Pre-Occupational Therapy Program
Students wishing to attend an occupational therapy school should plan on at least three years of prerequisite work (90 credits), with many completing a four-year undergraduate program. Accepted students generally have a GPA of around 3.6 and no less than a C in prerequisite coursework. Students can pursue various majors at the undergraduate level, with exercise science, psychology, sociology, and biology as preferred areas of study. Students are encouraged to submit a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score, but not every school requires this. This should be completed by the Spring of the year before they wish to enter occupational therapy school. Students should have documented patient interaction hours from various settings and populations. Additional emphasis should be placed on professional development relating to service and volunteer hours.
Generally, 2-3 letters of recommendation should be obtained when applying, typically including a college professor, licensed occupational therapist, and one person of the applicant’s choice. Students interested in applying to occupational therapy schools will apply through an external program called OTCAS in the summer or fall of their senior year. Preferred application deadlines are generally in early October, with a final deadline around January, while others will have a rolling deadline until filled. Students should confer with the school of their choice regarding specific requirements for admission.
Fast Facts
Degree: By earning your Bachelor’s Degree at Midland University in the Pre-Occupational Therapy Program, you will be prepared to jump straight into graduate work in a professional program.
Colleges/School: College of Health Professions/School of Health Sciences and Luther College of Arts & Sciences
Suggested Majors at Midland University:
Biology – View the Sample Course of Study →
Exercise Science – View the Sample Course of Study →
Psychology – View the Sample Course of Study →
Sociology – View the Sample Course of Study →
GPA required to enter occupational therapy school: Around a 3.6 and no less than a C in prerequisite coursework
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Pre-occupational therapy programs often include coursework in psychology, human development, and behavioral sciences. Students learn about cognitive, emotional, and social factors influencing human behavior, which is crucial for addressing the psychological aspects of rehabilitation and promoting mental well-being.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Course Information
These courses are recommended to be taken at Midland University, as students prepare for graduate school in the field of occupational therapy as part of the Pre-Occupational Therapy track. All course descriptions can be found in the Academic Catalog.
BIO204: Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
BIO204: Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
BIO125: General Biology I with Lab
BIO209: Medical Terminology
HPM307: Kinesiology
MTH210: Elementary Statistics
PSY120: Fundamentals of Psychology
PSY333: Abnormal Psychology
These courses are typically not required for graduate school in the field of Occupational Therapy, but are strongly recommended and may be helpful for students who intend to attend graudate school for Occupational Therapy.
BIO209: Medical Terminology
BIO325: Pathophysiology
Program Faculty
Dr. Stephanie Hamersky
Interim Director of MAT
Email Address: hamersky@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-941-6361
Dr. Chintamani S. Manish
Professor of Biology
Email Address: manish@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-941-6305
Dr. Emmy Smith
Assistant Professor of Human Performance, Exercise Science, and Strength and Conditioning
Email Address: smithem@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-941-6049
Key Experiences
Along their academic journey, students take part in what we call “Key Experiences.” These experiences will spark learning outside of the classroom and beyond the textbook. They get students learning first-hand about a profession, seeing the process from an up-close perspective, and thinking outside the box.
Internships, Collaborative Courses & Projects, ePortfolios
- Students will design and conduct an experiment during their Biology Capstone course. Students will prepare audio-visual presentations and create a poster to present at the Luther College of Arts and Sciences Research Fair.
- Students create a completely original organism (plant or animal) for a given set of environmental and habitat conditions that are assigned to them. Students are provided with a set of environmental conditions, location, and other pertinent information about a region. Based upon the information provided, they have to design an organism that will be perfectly adapted to that setting (they must describe the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the organism including its morphology, external characteristics, digestion, respiration, circulation, reproduction, behavioral response, and any other characteristics that are “unique” to their organism. Once the students design the organism they have to write a paper describing it along with art work. Finally, the students have to create a presentation that will be shared with the entire class.
Capstone Courses & Projects, First-Year Seminar or Experience, Collaborative Courses & Projects
- Students will be able to research emerging areas of interest relating to athlete monitoring (i.e. GPS, heart rate monitoring, wellness questionnaires, etc), rehabilitation modalities, performance measure to determine the changes across a season and/or athletic career.
- Students complete a variety of testing relating to cardiovascular fitness and rehabilitation, body composition and nutritional demands, strength, power, flexibility, and other related performance outcomes within our Warrior Performance Lab.
- Students will utilize technology to complete presentations and podcasts relating to exercise physiology, biomechanics/kinesiology, and reflect upon their internship experiences.
Popular Internship Sites
Career Outlook with an Advanced Degree
Occupational therapy careers are more promising than ever before. A Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report states that employment of occupational therapists is predicted to grow 11% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
According to the BLS, the need for occupational therapists is expected to increase as the large baby-boom generation ages and people remain active later in life. Occupational therapists help older adults maintain their independence by recommending home modifications and strategies that make daily activities easier.
Some possible careers include:
Advanced degree holders can become clinical specialists in specific areas of occupational therapy, such as hand therapy, pediatric rehabilitation, mental health, geriatrics, or neurology. They may work with complex cases, develop specialized treatment plans, and provide advanced interventions.
Individuals with advanced degrees in occupational therapy can pursue careers as researchers, conducting studies to advance the understanding and practice of occupational therapy. They may explore new interventions, assess outcomes of occupational therapy interventions, or investigate the impact of environmental factors on participation and engagement.
Advanced degree holders often work as faculty members in academic institutions, teaching occupational therapy students, conducting research, and contributing to scholarly publications. They play a vital role in educating future occupational therapists and shaping the direction of the profession.
Advanced degree holders can work as clinical educators or fieldwork coordinators, overseeing the clinical education of occupational therapy students and coordinating fieldwork placements. They provide supervision, guidance, and mentorship to students as they gain hands-on experience in clinical settings.
With advanced knowledge of healthcare systems and rehabilitation services, occupational therapists can pursue careers in healthcare administration or management. They may oversee occupational therapy departments, manage healthcare facilities, or lead initiatives to improve patient care and outcomes.
Advanced degree holders may work as consultants, providing expertise in rehabilitation services to healthcare organizations, government agencies, or private companies. They offer guidance on program development, clinical practice guidelines, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.
Advanced degree holders can work as community health practitioners, promoting health and wellness within communities and addressing social determinants of health. They may collaborate with community organizations, schools, or local agencies to develop and implement programs that enhance participation and independence in daily activities.
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