Pre-Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists have a unique, hands-on role in the healthcare team. They interact closely with their patients to help them develop and strengthen their abilities to carry out the tasks of daily living. Such tasks include feeding and dressing oneself, performing job skills like handwriting and computer use, and even management of mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Patients range from infants and young children to older individuals to people who have suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Regardless of the patient population and their needs, the goal of occupational therapy is to promote the patient’s independence.
An occupational therapist must have a master’s degree in occupational therapy (MSOT) in order to practice. At St. Lawrence, students interested in becoming an occupational therapist can complete the pre-requisite courses for MSOT programs. Combined BS/MSOT programs exist at some institutions, in which the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree are packaged together (generally in a 4+1 year program). St. Lawrence does not offer this option, so our graduates should be sure to look for a master’s degree program and not one of these combined programs.
Please note: Some MSOT programs require applicants to take the GRE exam; check programs of interest to learn of their policy.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Course Plan