Pre-Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a rapidly growing field that aims to improve patients' everyday lives, and you can begin your education today at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. We offer a rigorous curriculum paired with exciting learning opportunities that will prepare you well for a career in occupational therapy. 

As an occupational therapist, you'll work with children and adults who have physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities that interfere with their ability to function independently and engage in daily activities. Blending scientific knowledge of the human body and mind with an understanding of the numerous individual, social and environmental challenges associated with disability, you'll help find ways for your clients to lead happier, easier and healthier lives. 

Pre-occupational therapy is not a major at UW-Eau Claire, but rather a declaration of your intention to continue your education and enroll in an occupational therapy graduate program. No specific undergraduate major is required for a career in occupational therapy, but many UWEC students choose to major in rehabilitation science, exercise science or psychology with a minor in kinesiology.

In order to become an occupational therapist, you must earn a master's degree (MOT) or a clinical doctorate (OTD) in occupational therapy. Most OT programs require a high GPA, a competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score, letters of recommendation, observational or actual work experience in occupational therapy and a completed application with the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). Science aptitude and strong communication skills are also expected. Our exceptional faculty and career advisors are aware of these requirements and will ensure that you gain the knowledge and experiences necessary for acceptance into graduate school.

After earning your undergraduate degree from UWEC, your next step toward becoming an occupational therapist is earning your master's degree in occupational therapy (MOT) or a clinical doctorate (OTD) in occupational therapy. After completing your master's degree or clinical doctorate, you will be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and become a licensed occupational therapist in the state where you choose to practice. 

What can I do with an MOT or OTD?

As a licensed occupational therapist, you'll be a critical member of a comprehensive treatment and health care team. You will frequently consult with physicians, physical and speech therapists, nurses, social workers, psychologists, vocational counselors, teachers, other allied health specialists and family members on how to best help your patients. 

As a pre-OT student, your curriculum can be customized to fit the admissions requirements of your chosen MOT or OTD program. Admissions requirements vary by school due to differently structured programs, so it is important for students to research and identify early where they plan to apply so their undergraduate experience can be planned accordingly. Pre-occupational therapy advisors are available to you during your time at UWEC to help you plan out your semesters.

No matter your major, you will be prepared to take the Graduate Record Exam, which is required for admission to most graduate-level occupational therapy programs. The exam consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. It is often taken in the spring semester or summer following the junior year. 

What classes do pre-occupational therapy students take?

Students interested in a career in occupational therapy may focus on these topics during their undergraduate career:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Chemistry
• Statistics
• Physics
• Biomechanical kinesiology
• Exercise physiology
• Psychology
• Nutrition

Learn more about pre-occupational therapy in the UWEC course catalog.

A few majors that would best support a career path in occupational therapy include: