Occupational therapy (OT) programs welcome students from all academic majors, but applicants must complete prerequisite coursework before entering a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. While many OT programs share similar admission requirements, prerequisites vary by institution. Students should always review the admission requirements for each occupational therapy program they plan to apply to.
The table below outlines common prerequisite courses for many U.S. occupational therapy programs and the corresponding NIU course(s).
Occupational therapy program prerequisites vary by institution. Some programs require medical terminology, abnormal psychology, lifespan development, exercise physiology or additional behavioral science coursework. Admission testing requirements also vary, as many programs have become test-optional or no longer require the GRE. Students should review the admission requirements for each occupational therapy program they plan to apply to and meet regularly with the Pre-health Professions Program to develop an individualized academic plan.
| Requirement | NIU Course(s) | Required by Most Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy | BIOS 311 | Yes |
| Human Physiology | BIOS 355 | Yes |
| Statistics | STAT 200 | Yes |
| General Psychology | PSYC 102 | Yes |
| Developmental Psychology | PSYC 220 or HDFS equivalent | Frequently |
| Abnormal Psychology | PSYC 331 or equivalent | Frequently |
| Sociology | SOCI 170 | Frequently |
| English Composition | ENGL 103 | Yes |
| Medical Terminology | Varies by institution | Frequently |
Many occupational therapy programs no longer require the GRE. Students should verify admission testing requirements for each OT program before applying.
While not required by every occupational therapy program, these courses strengthen your preparation for occupational therapy education and clinical practice.
| NIU Course | Why Take It? |
|---|---|
| BIOS 311 - Functional Human Anatomy | Builds a strong anatomical foundation for rehabilitation sciences |
| BIOS 355 - Human Physiology | Reinforces understanding of human movement and function |
| PSYC 220 - Developmental Psychology | Helps prepare students for working with clients across the lifespan |
| PSYC 331 - Abnormal Psychology | Introduces common psychological and behavioral disorders encountered in clinical practice |
| HDFS coursework | Strengthens understanding of human development, family systems and lifespan transitions |
| PHHE or Kinesiology electives | Provides additional preparation in movement, health and wellness |
This timeline combines guidance from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) and has been adapted for NIU students. Individual timelines may vary depending on academic preparation and whether students complete all prerequisites before applying.
| Timeline | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| First year | Meet with the Pre-health Professions Program. Begin prerequisite coursework. Join a pre-health student organization. Develop strong study habits. Begin exploring occupational therapy through volunteer experiences and observation. |
| Second year | Continue prerequisite coursework based on your individualized academic plan. Continue observation or volunteer experiences with occupational therapists. Explore leadership, research and community service opportunities. Develop relationships with faculty and occupational therapists for future letters of recommendation. |
| Third year | Complete most prerequisite coursework. Prepare for the GRE (if required). Research occupational therapy programs and admission requirements. Request letters of recommendation. Draft your personal statement. Meet with the Pre-health Professions Program to review your application plan. |
| Summer before application | Take the GRE (if required). Finalize your school list. Request official transcripts. Prepare your OTCAS application. |
| July–Fall | OTCAS typically opens in July. Submit your application as early as possible and complete supplemental applications required by individual programs. |
| Fall–Spring | Participate in interviews (if required). Continue observation hours, volunteer work, leadership and academic success while preparing for matriculation. |
| Gap year (optional) | Many successful applicants strengthen their applications through additional observation hours, employment, research, leadership or community service before applying. |
Competitive occupational therapy applicants demonstrate more than academic success. Most programs expect applicants to complete observation hours under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists, often in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, pediatric clinics, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and community-based programs. Exposure to multiple practice settings demonstrates a broad understanding of the profession and helps applicants make informed career decisions.
The following organizations provide reliable information about occupational therapy education, admissions, certification, and careers.
Pre-health Professions Program
prehealth@niu.edu