Occupational therapists help people of all ages overcome challenges and participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Occupational therapists work with those who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives due to physical, developmental, social or emotional problems. Carroll University’s pre-occupational therapy emphasis prepares you to pursue your graduate education in occupational therapy.
OTs make a significant difference in the daily lives of people in need
Occupational therapists use the "occupations" of self-care, work and play/leisure to help people maintain independence, enhance development and/or prevent disability. To achieve these goals occupational therapists may adapt the task or the environment. They help people regain skills or find new ways of doing everyday activities the rest of us take for granted. These can include everything from getting dressed, to performing job-related functions, to driving, to cooking a meal or playing a sport and more.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) identifies six practice areas:
- Children and youth
- Health and wellness
- Mental health
- Productive aging
- Rehabilitation
- Disability and participation
- Work and industry
The need for OTs is on the rise
Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase 33 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. As a comparison, health diagnosing and treating practitioners are predicted to increase by 26 percent and total all occupations by 14 percent.
To become an occupational therapist, you must complete an undergraduate degree with required prerequisites, graduate from an entry-level occupational therapy education program (Master's or Doctoral level) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and sit for the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination.
Take the first step toward becoming an occupational therapist
You can prepare for graduate occupational therapy education at Carroll University through the completion of an undergraduate degree and the specific required prerequisite courses of the occupational therapy educational program. Students are encouraged to add a pre-occupational therapy emphasis to any undergraduate major and work with campus advisors to create a customized completion plan. Additionally, Carroll's health and human experience minor would provide excellent preparation for the occupational therapy graduate program.
Carroll University’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is an accelerated, two-year, post-baccalaureate program that prepares students to pursue one of the most rewarding and fastest growing health care careers in Wisconsin and nationwide. Carroll alumni receive a calculated advantage in the competitive, graduate-level admission process.
Emily Nault '22
Exercise Science / Pre-Occupational Therapy
“I decided to study exercise science because I am fascinated by the human body and how exercise alters many components of the body’s natural response. The exercise science curriculum offers many different learning experience both in and out the classroom.
“A fond memory of mine was my experience in my anatomy class where the instructor was thrilled to not just walk us through the different structures but also work with a cadaver. Once I was able to get those hands-on experiences, it seemed like all of my knowledge was clicking into place.
“Prominent throughout my experience at Carroll has been the faculty support. They truly care and want to see all their students be successful. My professors have been some of my biggest advocates, both in and out of the classroom, from leading me to the right career path, building my professional experience and supporting me in other aspects of my life.
“This campus is truly a gem. Carroll has so much to offer in addition to academics, which is a huge plus. I truly feel Carroll is my home away from home and I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything.”