Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at The Ohio State University
The Occupational Therapy is a Bachelor degree offered by The Ohio State University on the Columbus campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 4 years to complete. Students study at the Columbus campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Campus: Columbus
School: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
The occupational therapy program at Ohio State is a post-baccalaureate doctorate program. Students interested in occupational therapy should complete an undergraduate program of their choice in preparation for application to the Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program.
Occupational therapy exists to facilitate an individuals ability to perform the activities that are important to them, despite the presence or risk of impairment, disease or disability. Occupational therapists work in homes, hospitals, schools or community agencies. Their patients are those who are adapting to or are at risk of functional limitations such as physical and cognitive disabilities, psychosocial dysfunctions and mental illnesses, or developmental and learning disorders. All facets of performance (physical, cognitive and psychosocial) are addressed, and goal-directed activity is applied to enhance physical and psychosocial abilities, health, well-being and life satisfaction.
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The occupational therapy program at Ohio State is a post-baccalaureate doctorate program. Students interested in occupational therapy should complete an undergraduate program of their choice in preparation for application to the Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program.
Since occupational therapy draws upon a variety of disciplines, there is no single major or even type of major that is better suited than another for undergraduate preparation. While tudents often select a course of study somewhat related to the professional area, such as health sciences, biology or psychology, any major is viable as long as the prerequisite course work for the OTD program is completed.
Undecided or undeclared students may enroll in Ohio State’s University Exploration program for the first year or two of university enrollment to explore all majors that Ohio State has to offer. Students can also choose to enroll in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences for the first year or two as pre-major students if interested in one of their professional programs or health sciences.
OTD candidates should plan an undergraduate curriculum that will give them a comprehensive base in the sciences, social sciences and humanities. Students are encouraged to take advantage of academic opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines in preparation for a very people-oriented profession that relies heavily on interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
The following courses must be completed prior to beginning the OTD program:
- Abnormal psychology
- Introductory sociology
- Human anatomy (lab recommended but not required)
- Human physiology (lab recommended but not required)
- Intermediate or technical writing
- Statistics
- General biology or introductory biology
- Medical/scientific terminology
Admission to the OTD program is based on the following requirements:
- A bachelor's degree
- An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
- Completion of at least 40 hours of observation with a licensed, practicing occupational therapist in at least two of four settings: rehabilitation, mental health, pediatrics and geriatrics
Curriculum
In their undergraduate curriculum, students interested in the post-baccalaureate Occupational Therapy Doctorate program should build a strong science background and develop skills in collecting, measuring and analyzing data. Required prerequisite course work for admission to the OTD program covers the foundations of occupational therapy theory and science, models of occupational therapy practice, clinical experiences, and the use of an evidence-based approach.
Internship
Students are encouraged to participate in some type of observation, volunteer and/or paid work experience in a health care or physical therapy setting early on in their undergraduate years. Students who plan to apply to the post-baccalaureate Occupational Therapy Doctorate program must have at least 40 hours of observation with a licensed, practicing occupational therapist in at least two of four settings: rehabilitation, mental health, pediatrics and geriatrics.
All health and rehabilitation sciences programs include internships and clinical experiences for students that are arranged individually with clinical sites experienced in offering the best available clinical instruction. The programs that include clinical placements provide students with extensive supervised practice in facilities both on and off campus.
Honors and Scholars
Students in the Ohio State Scholars programs live together, attend classes together and have the opportunity to be a part of a close-knit community. Pre-occupational therapy students may apply to any of the Ohio State Scholars programs. The Health Sciences Scholars Program and the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars Program may be of particular interest to students in the pre-occupational therapy program because they bring together students with interests in the many health programs offered at Ohio State.
Student organizations
Students in any major who are interested in pursuing occupational therapy can join the Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Occupational Therapy Club to learn more about these professions, meet others interested in physical and occupational therapy, and increase awareness of these professions on campus and in the community.
Possible careers
Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including children’s hospitals, general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, public and special schools, private homes, sheltered workshops, and community agencies. Some therapists also establish their own private practices. With experience or additional education, occupational therapists may become administrators of occupational therapy departments.
Salary estimates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for occupational therapists is $78,810.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus