Pre-Occupational Therapy

About the track

Possible UC degree

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Overview

The University of Cincinnati offers a hybrid Health Sciences major with a Pre-Occupational Therapy track that specifically prepares you for entry into graduate-level occupational therapy programs. Occupational therapists, also known as OTs, evaluate and treat patients of all ages with injuries, illnesses or disabilities using meaningful activities (occupations). Occupational therapists typically use self-care, work, play, and leisure occupations to help clients adapt to individual life circumstances to gain, sustain and maintain health.  

The combination of foundational training in the natural and behavioral sciences, combined with education in applied human studies, such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, nutrition and health and wellness, puts graduates in a position to be very competitive advanced-level education candidates. 

Potential career paths

  • Occupational Therapist
  • Neurodiagnostic Technologist
  • Surgical Assistant
  • Home Health Service
  • Medical Technologist
  • Care Manager

Learn more about Pre-Occupational Therapy and what you can do with your major after graduation.

Due to a recent switch to a General Education elective structure, some printed materials may contain outdated course suggestions. Please work with your advisor to ensure you are enrolling in the correct courses.

Coursework

Tier 1 coursework
UC course Course # Credits Meets
high school
requirement*
English Composition ENGL 1001 3 English
College Algebra MATH 1021 3 Math
Personal Nutrition NUTR 1030 3 -
Introduction to Psychology PSYC 1001 Social Studies
Choose A, B, or C
A) GE: Arts and Humanities (Non-PHIL subject) ^ - 3 -
B) Medical Ethics PHIL 2029 3 -
C) Culture, Equity, and Health HPE 2002 3 -
Total possible credits 15  
Tier 2 coursework
UC course Course # Credits Meets
high school
requirement*
Trigonometry MATH 1022 3 Math
Biology I + Laboratory BIOL 1081 + BIOL 1081L 3 + 1 Science
General Organic and Biological Chemistry I + Laboratory CHEM 1030 + CHEM 1030L 3 + 1 Science
Medical Terminology HLSC 2012 2 -
Introduction to Sociology SOC 1001 3 Social Studies
Total possible credits   16  

* Credit applicability is at the discretion of your high school and cannot be determined by UC.

^ Your UC advisor will help you select courses that satisfy the GE (General Education) requirement.