Pre-Occupational Therapy

Students who choose a pre-occupational therapy course of study prepare for application to a school of occupational therapy by completing a pre-professional program and a baccalaureate program. You'll build a foundation for your future career improving the emotional and physical health of people who face short-term or lifelong physical, mental and emotional disabilities. You'll work with a dedicated adviser to tailor your learning and improve your chance of admission to a post-graduate program.  You'll choose an internship or hands-on field experience that will help you begin to develop the skills and techniques needed in occupational therapy work.

Program Highlights

  • Smart classrooms, technology-enhanced lecture halls, advanced laboratories.
  • New anatomy and physiology suite in a remodeled Wick Science Building.
  • Opportunity to develop relevant skills in classwork, laboratory research and fieldwork with nationally recognized faculty members.
  • Work or internship experience in physical/occupational therapy at a nursing home, recreation program, nursery school or day activity center will complete the requirement for admission to professional school. 

Program Distinctions

  • High success rate in admission to professional schools.
  • Chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society.
  • Emphasis on science and technology that includes completion of $45 million Integrated Science & Engineering Laboratory Facility (ISELF), $14.5-million addition to Robert H. Wick Science Building and $13.6-million renovation of Brown Hall completed within the past five years.
  • Minnesota has more than 480 medical device firms registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  • $126,000 2014 National Science Foundation research grant

Student Organizations

  • Medical Professions Association (MPA)
  • Students for Health
  • Student Health Action & Advisory Committee (SHAAC )
  • Biology Club
  • Chemistry Club

Popular Careers

  • Occupational therapist
  • Researcher
  • Trainer

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