Occupational Therapist
Overview
Occupational therapists are health care professionals specializing in occupational therapy and occupational science. OTs use scientific bases and a holistic perspective to promote a person's ability to fulfill their daily routines and roles.
Clemson University prepares students for application to a two- to three-year Master of Science in occupational therapy program. Pre-occupational therapy is not a major. Therefore, you must choose a degree-granting major (and minor, if appropriate).
OT schools do not discriminate among the different disciplines from which you may choose, meaning that you can and should choose the curriculum that interests you most and excel. Be sure to accommodate prerequisite courses for your OT schools of interest.
What is Competitive?
Admissions criteria vary by institution and should be verified individually. A competitive grade point average for the occupational therapy program at the Medical University of South Carolina has been a 3.6 in recent years, and a competitive applicant should score in the 60th percentile or higher on the GRE graduate school entry exam.
Core Preparation Courses
Requirements vary by institution and should be verified individually. Students planning to pursue a degree in occupational therapy should expect to take the following courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL 2220 and BIOL 2230, or BIOL 3150 and BIOL 3160.
- Introductory Biology: BIOL 1030 and 1050, or BIOL 1100.
- Psychology: PSYC 2010.
- Abnormal Psychology: PSYC 3830.
- Sociology or Anthropology: SOC 2010 or ANTH 2010.
- Statistics: STAT 2300, STAT 3090 or MATH 3020.
Additional recommended courses include:
- Oral Communication: COMM 1500 or COMM 2500.
- Physics: PHYS 1220 and 1240 and PHYS 2210 and PHYS 2230; or PHYS 2070 and PHYS 2090 and PHYS 2080 PHYS 2100.
- Medical Terminology: See adviser.
