16 week semester program and study full-time.
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Studying part-time could add on more time. It can also take longer to complete if you choose a minor or concentration that includes additional credit hours. If you choose to study year-round with an 8 week semester program, you may be able to finish in less time. You may also be able to finish earlier if you take on additional credit hours each semester.
What’s the Difference Between Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy?
Occupational therapy and physical therapy both involve improving an individual’s quality of life, but there are some major differences between these two areas.
| Occupational Therapy | Physical Therapy |
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Physical therapy concentrates on improving a patient’s motor skills and endurance through various physical activities. Occupational therapy has a more broad scope because it involves helping patients carry out daily activities by addressing physical, mental, and social issues.
Is an Occupational Therapy Major Worth It?
Yes, an occupational therapy major is worth it for many students. If you’re passionate about helping others improve their quality of life and wish to work closely with patients, you might find an occupational therapy major beneficial to your goals.
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It might give you the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, occupational therapy offices, home healthcare services, or nursing facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapist positions are expected to experience a 14% job growth rate over the next decade, which is much faster than average. OT assistant and aide positions are projected to see 25% job growth.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Occupational Therapy Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Bridgewater State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration. The program’s instructors have real-world experience working in healthcare, and students in the program must participate in internships to gain their own experience. Classes are limited to 30 students and emphasize collaborative projects and activities.
Bridgewater State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Carlow University’s Health Sciences: Pre-Occupational Therapy major is a fast-track program designed to allow students to earn their bachelor’s degree in just 3 years. The program is mostly on campus, but some classes are available online. Prospective students may apply at any time. The program offers start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.
Carlow University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Eastern Kentucky University offers a combined Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. It allows students to start work on their OTD as soon as they have finished their undergraduate coursework. Applicants must have already completed at least 60 credit hours at the undergraduate level to qualify.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Kettering University offers a BSHS in Healthcare Management with a Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration. The program can typically be finished in 3 years of full-time study. Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in an internship at a healthcare organization, and previous graduates have had a 100% job placement rate.
Kettering University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northern Illinois University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. It is designed to prepare students for further study in a variety of allied health fields, including occupational therapy. This program is a degree completion program for those who already have an associate degree in a healthcare-related field.
NIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Purdue University Northwest offers a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Human Health. Potential courses include Human Lifespan Development, Health Care Statistics, Medical Terminology, and Introduction to Pharmacology. Class sizes are small to help students build connections with each other and their instructors.
PNW is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Santa Ana College offers a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Studies degree completion program designed for those who already work as occupational therapy assistants. It typically takes 2 years to complete. Courses are available in online and hybrid formats and on campus during evenings and weekends.
Santa Ana College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The University of Cincinnati offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences—Pre-Occupational Therapy. The program is 100% online, and students can typically graduate in 2 to 4 years depending on whether they are enrolled part-time or full-time. It is designed for currently licensed occupational therapy assistants.
The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Louisiana—Monroe offers several bachelor’s degree programs designed for current occupational therapy assistants. These programs are intended to prepare them for their pursuit of a master’s in occupational therapy from ULM.
Degrees offered include a BSHS in Healthcare Management and Marketing, a BA in Psychology, and a Bachelor’s in General Studies. All these programs can also prepare students for other career paths.
The University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Utica University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences that can be earned 100% online. Class sizes are small, and online students have access to tech support all day, every day. Potential courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Biology of Aging, and Introduction to Health and Health-Related Professions.
Utica University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Getting Your Pre Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s Degree Online
Pursuing a pre-occupational therapy program is one of the first steps you can take toward becoming an occupational therapist.
The program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills essential to entering an advanced degree program for occupational therapy. You might find occupational therapy studies enjoyable if you’re interested in helping others improve their quality of life by assessing and managing their mental, physical, social, and emotional needs.
You can start your journey toward a career in occupational therapy by researching accredited pre-occupational therapy schools and programs that best support your interests and career goals.
