Occupational Therapy Prerequisites: What You Need Before Applying to OT School
Occupational therapy prerequisites typically include human anatomy and physiology, developmental and abnormal psychology, statistics, and humanities coursework. Most programs also require observation hours with a licensed OT and a minimum undergraduate GPA. No specific undergraduate major is required. Requirements vary by program, so verify requirements with each program directly.
Getting into an occupational therapy graduate program takes more than general interest. It takes specific coursework, documented hands-on experience, and a competitive academic record. Requirements vary across programs, so what satisfies one school’s admissions criteria may leave you short at another. This guide covers what most programs expect, what’s changed in recent years, and how to plan your undergraduate path with OT school in mind. If you’re still exploring whether OT is the right fit, our occupational therapy career overview covers the role in more depth.
Do You Need a Specific Major?
No. Occupational therapy graduate programs don’t require a specific undergraduate major. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) notes that students have entered OT programs from backgrounds ranging from biology and kinesiology to psychology, sociology, and liberal arts. The primary requirement is completing the prerequisite courses, not the name of your degree.
That said, certain majors make it easier to check off prerequisites along the way. Psychology, exercise science, human biology, and health sciences tend to overlap heavily with what OT programs ask for. If you’re deciding on a major and OT school is your goal, choosing one of these can reduce how many additional courses you need to take outside your degree requirements.
If you’ve already completed a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, that’s not disqualifying. Many OT programs accept post-baccalaureate students who take prerequisite courses separately before applying.
Core Prerequisite Coursework
While specific requirements vary by program, most occupational therapy programs draw from the same pool of foundational subjects. The table below covers the categories that appear most consistently across programs, along with examples of courses that typically satisfy them.
| Prerequisite Category | Common Courses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | Human Anatomy with lab, Human Physiology with lab | Many programs require both; some specify these must be taken within the past 5–10 years |
| Psychology | General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental/Lifespan Psychology | Lifespan development is nearly universal; most programs want coverage from infancy through late adulthood |
| Physical Sciences | Kinesiology or Physics | Kinesiology is more common for OT-track students; some programs accept either |
| Statistics | Introduction to Statistics, Research Methods | Most programs require at least one statistics course; some want both descriptive and inferential coverage |
| Social Sciences | Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology | Usually one course is required; it fulfills the behavioral sciences component |
| Humanities | Literature, Philosophy, Ethics, Art History, Religion | Requirements vary widely; some programs want specific credits, while others accept any humanities elective |
| Medical Terminology | Medical Terminology | Not universally required but commonly expected; some programs accept online formats |
Start researching specific programs early. Prerequisites can vary enough between schools that adding a program late in your planning process might reveal courses you haven’t taken yet. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) maintains a searchable database of accredited programs at acoteonline.org, which is a useful starting point.
GPA and Academic Requirements
Occupational therapy programs are competitive. Most programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of around 2.75 to 3.0, but admitted students often have GPAs of around 3.3 or higher. Some programs evaluate prerequisite coursework GPA separately from cumulative GPA, so a strong performance in your science and psychology courses can work in your favor even if your overall GPA is lower.
If you received a C or lower in a prerequisite course, it may be beneficial to retake it. Some programs won’t accept grades below a C in required courses, and a retake can signal to admissions committees that you’re willing to put in the work. Applying to multiple programs is also common practice, as it broadens your chances and gives you a clearer picture of where you’re competitive.
Observation and Shadowing Hours
Most programs require documented observation hours with a licensed, practicing occupational therapist before you apply. This isn’t volunteer work in general. It means time spent specifically shadowing an OT in a clinical or community setting, ideally across more than one type of environment.
Programs typically expect exposure to at least two different settings. Common options include rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, school-based OT, pediatric facilities, and geriatric care. The number of required hours varies by program, so check requirements individually. Starting early gives you time to accumulate hours in diverse settings, which tends to strengthen your application.
Graduate Degree Options: MOT vs. OTD
A master’s or entry-level doctoral (OTD) degree is required to practice as an occupational therapist in the United States. The most common entry-level degree is the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), which typically takes two to three years to complete after your bachelor’s. Our master’s degree in occupational therapy guide covers program formats, length, and what to expect from the application process. Many programs now also offer the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) as an entry-level degree. Both the MOT and OTD prepare graduates for the same national certification exam — the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination — and both qualify graduates to apply for state licensure.
The choice between a master’s and a doctorate comes down to program length, cost, and your long-term goals. A doctorate may provide advantages for those interested in research, academic positions, or leadership roles, but it isn’t required to practice clinically. Look at programs accredited by ACOTE when evaluating your options — graduation from an ACOTE-accredited program is required to sit for the NBCOT exam.
The GRE and Other Application Materials
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) was once standard for OT program applications. That’s changed. Many programs have moved away from requiring GRE scores, though some still accept or request them. Check the specific admissions requirements for each program you’re considering rather than assuming either way.
Beyond transcripts, most programs also require a personal statement explaining your interest in occupational therapy, letters of recommendation from professors or licensed OTs, and documentation of your observation hours. Programs that admit international students typically require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if your undergraduate education was completed in a non-English language. Score requirements vary by program, so contact each school directly for their current thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What undergraduate major is best for occupational therapy?
No single major is required. Psychology, exercise science, biology, and health sciences tend to overlap well with OT prerequisites, making coursework planning easier. But students from any major can apply as long as they’ve completed the required prerequisite courses. Choose a major you’ll engage with fully — your academic performance matters more than your major’s name.
How many observation hours do I need to apply to OT school?
Requirements vary by program, but most expect documented observation hours with a licensed occupational therapist across at least two different settings. Check each program’s specific requirements early in your planning process. Starting to log hours during your sophomore or junior year gives you the flexibility to diversify your settings before you apply.
Is the GRE required for occupational therapy programs?
Most OT programs no longer require the GRE, though some still accept or request scores. This has shifted significantly since around 2020, so don’t assume requirements from older sources still apply. Check current admissions pages for every program you’re considering, as policies vary.
Can I apply to OT school if I already have a degree in an unrelated field?
Yes. Many occupational therapy programs accept post-baccalaureate applicants who complete prerequisite coursework after finishing their initial degree. You’ll typically need to take the required science and psychology courses at an accredited college or university before applying. Contact programs directly to confirm their policies on post-baccalaureate coursework.
What is ACOTE, and why does it matter?
ACOTE stands for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Graduating from an ACOTE-accredited program is required to take the NBCOT certification exam, which is the national exam you must pass to become a licensed occupational therapist. When researching programs, confirm they hold ACOTE accreditation before applying.
Key Takeaways
- No specific major is required: OT programs accept applicants from any undergraduate background, provided you’ve completed the necessary prerequisite courses.
- Core prerequisites span several disciplines: Most programs expect coursework in anatomy and physiology, psychology (general, abnormal, and lifespan), statistics, a physical science, social sciences, and humanities.
- Observation hours are essential: Documented shadowing with a licensed OT in multiple settings is required by most programs and should be started early in your undergraduate years.
- The GRE is no longer standard: Most programs have dropped this requirement, but verify each program’s current policy directly.
- ACOTE accreditation matters: Only graduates of ACOTE-accredited programs are eligible to sit for the NBCOT national certification exam.
Ready to explore OT programs? Our occupational therapy education guide covers degree types, program formats, and what to look for when comparing schools.
