Explore Occupational Therapy

Post-baccalaureate degree: OT, OTD

occupational therapist helping patient with paint brush strokes

Occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people do the day-to-day activities that are important and meaningful to their health and well-being. Occupational Therapists (OTs) make it possible for people who face physical, cognitive, or mental health changes to participate more fully in their life roles at home and at the school, at work, and at play.

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.

See also: Academic and Career Information for Occupational Therapy (PDF)

On this page:

Minimum Prerequisites for Admission

The following prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation in an occupational therapy program:

  • baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details. Some schools will not accept AP credit for prerequisites.
  • general course prerequisites:
    • English, one year
    • statistics, one course
    • developmental psychology
    • abnormal psychology
    • human anatomy with lab
    • human physiology with lab

Test Needed

Some programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission and have established a GRE Code for the reporting of scores.

Professional Associations

Application Service

California Occupational Therapy Schools