Health Sciences : Pre-Occupational Therapy

BSHS

Why study Health Sciences : Pre-Occupational Therapy?

The University of Cincinnati offers a hybrid Health Sciences major with a Pre-Occupational Therapy track that specifically prepares you for entry into graduate-level occupational therapy programs. Occupational therapists, also known as OTs, evaluate and treat patients of all ages with injuries, illnesses or disabilities using meaningful activities (occupations). Occupational therapists typically use self-care, work, play, and leisure occupations to help clients adapt to individual life circumstances to gain, sustain and maintain health.  

This unique track also includes an Introduction to Occupational Therapy course taught by the Pre-Occupational Therapy Program Director, an experienced occupational therapist.  

As a student in our Pre-Occupational Therapy program, you'll delve into the realms of exercise science and kinesiology, gaining insights that will set you apart in the competitive field of occupational therapy. Benefit from a supportive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, hands-on experience, and a deep understanding of the human body and its mechanics.

The combination of foundational training in the natural and behavioral sciences, combined with education in applied human studies, such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, nutrition and health and wellness, puts graduates in a position to be very competitive advanced-level education candidates. 

Add value to your degree with a minor or certificate

Completion of this degree also includes a minor in psychology and the opportunity to earn minors/certificates in nutrition, public health, or developmental disabilities with minimal additional coursework.

Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati has established academic success criteria for first-year applicants to bachelor's degree programs. All students are encouraged to apply. Please visit High School Student Admissions for more information about first-year student admission requirements.  

Students who study in the Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy track are primarily planning for entry into a graduate-level master's or doctoral occupational therapy degree program.  

Occupational therapists typically work in:  

  • Hospitals  
  • Schools  
  • Clinics 
  • Nursing facilities 
  • Home health services  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for occupational therapists is expected to grow 12% by 2032 (much faster than the national average) and the current median pay is $93,180.  

Employment opportunities at the bachelor’s level are also available in fitness or health-related occupations. Graduates have also enrolled in graduate programs in public health, health promotion, or community health education, and more. 

Advisors will be there to help you at every step of your academic journey. If you have advising related questions, please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Academic Advising.

Students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have attended a college or university other than the University of Cincinnati since earning their high school credentials are considered transfer students. Please visit UC Admissions for information about applying to the university as a Transfer Student.

If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont), but want to change your major to one in the College of Allied Health Sciences, please visit Transition Students for more information.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines can be found at Admissions Deadlines.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

CAHS Admissions
Health Sciences Building
3225 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0394
(513) 558-0236
cahs.admissions@uc.edu

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Program Code: 35BAC-HLSC-BSHS-HLSC-BO