Health Science Pre-Occupational (Pre-Clinical), B.S.
About This Program
The Health Science Pre-Occupational Therapy undergraduate degree major is a pre-clinical
track which includes all of the courses required for application for admission to
graduate professional occupational therapy programs.
As described by the Division of Occupational Therapy, students pursuing graduate study
would seek to become members of a health profession that promotes life-long health
and well-being of individuals, groups and communities through engagement in occupation.
The primary objective embodied within the concept of “occupation” is the practitioner’s
use of activities meaningful to the client within their own particular environment.
Hence, occupational therapy services are provided within the contexts of activities
of daily living, education, work, play, leisure and social participation. Practitioners
provide services to individuals to increase their daily function, enhance/support
health and development and prevent disability through promotion of effective performance
skills within environments and using tasks adapted to meet their individualized abilities
and needs.
The Health Science Pre-Occupational Therapy, undergraduate degree major is a pre-clinical
track that includes all of the courses required for application for admission to graduate
professional occupational therapy programs. As described by the Division of Occupational
Therapy, students pursuing graduate study would seek to become members of a health
profession that promotes the life-long health and well-being of individuals, groups,
and communities through engagement in occupation. The primary objective embodied within
the concept of “occupation” is the practitioner’s use of activities meaningful to
the client within their particular environment. Hence, occupational therapy services
are provided within the contexts of daily living, education, work, play, leisure,
and social participation. Practitioners provide services to individuals to increase
their daily function, enhance/support health and development, and prevent disability
by promoting effective performance skills within environments and using tasks adapted
to meet their individualized abilities and needs.
While recommended for graduate-level Occupational Therapy students, completing the
undergraduate Health Science Pre-Occupational Therapy degree is only one criterion
for entry into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program. The admissions
process is highly competitive, and spaces are limited. Please see the MSOT program
for additional criteria.
The Health Science Pre-Occupational Therapy undergraduate degree major is a pre-clinical
track which includes all of the courses required for application for admission to
graduate professional occupational therapy programs.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on the things you
want and need to do in your daily life. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday
life activities (occupations) to promote health and well-being.
The primary objective embodied within the concept of “occupation” is the practitioner’s
use of activities meaningful to the client within their own particular environment.
Occupational Therapy Careers
Graduates from our occupational therapy program have a wide range of career opportunities
available to them. They can pursue roles such as:
Offices of Other Health Practitioners
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
Elementary and Secondary Schools
Home Health Care Services
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
Outpatient Care Centers
Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals
Occupational therapy services are provided within the contexts of activities of daily
living, education, work, play, leisure and social participation.
Occupational Therapy Salary Expectations
For occupational therapists, the compensation landscape varies based on factors such
as experience, location, and work setting. Here are some figures:
The mean wage for Occupational Therapist in Florida is $88,910
States with the highest employment rates for occupational therapists are:
- California - Texas - New York - Florida - Pennsylvania
Practitioners provide services to individuals to increase their daily function, enhance/support
health and development and prevent disability through promotion of effective performance
skills within environments and using tasks adapted to meet their individualized abilities
and needs.
Q. What does the job growth for OT's look like? A. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Overall employment of occupational
therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much
faster than the average for all occupations.”
Q. What are the working hours like for an OT? A. Those interested in becoming an OT will vary based on your practice setting. Most
OTs work full-time 8-hour work shifts, but some may work on Holidays and Weekends.
Q. Should I shadow before applying to graduate occupational therapy programs? A. Yes! We recommend observing the various settings of OT's work, including but not limited
to the physical dysfunction setting (SNF, hospital, subacute) and a pediatric setting
(schools, clinic).
