Course Recommendations: Occupational Therapy

For detailed information about becoming an occupational therapist (OT) and preparing for OT school, see a description of the field  and find resources for prospective applicants from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Find sample admissions requirements for entry-level master’s and doctoral (OTD) degree programs. Prerequisites can vary widely between schools, so be sure to check the requirements for specific programs of interest using the AOTA’s database of accredited programs.

Learn about the newly launched entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at UVM.

BIOLOGY

• Two semesters of Anatomy & Physiology, satisfied by ANPS 1190 & 1200
• Some schools require or recommend one semester of Biology.  Human Cell Biology: BHSC 1340 OR  Principles of Biology: BIOL 1400 would fulfill the requirement at all schools.

STATISTICS

• STAT 1110, STAT 141, or a statistics-heavy course necessary for your major (e.g., PSYC 2010 or STAT 2430), will fulfill the one semester required by most schools.

PSYCHOLOGY & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Some schools list specific required content, most frequently introductory psychology, abnormal psychology, and/or human development, corresponding to one or more of the following UVM courses:

• Introductory Psychology:  PSYS 1400
• Psychopathology:  PSYS 2500
• Human Development:  HDF 1050  (For programs that do NOT require lifespan content, an alternative would be Developmental Psych - Childhood: PSYS 2400)

POTENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Social Sciences/Humanities:  

• Most schools have specific credit hour requirements in English, sociology, anthropology, ethics. Consult specific program websites for guidance.

Medical Terminology:

• Some schools, including UVM’s OTD program, require completion of a course like Medical Terminology: HLTH 1030.

Physics: 

• Rarely, a program requires one semester of physics. A lab experience may or may not be necessary. UVM offers a one semester course, Conceptual Physics, with (PHYS 1251) or without (PHYS 1250) lab that may fulfill this requirement. Higher level physics courses are also acceptable.