Pre-Occupational Therapy

Health Sciences Major

Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration

The Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration includes the standard pre-requisite courses for advanced study in occupational therapy. After completing required coursework and other admission requirements, students can enter M.S. in Occupational Therapy programs to become occupational therapists.


Requirements

  • BIOL 101 Seminar for Entering Majors (1 cr)PRe_OT
  • BIOL 150 Introduction to Biology I: Cells (4 cr)
  • BIOL 240 Genetics (4 cr)
  • BIOL 302 Applied Statistics in Biology (1 cr)
  • BIOL 342 Anatomy & Physiology I (4 cr)
  • BIOL 343 Anatomy & Physiology II (4 cr)
  • BIOL 484 Biomechanics (3 cr)
  • CHEM 150 Introduction to Chemistry I (4 cr)
  • CHEM 152 Introduction to Chemistry II (4 cr)
  • PHYS 131 General Physics I (4 cr)
  • MATH 232/232H Introduction to Statistics (3 cr)
  • PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3 cr)
  • PSYC 270 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
  • HLTH 105 Medical Terminology (1 cr)
  • HLTH 210/210H Human Growth and Development (3 cr)
  • SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr)

As electives, students can also take relevant courses such as BIOL 316 Functional Human Anatomy, BIOL 440 Exercise Physiology, ATTR 321 Lower Body Assessment, and ATTR 322 Upper Body Assessment.


MCLA in 4

MCLAin4 LogoA sample 4-year plan showing a possible sequence of courses in this concentration.


Articulation

Strong students who have met the requirements outlined in the articulation agreement gain preferred admission to the M.S. in Occupational Therapy program at the Sage Colleges in Albany, NY.


Internships & Professional Experiences

Students should observe occupational therapists in practice or do an internship combining observation with an academic project. Occupational therapists practice in a local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and schools.


Application Tests

Occupational therapy programs often require the GRE. Study materials for this examination are provided in the Biology department.


Advising

A faculty advisor will meet with each student at least once per semester, and local occupational therapists have agreed to serve as contacts for students interested in this field.  Information about pre-requisites for occupational therapy programs, specific internships, research opportunities, upcoming courses, and other topics is provided to enrolled students on the Biology Department’s Canvas page.


Careers & Outcomes

One MCLA graduate is currently enrolled in the M.S. in Occupational Therapy at Sage Colleges using our articulation agreement.

The Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration includes the standard pre-requisite courses for advanced study in occupational therapy. After completing required coursework and other admission requirements, students can enter M.S. in Occupational Therapy programs to become occupational therapists.