Occupational therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals who help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.
Resources for Success
Study + Excel. A competitive GPA is essential when considering a career in the health field. We recommend maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. Talk with your academic advisor, professors, and the Academic Success Center for help with study skills through various workshops and tutoring.
Resume + Interviews. Create and/or improve your resume at the Office of Career and Professional Development. You can also gain confidence and develop your interview skills with a video-taped mock interview.
Job Shadow. Pre-Physical Therapy students should plan to gain 150+ hours shadowing within three different physical therapy settings. Document your experiences in a physical or digital format, and obtain at least one letter of reference from a physical therapist you have shadowed.
Volunteer + Lead. We recommend that you participate in volunteer activities within your community. Contact the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement for more information about volunteering with local weekly trips, Alternative Break Trips, and more. We also recommend that you participate in leadership seminars, workshops, retreats and LEAD courses. Get involved and join a student club or organization within your interests.
Connect + Explore. Get to know your professors and local health care professionals. These individuals are valuable resources for research experience, volunteering, shadowing and letters of recommendation. Consider Study Abroad programs through the Office of International Programs and Services. Attend information sessions, workshops, field trips, and other events for pre-physical therapy students offered by the Office of Medical Professions Advising.
Research. Talk with your professors and peers who are involved with undergraduate research and consider opportunities within your college of study.
Prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This exam requires substantial amounts of preparation and study time, so it is never too early to begin. Typically, students prepare to take the GRE in the spring of their junior year, so it is important that necessary coursework be completed by this time.
Anatomy/Physiology Courses
- BIOL 2251/L: Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab (4)
- BIOL 2252/L: Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab (4)
Mathematics and Physics Courses
- MATH 1113: Pre-Calculus (3) (if necessary)
- MATH 1401: Elementary Statistics (3)
Social and Behavioral Science Courses
- PSYC 1101: Intro to General Psychology (3)
- PSYC 3101: Psychological Disorders (3)
- HDFS 2137: Lifespan Development (3)
- SOCI 1101: Intro to Sociology (3)
Additional courses to consider
- MATH 1501: Calculus I (4)
- PHYS 1111K or 2211K: Intro to or Principles of Physics I/Lab (4) (for Augusta University)
*Please refer to each school’s prerequisite requirements for specific information.
Many schools require applicants have experience observing or shadowing occupational therapists in action. Most programs require 50-60 hours at the least, but more is certainly recommended. Some programs specify the number of sites, as well as the types of experiences that students should pursue. It is usually expected, though, that students have at least one outpatient experience and one inpatient experience. It is also recommended that students get a wide variety of shadowing experiences and are well-rounded in terms of the hours they accumulate, since these experiences are frequently asked about during the interview process. The specific requirements and recommendations for each OT program can be found on their website.
There are three Occupational Therapy programs in Georgia. Specific admissions requirements are available on each school’s website:
- Augusta University– Master’s Degree
- Brenau University– Doctoral and Master’s Degree Options
- Georgia State University– Doctoral Degree
OT Programs in the US: Learn More
