A CLEARER PATH INTO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapists help clients with illnesses, disabilities or injuries build, maintain and improve the skills they need for daily life and work. Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s or Doctoral track, Ripon’s pre-health advising and clinical affiliations help you build the experience and coursework OT programs are looking for.
WHAT OT PROGRAMS ARE LOOKING FOR
Admission requirements differ from program to program, so it’s important to confirm specifics with the schools you plan to apply to. Most OT programs evaluate:
- Completion of core prerequisite coursework
- A minimum amount of hands-on experience and/or observation in an occupational therapy setting
- A competitive GPA
BUILD THE RIGHT FOUNDATION*
There are two tracks into the field—Master’s and Doctoral—but the coursework foundation looks similar either way. Interested students should plan around these courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology — BIO 211 and 312
- Statistics — MTH 120 or PSC 211
- Physics — PHY 131
- Psychology — 2-3 courses, typically PSC 110, 221, 234, 242
- Sociology or Anthropology — SOC 110 or ANT 110
Some programs also require Medical Terminology and Lifespan Development, which are not regularly offered at Ripon but occasionally available—check with HPAC on timing.
*Requirements vary by institution—always confirm current prerequisites directly with the OT program you plan to apply to.
A DIRECT PATH INTO OT: CARROLL UNIVERSITY
Ripon’s affiliation with Carroll University’s Master’s in Occupational Therapy program gives students a clear track to follow before they apply. Here’s what it takes:
- Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 211, 312)
- Psychopathology (PSC 221)
- Lifespan Development (offered occasionally at Ripon)
- Medical Terminology (not currently offered at Ripon)
- Documentation of clinical experience—volunteering, observation, internships or work experience in an OT setting (20 hours of OT-specific observation are highly recommended, though all healthcare experience is considered)
- A cumulative and pre-professional GPA of 3.0+
MORE PATHS, MORE POSSIBILITY
Ripon’s partnership with Midwestern University opens the door even wider. Qualified students receive guaranteed interviews at the College of Health Sciences–Glendale (CHS-Glendale) and College of Health Sciences–Downers Grove (CHS-Downers Grove).
Ask your HPAC advisor how to make the most of it.
