Pre-Occupational Therapy

Preparing for a Career in Occupational Therapy


Link from this line to learn more about a career in Occupational Therapy

Students earn a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree after finishing physical therapy school. Programs are typically two-three years long.

Academic Requirements

Requirements vary widely by school so it is important to look at the requirements of programs you are considering to be sure you include those courses in your academic career at The University of Arizona.

Occupational Therapy School Prerequisites 
 

RequirementGeneral DescriptionUniversity of Arizona Course Numbers
Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2 
  • PSIO 201 and PSIO 202 cover anatomy and physiology
Biology 1 & 2 
  • MCB 181 R/L
Chemistry (General) 1 & 2Different requirements for chemistry and biochemistry majors
  • CHEM 151
English 
  • English 101& 102 or
  • English 109H & additional English class, usually composition
    • ENGL 306, 307, 308 recommended for health professions
Human Development 
  • HDFS 117
Mathematics/Statistics 
  • Math 112 (College Algebra)
  • Math 163 or 263 (statistics/biostats)
  • Any course with “statistics” in the title
    • EX: PSY 230
Medical Ethics 
  • PA/PHIL 321
Medical Terminology 
  • CLAS 116B
Psychology

3-9 semester hours of Psychology usually including

introductory, developmental, abnormal)

  • PSY 150A1 (introductory)
  • PSY 200 (development)
  • PSY 381 (abnormal)
Sociology 
  • SOC 150 (Introductory Sociology)

Application Service

The application service for occupational therapy school is OTCAS (Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service). The application service typically opens in July and is due June of the following year.

Exam

The entrance exam for occupational therapy is called GRE (Graduate Record Exam). The GRE is offered year-round.

Helpful Links

ACOTE Directory: https://acoteonline.org/schools/ 

Northern Arizona University Occupational Therapy Program: https://nau.edu/occupational-therapy/apply/ 

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