Pre-Occupational Therapy

Overview

Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who assist individuals of all ages to carry out their needed activities and occupations during the day. 

Students at Illinois Wesleyan who are interested in occupational therapy choose a major in their primary field of interest while also working to complete courses required by occupational therapy graduate programs. Many majors are suitable, although psychology is an especially good choice because of the overlap between the psychology major’s requirements and the course prerequisites for many occupational therapy programs; biology and kinesiology and allied health majors are often considered as well.

Illinois Wesleyan students are regularly accepted into some of the top OT programs in the country. Pre-OT students at IWU benefit from the University’s rigorous science education, excellent internship opportunities and vibrant liberal arts education — all of which combine to help students develop intellectual, interpersonal, and personal qualities essential to their success as future OT professionals.

▷ Printable brochure

Michele Darnell, Pre-Health and Biology Career Advisor

Have questions? Contact Michele via email mdarnell@iwu.edu or phone 309-556-3578.

Pre-Occupational Therapy Course Plan (first 3 semesters)

This is an example course plan based on the 2021-2022 University Catalog of the courses needed for pre-occupational therapy; your faculty advisor will work with you to complete your course registration.

As an IWU student, it is your responsibility to track your progress each semester towards completing graduation requirements using the  MyIWU  degree audit tool.

 

 

Study Abroad

Students interested in studying abroad should consult with their academic advisor to determine an appropriate semester.

Additional Information

• There is no universal set of admission requirements for occupational therapy programs.
• The courses in the course plan above are common required courses, but programs might require more, fewer or different courses, such as:
  • Chemistry,
  • Physics,
  • Pharmacology,
  • Ethics,
  • Communication, and/or
  • other Biology courses.
• Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the applicant to know the exact requirements and deadlines for each school to which they apply.
• Students planning to pursue pre-occupational therapy are strongly encouraged to meet with the Pre-Health and Biology Career Advisor for guidance.