Why study Health Sciences : Pre-Occupational Therapy?

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.  

This unique track also includes an Introduction to Occupational Therapy course taught by the Pre-Occupational Therapy Program Director, an experienced occupational therapist.  

As a student in our Pre-Occupational Therapy program, you'll delve into the realms of exercise science and kinesiology, gaining insights that will set you apart in the competitive field of occupational therapy. Benefit from a supportive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, hands-on experience, and a deep understanding of the human body and its mechanics.

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. 

Early Assurance Programs 

The UC Doctor of Occupational Therapy program two Early Assurance Programs for Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy students to save their spot early for UC's graduate program. 

Add value to your degree with a minor or certificate

Completion of this degree also includes a minor in psychology and the opportunity to earn minors/certificates in nutrition, public health, or developmental disabilities with minimal additional coursework.

Career Possibilities

Students who study in the Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy track are primarily planning for entry into a graduate-level master's or doctoral occupational therapy degree program.  After completing a graduate program students can become an occupational therapistst. 

Occupational therapists typically work in:  

• Hospitals  
• Schools  
• Clinics 
• Nursing facilities 
• Home health services  

Employment opportunities at the bachelor’s level are also available in fitness or health-related occupations. Graduates have also enrolled in graduate programs in public health, health promotion, or community health education, and more. 

Major Maps

The Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy program includes both on-campus and online coursework. Your advisor can help you work through course modality options. 

• Guide: Health Sciences: Pre-Occupational Therapy (BS) - Fall 2024

Advising

Advisors will be there to help you at every step of your academic journey. If you have advising related questions, please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Academic Advising.

Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati has established academic success criteria for first-year applicants to bachelor's degree programs. All students are encouraged to apply. Please visit High School Student Admissions for more information about first-year student admission requirements.  

Transferring to UC Requirements

Students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have attended a college or university other than the University of Cincinnati since earning their high school credentials are considered transfer students. Please visit UC Admissions for information about applying to the university as a Transfer Student.

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont), but want to change your major to one in the College of Allied Health Sciences, please visit Transition Students for more information.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines can be found at Admissions Deadlines.

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