Selecting a Major
Many pre-occupational therapy students select Exercise Science as a major. However, students may select any undergraduate major to chart their course of studies. When selecting a major, two points to consider are the overlap between major requirements and occupational therapy school prerequisites and interest in major content coursework.
There is no pre-occupational therapy major at Lindenwood. Rather, select your preferred major and notify your academic advisor so they can work with you to ensure proper enrollment in occupational therapy school prerequisite courses.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has an FAQ for education and career planning.
Prerequisite Coursework
Prerequisite coursework varies from one occupational therapy program to the next. Below are the most common requirements, with Lindenwood course numbers included:
- 1 semester of Biology with Lab
- BSC 10000 Concepts in Biology
- or
- BSC 24400 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
- 2 semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with Labs
- BSC 22700 Anatomy and Physiology I
- BSC 22800 Anatomy and Physiology II
- 1 semester of Physics with Lab
- PHY 25100 Introductory Physics I
- 3 semesters of Psychology
- PSY 10000 Principles of Psychology
- PSY 20500 Human Development
- PSY 30300 Abnormal Psychology
- Sociology
- SOC 10200 Basic Concepts of Sociology
- Statistics
- MTH 14100 Basic Statistics or MTH 24100 Statistics for Natural Sciences
- Other potential common prerequisites include
- HFS 18500 Medical Terminology
- PHRL 21200 Ethics, PHRL 21201 Contemporary Ethics, PHRL 21201 Bioethics
- COM 10500 Group Dynamics and Effective Speaking
Beyond the common prerequisites above, requirements will vary from one occupational therapy program to the next. It is important for the student to research the requirements of the schools they wish to apply early so that a degree plan can be designed appropriately.
Specific information about course prerequisites can be located on individual program websites. the AOTA has a list of OT schools.
Observation Hours
Many occupational therapy programs have required observation hours. The requirements vary between schools.
In addition to a required number of hours, many schools also require more than one setting where observation hours occur.
Specific information about observation hour requirements can be located on individual program websites. The AOTA has a list of OT schools.
GRE
Many occupational therapy schools require prospective students to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Students often prepare and complete the GRE in the summer before their senior year
Additional information about the GRE, including test centers and dates, ID requirements, and more.
Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in OT
Students may pursue either a master’s or a doctorate in occupational therapy. The AOTA provides information on the difference between paths and answers commonly asked questions.
Articulation Agreements
Lindenwood has established articulation agreements with other institutions to provide benefits to our students. Students, of course, are not limited to the programs in the articulation agreements.
Rockhurst University
A maximum number of 2 qualifying Lindenwood students will be automatically accepted into the Rockhurst Occupational Therapy doctoral program.
For this articulation, students must first complete their undergraduate degree at Lindenwood.
Washington University in St. Louis
This 3-2 program allows students to complete their first three years of schooling at Lindenwood, then begin the 3 year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) curriculum at Washington University. After completing your first year at Washington University, your undergraduate degree in Exercise Science will be awarded. This program allows you to complete your undergraduate degree and your MSOT a year faster than typical.
Students must separately apply to Washington University’s MSOT program.
