Pre-Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that helps people of all ages to recover from injury, disability or illness and participate in activities of daily living. Below learn more about the classes and the national exam you need to prepare for an occupational therapy school or program. Also in the links, learn information about occupational therapy schools and general information about occupational therapy.
What classes do I need to take?
Each OT graduate program has different requirements. It is up to you to learn about your specific program(s) and prepare for them. A directory of masters-level programs in the US and their prerequisites is found at the Accreditation Council on Occupation Therapy Education (ACOTE).
UM-Dearborn most common pre-requisite courses for most OT programs in MI
What is the national standardized test?
For some OT graduate programs, the ETS Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test (not any of the subject tests) is the test required. The best way to prepare for the general GRE test is to use the ETS free test preparation material on prepare for the general GRE. Re-read what you just read. Free material! Don't buy prep material.
What is the Clinical Competency expectation?
- ALL OT programs require you to conduct observation hours with a licensed OT.
- Conduct your observation hours throughout your college years
- You will need a letter of evaluation from a licensed OT as part of your application. Think about developing that relationship now as you observe!
- Document your hours!
- Specific requirements vary by OT program. Check the requirements of the programs you are interested in.
- OT programs vary widely regarding their expectations of your knowledge of and experience with OT.
- WARNING: observation hours with and/or letters of evaluation from an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) do NOT count!
What else should I know?
You must learn and incorporate the Association of American Medical Colleges Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students in your prerequisite courses and extracurricular activities. Even though this says medical students, these competencies will help you too! OT schools/programs will assess you on these professional skills!
More information, such as what you should major in or how to handle repeats or withdrawals at UM-Dearborn, can be found in our FAQ section.