Pre-Occupational Therapy

Contrary to its title, occupational therapy is not limited to "work". To these important health care professionals, "occupation" refers to any daily activity. For children, this might include playing, learning and socializing. For adults, occupational therapy is designed to facilitate full functioning at work and at home. For older adults, treatment might address common health issues associated with aging, including declining cognition, arthritis, and impaired vision.

Occupational therapists make it possible for patients to achieve greater independence and live their lives to their fullest. SIU is the destination for those with motivation and focus to pursue this exciting field. Our pre-occupational therapy curriculum offers the background you'll need to become a competitive applicant for graduate programs in this field.

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including doctor's offices, hospitals, schools, skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, psychiatric facilities, mental health centers, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, community health programs, and many more. This field is growing faster than average rate, so you can feel confident about the choice of this career's future prospects!

Pre-occupational therapy is not a major at SIU.  As a pre-OT student, you are indicating your intention to apply to occupational therapy schools. Students will need to select a major in which to earn a degree at SIU.

View SIU's Pre-Occupational Therapy curriculum.

PRE-OT LINKS

American Occupational Therapy Association

 Information

• About Occupational Therapy
• Occupational Therapists - US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Common Majors

• Exercise Science
• Psychology
• Biological Sciences - Biomedical specialization
• Physiology