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Exercise Science - Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) help people of all ages participate more fully in everyday life. Using evidence-based, person-centered care, OTs help clients develop or regain skills, adapt activities and environments, and improve independence after injury, illness, or disability.
OTs take a holistic approach, focusing on all activities that are meaningful to each person from work and school, to recreation and everyday activities such as getting dressed, cooking, eating, and driving.

Prepare for OT School
Requirements vary by school and program, so be sure to check specifically for each program!

Course Prerequisites

Academic Requirements
  • Human Anatomy w/ Lab
  • Human Physiology w/ Lab
  • Statistics
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • General Psychology
  • Biology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Expository Writing
  • Humanities
  • And possibly more

Important: Prerequisites vary significantly
between programs. Some schools may not
accept certain courses or labs, so check each
program before applying.
  • GPA: Check each program's minimum and average accepted GPA
  • Grades: Policies on C's, D's, and F's vary by program
  • AP Credits: Some programs accept AP Credit; others do not
  • Outstanding Prerequisites: Some programs allow you to apply before completing all prerequisites, while others do not
  • GRE: Some OT programs require or recommend the GRE and include average scores.
  • Personal statement
Application Portal: OT programs utilize OTCAS as a common application. https://otcas.cas.myliaison.com/

Sophomore Year

Junior Year
Explore
  • Research OT programs & their requirements
  • Compare prerequisite requirements
  • Begin observation/shadowing
  • Explore different OT settings & populations
 Prepare
  • Complete prerequisites
  • Continue observation hours
  • Begin personal statement
  • Build relationships with faculty & OTs
  • Identify potential recommenders

Application Timing

Application Year

Application deadlines vary by program and are often one year before enrollment.

 Apply
  • Submit your application through OTCAS
  • Request letters of recommendation
  • Submit transcripts & supporting materials
  • Complete program-specific requirements
  • Prepare for interviews, if necessary

Career Path
Practice Areas:
  • Pediatrics
  • School-based therapy
  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Neurological rehabilitation
  • Geriatrics
  • Mental health
  • Workplace ergonomics
  • Health & wellness
 Work Settings:
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Schools
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Nursing homes & assisted living
  • Home health agencies
  • Community organizations
  • Workplaces

Rutgers Occupational Therapy Program
  • 109-credit, entry-level OTD completed in 8 consecutive semesters, including summers
  • Develop advanced clinical and leadership skills through a curriculum designed to prepare students as occupational therapy generalists
  • Complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork plus a 14-week doctoral capstone expereince
  • Gain experience across diverse populations and settings, including hospitals, schools, community centers, and long-term care
  • Engage in community-based learning through opportunities such as the Head Injury Clinic and NEXUS Club
  • Explore research, scholarship, and emerging areas of OT practice through fieldwork and capstone experiences
  • ACOTE-accredited program preparing graduates for the NBCOT certification examination and state licensure

Network + Get Involved
Networking Tips:
  • Build relationships with faculty through research and office hours
  • Connect with practicing OTs through observation/shadowing
  • Explore multiple OT settings
  • Attend OT-related events and programs
  • Talk with current OT students about their experiences

Tip: When shadowing, focus on what you are learning about the profession, not just the number of hours.

 Helpful Links

 Career Sheets

These career sheets are short, prBrainpower Pathways Logo Collectionactical guides that help students explore different careers and understand what it takes to get started. Each sheet provides an overview of the career, the skills and education that may be helpful, and possible next steps.

Students should use the sheets as a starting point for exploration—not as a definitive guide or a requirement to follow a particular path. They can review sheets for careers that interest them, compare different options, and use the suggested resources and next steps to learn more, identify opportunities, and begin building a plan for their own career journey.

Exercise Science Careers
    Athletic Training
    Chiropractor
    Dentist
    Occupational Therapy
    Physician Assistant
    Physical Therapy		 Sport Management Careers
     Administration & Events
     Agent & Law
     Coaching
     Marketing & Revenue