Old Dominion University Occupational Therapy Observation Modules

Module 6: Preparing to be an Occupational Therapist

The Journey

The path to becoming an occupational therapist is an exciting one and involves many steps along the way. The American Occupational Therapy Association provides a number of useful tools to help you along the journey. On their website you can find resources on occupational therapy programs and program formats and the occupational therapy centralized application service (OTCAS).

Becoming an Occupational Therapist

Earn a Bachelor's Degree

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required for acceptance to an occupational therapy program. Occupational therapy programs accept students with a wide variety of backgrounds including biology, health science, kinesiology, exercise science, engineering, psychology, social sciences, and education.

Complete Program Prerequisites

Complete the prerequisite courses required by the institutions you are interested in. At ODU, we require that you complete the following prerequisites with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 within the past 10 years:

Anatomy and Physiology (At least 8 credit hours with labs; the course content must address the organization of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems in humans)
Developmental Psychology (One 3 credit hour child development or a lifespan course that includes learning principles and motor, language, cognitive, emotional, and social development)
Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology (One 3 credit hour course addressing psychopathology)
Social Science (Two 3 credit hour courses can include other psychology courses, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, public health, epidemiology, gerontology, and urban studies)
Statistics (One 3 credit hour course addressing behavioral, educational, psychological, or mathematical statistics. Business statistics does not fulfill this requirement)

Though not a prerequisite of our program, many students find it helpful to come prepared with background knowledge in medical terminology. If you have not taken a Medical Terminology Course you might find this free online resource to be of valuable to you.

Three Letters of Reference

Request three letters from academic or professional resources. Make sure your references know you, your accomplishments, and your passion for occupational therapy and can express that in their letter.

Observation Hours

Many occupational therapy programs require the completion of observation hours. Observation hours may help you ensure that occupational therapy the right profession for you. Because at ODU we know that observation hours are hard for students to obtain and for sites to provide, we require that students complete the introductory modules instead of observation hours.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your opportunity to share your story. Take the time to craft a narrative that tells admission committees about you - who you are, what unique qualities you bring to the classroom and the profession, and what makes you passionate about becoming an occupational therapist.

Apply

Many occupational therapy programs use the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System to process applicant materials. Program deadline dates and required materials are provided in OTCAS. To apply to schools that require OTCAS, create an account and follow the instructions for application.

Becoming an Occupational Therapist

In this short video clip, Lavarre Green, MOT, OTR/L, discusses his reasons for becoming an occupational therapist and the journey he undertook to get there. Lavarre shares his unique story, the steps he took, and the value of occupational therapy in his life.

Occupational Therapy Organizations

American Occupational Therapy Association

AOTA represents more than 230,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students in the United States and beyond, to advance occupational therapy practice, education, and research.

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education

ACOTE establishes, approves, and administers educational standards to evaluate occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs.

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

NBCOT provides validation of knowledge essential for effective and safe practice in occupational therapy

The ODU OTD Program is a student centered curriculum situated in occupation and built on synergistic partnerships with the learning, practice, and client community.

ODU OTD Program Mission

The Program is designed to graduate diverse, intellectually inquisitive and innovative occupational therapy practice leaders, advocates and scholars, who, through their understanding of the relationship of occupation, health, and wellbeing gained through rigorous didactic and clinical academic pursuit, find scientifically grounded practical solutions to the everyday occupational needs of society.

ODU OTD Program Vision

The Program will be recognized as an inclusive program that cultivates diverse leaders, advocates and scholars in healthcare, education and research that serve the right and need of society to participate in occupations that give life meaning and improve health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations in the metropolitan Hampton Roads region of Virginia, our nation and the world through inquiry, collaboration and innovation.

Program Themes

Excellence in professional and clinical reasoning to promote occupational performance

Excellence in practice scholarship to promote occupational participation

Excellence in leadership and advocacy to promote occupational justice

Reflection Summary

Occupational Therapy is a dynamic field that is ever evolving to meet the diverse needs those we serve. Drawing on your unique life experiences and leadership, scholarship, and service opportunities, please complete the Reflection Summary document by describing what inspired you to pursue a career as an Occupational Therapist. Consider your unique attributes, affinities, and individual career interests and how the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Old Dominion University can support your goal achievement.

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