Pre-occupational therapy at CMU
Do you want to help people of all ages improve their quality of life? Are you interested in working with people who have disabilities, injuries, or illnesses? If so, the pre-occupational therapy pathway at our college is the perfect place for you.
Program Snapshot
Studying pre-occupational therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that helps people participate in the activities they want and need to do in their everyday lives. OTs work with people who have a wide range of needs, including physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, mental health conditions, and developmental delays.
Our pre-occupational therapy pathway is designed to prepare you for a successful career in OT. We offer a rigorous curriculum that will challenge you academically, but we also offer a supportive environment where you can grow and learn.
Possible undergraduate majors include:
- Biology
- Child Development
- Exercise Science
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Public Health
The core coursework for the pre-occupational therapy pathway includes biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and sociology. You will also have the opportunity to take elective courses in subjects such as occupational therapy theory, research methods, and clinical practice.
In addition to your coursework, you will also participate in extracurricular activities that will help you develop your skills and knowledge in OT. These activities may include shadowing OTs, volunteering at rehabilitation centers or hospitals, or participating in research projects.
Our pre-occupational therapy advisor is available to help you every step of the way. They will help you create a personalized plan of study, prepare for the Occupational Therapy Admissions Test (OAT), and apply to OT school.
We also offer a variety of support services for pre-occupational therapy students, such as tutoring, study groups, and mock interviews.
Pre-occupational therapy pathway highlights
As a pre-occupational therapy student, you'll:
- Have the opportunity to live among your peers in a living learning community right on campus.
- Join registered student organizations dedicated to giving you professional and personal experiences to make you a competitive applicant to medical school.
- Have access to a pre-professional pathways newsletter that reports on the latest trends and strategies for applications.
Occupational therapy careers
Occupational therapy assists people of all ages by using their daily activities to promote health and well-being. They focus on adapting the environment and tasks to fit the individual, including working with children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations; helping people recovering from injury to regain skills; and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Career | Projected Salary |
---|---|
Occupational Therapist | $96,370 |
Recreational Therapist | $57,120 |
Home Care Therapist | $97,621 |
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