Pharmacy, Natural & Health Sciences

Pre-Occupational Therapy 

Pre-Occupational Therapy at MU aids patients at achieving independence at "everyday occupation living"

Program Opportunities

  • Major in Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences
    • Pre-Occupational Therapy (Pre-OT) Concentration

Overview

Occupational therapy aids patients in achieving independence in “everyday occupations of living,” while fully participating in their lives. The treatment utilizes patients' everyday activities therapeutically and promotes their well-being. The Manchester University's pre-OT program prepares students to apply for an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program or a master’s degree program.

Occupational therapy practitioners help patients lead lives better with their injuries and disabilities. They thoroughly evaluate patients along with their personal and professional surroundings and needs. Careful evaluation leads to evidence-based customized interventions, such that patient has improved abilities to perform. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that the profession of occupational therapy will see a 16 percent increase in job prospects nationwide between 2019-2029.

Career Tracks for Occupational Therapy Graduates

A major in clinical and rehabilitation sciences with a pre-OT concentration satisfies the requirements as an undergraduate major in occupational therapy when applying for OTD programs. Our signature pre-OT concentration prepares students for the following:

  • OTD program applications
  • Entry-level master's degree program applications

The OTD is a three-year professional graduate degree program that equips students with entry-level occupational therapy knowledge and skills to practice as an occupational therapist. A typical OTD program curriculum includes functional anatomy, human physiology, occupational science and human occupations, occupation and disabilities, creativity, crafts and activities, therapeutic uses of everyday activities, hand rehabilitation, and more in detail.

After securing the state licensure, an OTD graduate can practice as on occupational therapist in a broad range of career tracks:

  • Clinical settings:
    • Outpatient OT
    • OT in Rehabilitation Hospitals
    • OT in Skilled Nursing Facilities
    • OT in Extended Care facilities
    • OT in Senior Living Facilities
    • OT in Pediatric Neurology
    • OT in Schools & Pre-Schools Settings
    • OT in Home Healthcare Services
    • Telehealth Services
  • Non-clinical settings:
    • Academics
    • Clinical Research
    • Insurance Auditors
    • Corporate Health Consulting Firms
    • Home Modification Specialists
    • Work-Station Ergonomists
    • Medical Equipment Sales
    • Assistive Technology Professionals
    • Low-Vision Specialists
    • Mental and Behavioral Health