Prerequisite coursework for OT school varies greatly amongst programs; therefore, it is crucial to be aware of individual schools’ requirements.
Course prerequisites for UW-Madison’s M.S. in Occupational Therapy can be found here.
For a Pre-OT academic planning guide, click here.
Many programs also require a minimum of 20 - 60 hours of supervised volunteer hours.
+ Mathematics
Some OT schools require math and/or statistics. We recommend that you take at least one math course and one course in statistics. Note that Math 112 is a pre-requisite for Chem 103.
The statistics course can be taken in your major department.
+ Chemistry
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General Chemistry: Choose one of these two options:
- Chem 103
- Chem 108
+ Biological Sciences
Choose one of these two course tracks:
-
1. General Track:
- Zoology 101& 102 Introductory Zoology OR Biology 151 & 152 Introductory Biology
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2. BioCore Track:
- Biocore 301-302 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics lecture/lab
- Biocore 303-304 Cellular Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 323-324 Organismal Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 333 Biological Interactions
Students must apply to enroll in Biocore. For more information, visit their website.
+ Lifespan development & Psychology Courses
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Many OT programs require courses in lifespan development and psychology. Options include courses in:
- Childhood development: HDFS 362 OR Psyc 560 OR Ed Psych 331
- Adult development: HDFS 363 OR Psyc 564
- Introductory Psychology: Psyc 202
- Abnormal Psychology: Psyc 509
+ Physics
-
Some OT programs require coursework in Physics.
Choose one of these three sequences:
- Physics 103-104 (without calculus)
- Physics 201-202 (calculus-based)
- Physics 207-208 (calculus-based)
+ Anatomy/Physiology
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Many OT schools require coursework in anatomy and/or physiology.
This requirement can be met by taking:
- Anatomy 328
- Physiology 335 OR 435
+ English
Some OT programs require coursework in English or composition. Check individual school requirements for more information.
A graduate degree is required to take the licensing exam and practice as an occupational therapist. Program options include:
Masters in Occupational Therapy
The Master’s degree is the entry-level degree for occupational therapists to be able to sit for the licensing exam (OTR). The MOT, MS, and MA are all equivalent degrees which are determined by each school.
PH.D. in Occupational Therapy
The doctoral program also prepares students for entry-level degrees and the licensing exam. Currently, there are only four accredited doctoral programs in the country.
Most OT programs require the GRE, and a fee reduction program is available. Many programs also require a shadowing or observation experience. Check with individual programs for more specific information.
