Occupational Therapy
Overview of Field
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.
A master's degree in occupational therapy or a doctoral degree is now required for all entry-level positions
Career Exploration
Common occupational therapy interventions include helping 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.
Applying to Occupational Therapy programs
You are not required to select a particular undergraduate major in order to be eligible for admission to a OT program. The most common undergraduate majors among OT students include biology, kinesiology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts, and anatomy. Students should ensure prerequisite courses and other application requirements are met.
Many OT Programs utilize a centralized application service called The Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service.
Many OT programs have multiple deadline dates (i.e., preferred, priority, or early decision) or operate on a rolling admissions process.
Pre-requisite Completion
The University of Louisville wants to support you with your career goals! Many of your required pre-requisites for your pre-health path can be completed right here at UofL in conjunction with your current academic program plan. Meet with your academic advisor for more information. In addition, consult the specific program you are applying to for pre-requisite requirements.
Many programs require applicants to have a certain number of volunteer or paid experiences working with patients under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
Entrance Exam
Many OT programs will require the GRE. Check exact requirement listed on specific program website.
Getting Involved
UofL Student Involvement Recognized Student Organizations (RSO’s):
- Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students
- Allied Health Club
- Alpha Epsilon Delta
- Sports Medicine Interest Group
These student organizations are active as of Fall 2023. You can find all active student organizations by visiting engage.