So you want to go to OT school...
Occupational therapy is often overlooked, being so closely related to services provided through physical therapy, many individuals are not sure what occupational therapists do for a living. Unlike physical therapists, occupational therapists focus on the rehabilitation centered around a patient’s everyday activities. This includes helping kids so they can fully participate in school and social situations, helping people recover from sports injuries that hindered common skills, and providing necessary support to elders experiencing cognitive and physical changes.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Occupational Therapy schools generally look for GPA no lower than 3.0. Both your academic and science GPA are taken into account when applying for an Occupational Therapy program. Though the minimum GPA is a 3.0 for most programs, the average competitive GPA is a 3.5-3.6. Occupational Therapy grad schools require a bachelor’s degree and coursework prerequisites. Listed below are the prerequisite courses required by MUSC's Occupational Therapy program. It is important to note that MUSC does not accept Advanced Placement courses for prerequisites. (Last updated July 20th, 2023)
Occupational therapy is often overlooked, being so closely related to services provided through physical therapy, many individuals are not sure what occupational therapists do for a living. Unlike physical therapists, occupational therapists focus on the rehabilitation centered around a patient’s everyday activities. This includes helping kids so they can fully participate in school and social situations, helping people recover from sports injuries that hindered common skills, and providing necessary support to elders experiencing cognitive and physical changes.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Occupational Therapy schools generally look for GPA no lower than 3.0. Both your academic and science GPA are taken into account when applying for an Occupational Therapy program. Though the minimum GPA is a 3.0 for most programs, the average competitive GPA is a 3.5-3.6. Occupational Therapy grad schools require a bachelor’s degree and coursework prerequisites. Listed below are the prerequisite courses required by MUSC's Occupational Therapy program. It is important to note that MUSC does not accept Advanced Placement courses for prerequisites. (Last updated July 20th, 2023)
NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
All OT programs require volunteer hours and observation experiences. This allows students to gain hands on experience with occupational therapy. MUSC requires at least 15 hours of shadowing in occupational therapy.
Shadowing local OT’s can be done at home over the summer or right here in practices surrounding the Clemson Area. In order to shadow, I recommend contacting OT to see if they are available for shadowing. Chances are you will have to go through a clearance process before you are allowed to shadow, but do not be alarmed or give up. Push through the process so you are able to get your necessary hours. Shadowing is always a wonderful experience, sometimes the best way to learn something is being thrown into the an environment surrounded by the subject.
All OT programs require volunteer hours and observation experiences. This allows students to gain hands on experience with occupational therapy. MUSC requires at least 15 hours of shadowing in occupational therapy.
Shadowing local OT’s can be done at home over the summer or right here in practices surrounding the Clemson Area. In order to shadow, I recommend contacting OT to see if they are available for shadowing. Chances are you will have to go through a clearance process before you are allowed to shadow, but do not be alarmed or give up. Push through the process so you are able to get your necessary hours. Shadowing is always a wonderful experience, sometimes the best way to learn something is being thrown into the an environment surrounded by the subject.
GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION (GRE)
MUSC no longer requires the GRE for admissions. However, out of state schools may require it. For more information about the GRE and scoring click the button below.
MUSC no longer requires the GRE for admissions. However, out of state schools may require it. For more information about the GRE and scoring click the button below.
APPLY
If you're ready to apply or want to learn more about the process, click the link below.
If you're ready to apply or want to learn more about the process, click the link below.