PREOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Suggested major: Exercise Science and Psychology

Occupational Therapists are concerned with helping people whose lives have been disrupted by physical injury or illness, birth defects, aging, psychological, emotional or developmental problems. These professionals help individuals to regain the skills needed to function in their daily activities of self-care, work, school, play and leisure. The preprofessional curriculum must include specific courses in psychology as well as in chemistry and physics. This career requires at least two years of preprofessional courses. Upon completion of these courses, students apply to an occupational therapy program to complete the professional training. The degree awarded is a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Students who do not get accepted for transfer to an occupational therapy program are encouraged to pursue an undergraduate degree in a related area and to reapply to professional school.