Pre-Occupational Therapy Advising at Whitman College
Occupational therapists (OTs) help people develop, recover or maintain skills needed in their daily life or work.
A robust liberal arts education at Whitman College is great preparation for a career as an occupational therapist. OT programs look for applicants who possess strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work in teams and a desire to help others. Additionally, being a creative problem solver, a good listener, and a resourceful and compassionate person with an interest in health, science, and the arts are desirable qualities. Many OT schools also require applicants to have documented paid or volunteer experience. Your pre-health advisor can help you find internship and volunteer opportunities.
OT programs can lead to an entry-level master’s degree (M.O.T. or M.S.O.T.) or a doctorate (O.T.D.). Most programs take an additional two to three years after your bachelor’s degree.
You can learn more about becoming an OT on the website. And you can compare programs in the directory.
Plan of Study
Requirements vary, but most U.S. occupational therapy programs recommend:
- Two semesters of biology with labs (courses in human anatomy and physiology may be recommended)
- One semester of statistics
- One semester of psychology, sociology or anthropology
Many schools also require a medical terminology course. Some may require coursework in chemistry, physics or English composition.
FAQs for Occupational Therapy
Students from any major can successfully pursue occupational therapy as a profession. While you will need a foundation in math and science to get into OT school, you don’t necessarily need to major in the sciences. You should choose a major that genuinely interests you.
Yes. The (OTCAS) is a centralized application service operated by the AOTA. Be sure to review the application process for each school you are interested in.
- Health Professions Advisor
- Explore Health Care Careers
- Your First Steps: Getting Started
- Workshops, Speakers & Courses
- Becoming a Competitive Applicant
- Pre-Dental Advising
- Pre-Med Advising
- Pre-Nursing Advising
- Pre-OT Advising
- Pre-Pharmacy Advising
- Pre-Physical Therapy Advising
- Pre-PA Advising
- Public Health Advising
- Pre-Vet Advising
- Health Professions Advisor
- Explore Health Care Careers
- Your First Steps: Getting Started
- Workshops, Speakers & Courses
- Becoming a Competitive Applicant
- Pre-Dental Advising
- Pre-Med Advising
- Pre-Nursing Advising
- Pre-OT Advising
- Pre-Pharmacy Advising
- Pre-Physical Therapy Advising
- Pre-PA Advising
- Public Health Advising
- Pre-Vet Advising