Pre-Occupational Therapy Track at Hope College

The pre-professional requirements for application to occupational therapy (OT) programs vary widely at the different graduate OT programs. Some programs require completion of a bachelor's degree; others admit students following three years of undergraduate work. Beginning January 1, 2007, all new occupational therapy candidates will need a post-baccalaureate degree (professional masters degree following a bachelor's degree). Students are advised to select a course of study that could lead to completion of all Hope College undergraduate requirements, including core and major requirements, regardless of whether they intend to complete a bachelor's degree at Hope College or apply to occupational therapy programs following their third year of undergraduate preparation.

Hope College students who indicate an interest in going on to graduate OT programs will work closely with the health professions advisor and their academic advisor to determine the most appropriate course of study. Since the prerequisite courses for application to different OT programs vary widely, it is essential for early academic planning that students identify several OT programs that they would want to apply to eventually. Then in consultation with the health professions advisor and their academic advisor, they can design an undergraduate academic program that will meet these professional school entrance requirements. Most OT programs require health related experience and experience volunteering with an occupational therapist.

Although the requirements vary, required courses typically include:

• Introductory or General Biology (Bio 103 or 240)
• Human Physiology or Organismal Biology (Bio 221 or 260)
• Human Anatomy (Kin 200 or Bio 222 with lab)
• Anatomical Kinesiology (Kin 221)
• Statistics (Math 210)
• Introduction to Psychology (Psy 100)
• Developmental or Life Span Psychology (Psy 230)
• Neuropsychology or Physiological Psychology (Psy 320)
• Abnormal Psychology or Behavior Disorders (Psy 370)
• Additional Psychology or Sociology course

Other required or recommended courses may include:

• Physics I and II with labs
• Communications-Public Presentations (Comm 140 )
• Political Science
• Nutrition (Kin 307)
• CPR and First Aid (Kin 205)

Students should also be aware that most OT admissions committees want to see that a student has taken advantage of opportunities to learn about the OT profession through first-hand experience. This could include volunteer work in a hospital or clinic and job shadowing with an OT. Requirements for medically related experience vary widely at different programs. Admissions committees also expect to see that a student has experience serving others through community service and/or volunteer work.

There is no "best" academic major for students who wants to pursue a career in occupational therapy.  Students should choose their academic major based on their academic interests and the alternate career options that they wish to keep open for the future. Many Hope College students who have gone on to graduate OT programs have majored in psychology since they have had academic interest in this area and many of the required classes for OT graduate programs are in the social sciences.

Specific admissions requirements for each OT program can be found on the website for that institution. Some key web links for information are the following:

• All of the accredited OT programs by state.
• General information on careers in occupational therapy
• Information on the OT program at Grand Valley State University
• Informationon the OT program at Wayne State University
• Information on the OT program at Western Michigan University

Links to General Information

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for all types of careers.
• Explore Health Careers-a large data base of links to other resources including information on many different careers, internships, and interviews.

For academic advising or questions related to the Pre-Occupational Therapy track at Hope College, please contact Professor T Prokopow.