Pre-Occupational Therapy (PreOT)

Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals of all ages overcome physical, developmental, or emotional challenges and regain independence in their daily activities.  

To become a certified and licensed occupational therapy practitioner, an individual must complete a degree from a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE^®). There are currently multiple levels of entry into the occupational therapy profession.

• Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
  • This degree can be completed at the associate or bachelor's levels
• Occupational Therapist (OT)
  • This degree can be completed at the master's or doctoral levels.

Graduates from ACOTE^® accredited programs are eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, individuals with a master's (MOT) or doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) will be registered Occupational Therapists (OTR), and Individuals with the OTA will be Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

There are several programs in Indiana, throughout the Midwest, and across the country. Visit the ACOTE^® website for a current listing of programs at all levels.

Pre-Requisite Courses

Marian University has several undergraduate majors that work for PreOT students including, but not limited to Psychology, Exercise Science, and Biology. Students can complete ANY undergraduate major and enroll in prerequisite coursework throughout their undergraduate degree. The following table includes the recommended prerequisite coursework at Marian University to fulfill graduate occupational therapy requirements. Program prerequsite requirements can vary, so students should consult information from programs of interest and work with their advisor(s) to ensure all courses are completed in a timely fashion.

Preparing a Competitive Application

To be a competitive candidate, students should check directly with the schools they plan to apply to for application requirements, information, and timelines. At Marian University, meet early and often with your advisor to stay on track for a successful application.

A competitive candidate will generally:

• Demonstrate strong academic performance in all courses (GPA 3.5 or higher)
• Score at or above the 50th percentile on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), as necessary. (If applying to a program that requires the GRE)
  • Demonstrate extensive familiarity with the profession through shadowing occupational therapists to observe the daily responsibilities
  • Gaining extensive direct patient care experience through volunteering or a paid position
  • Getting involved in community service, volunteerism, and co-curricular activities
  • Seeking leadership opportunities in clubs, organizations, church, or sports
  • Conducting independent research to better understand the scientific literature. Research is not necessarily required for OT programs, but it could help distinguish you as an applicant.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work with a diverse group of people, and a desire to help others