Pre-Occupational Therapy @ SoM
The WVU School of Medicine Health Professions offers undergraduate pre-health degrees for every interest, that will help you graduate prepared for your future in healthcare. If you plan to pursue a career in occupational therapy, learn how we support you.
Aiden Aiello
Occupational Therapy
“The OT program has a huge emphasis on its simulated practical exams to immerse students in what it’s like to actually be an OT. They have helped me learn a lot and improve myself as a student greatly.”
What undergraduate major should I choose?
Exercise Physiology (EXPH) covers most typical MOT and OTD prerequisite courses and gives you an in-depth understanding of how the human body moves, functions, and heals. You'll explore how the body responds and adapts to exercise - key knowledge for future occupational therapists. EXPH students apply principles of evidence-based practice as they complete a clinical internship or research experience, with many gaining hands-on patient care skills at sites like the WVU Human Performance Laboratory.
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is another great option, with coursework focused on neurological, developmental, and communication disorders - helping students understand many of the conditions occupational therapists treat, like autism or stroke recovery. CSD students can also gain exposure to patient-centered care through research and clinical experiences.
WVU offers two opportunities for progression into either the MOT or OTD:
- Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), a competitive program that admits undergraduate students prior to the start of their junior year and allows students to complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees within five years; and
- The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program is competitive and accepts students following completion of their baccalaureate degree. For qualified EXPH undergraduate students, the Occupational Therapy (OTD) Early Assurance Program (EAP) grants guaranteed acceptance to the WVU OTD program following successful completion of EAP requirements and the BS in EXPH.
What other opportunities are there to strengthen my application to occupational therapy programs?
Students in either CSD or EXPH can stand out with a minor in areas like rural health, healthcare data analytics, disability studies, and performing arts medicine. Additionally, EXPH students can choose the Aquatic Therapy area of emphasis, which - like the Performing Arts Medicine minor - teaches them to apply rehab principles in unique settings and with specific populations.
How soon should I start preparing for occupational therapy school?
Choosing to major in CSD or EXPH at WVU is a smart first step. Timelines differ depending on your program of interest - check out the WVU MOT and OTD admissions pages for more!