Pre-Occupational Therapy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed to lay a strong academic foundation for aspiring healthcare professionals, this program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills required for successful entry into accredited occupational therapy graduate programs. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and hands-on preparation, ensuring students meet the rigorous prerequisites demanded by professional schools.
- Anatomy and Physiology: In-depth study of the human body’s structure and function, focusing on systems relevant to movement, sensation, and daily living activities.
- Psychology: Exploration of human behavior, cognitive processes, and emotional development across the lifespan, with emphasis on mental health and patient-centered care.
- Biology: Core principles of life sciences, including cellular processes, genetics, and biological systems, forming the basis for understanding human health and disease.
- Chemistry: Fundamental concepts in general and organic chemistry, essential for comprehending biochemical processes in the body and medication interactions.
- Exercise Science: Analysis of physical activity, motor control, and biomechanics, preparing students to understand how movement supports functional independence.
- Statistics: Application of quantitative methods to interpret research data, supporting evidence-based practice and critical evaluation of clinical studies.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Pre-Occupational Therapy Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Pre-Occupational Therapy degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Pre-Occupational Therapy by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 22 institutions offering Pre-Occupational Therapy programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Pre-Occupational Therapy is found at Nazareth University (17 graduates), Tufts University (15 graduates), Mississippi College (MC) (12 graduates), Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU) (11 graduates), and Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 113 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazareth University |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Rochester, New York | Private | www2.naz.edu |
| Tufts University |
Postbac Cert.
|
15 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Mississippi College (MC) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Clinton, Mississippi | Private | mc.edu |
| Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania | Private | gmercyu.edu |
| Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Athens, Tennessee | Private | tnwesleyan.edu |
| Huntingdon College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Montgomery, Alabama | Private | huntingdon.edu |
| Western New England University (WNE) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Springfield, Massachusetts | Private | wne.edu |
| Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Marion, Indiana | Private | indwes.edu |
| Cornerstone University (CU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | cornerstone.edu |
| Holmes Community College |
Associate's
|
4 | Goodman, Mississippi | Public | holmescc.edu |
| Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | trevecca.edu |
| Lubbock Christian University (LCU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Lubbock, Texas | Private | lcu.edu |
| Casper College |
Associate's
|
4 | Casper, Wyoming | Public | caspercollege.edu |
| Oakwood University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Huntsville, Alabama | Private | www2.oakwood.edu |
| Florida College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Temple Terrace, Florida | Private | floridacollege.edu |
| Kettering College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Kettering, Ohio | Private | kc.edu |
| Messiah University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania | Private | messiah.edu |
| Dallas Baptist University (DBU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Dallas, Texas | Private | dbu.edu |
| Schreiner University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Kerrville, Texas | Private | schreiner.edu |
| St Catherine University (St. Kate’s) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stkate.edu |
| Southern Nazarene University (SNU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bethany, Oklahoma | Private | snu.edu |
| Keystone College |
Associate's
|
1 | La Plume, Pennsylvania | Private | keystone.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pre-Occupational Therapy programs
Which universities have the largest Pre-Occupational Therapy programs?
Currently 22 accredited institutions offer Pre-Occupational Therapy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Nazareth University (17 graduates), Tufts University (15 graduates), and Mississippi College (MC) (12 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Pre-Occupational Therapy growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 66 in 2010 to 113 in 2023-24. This represents a 71% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
Related Health Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Health field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Horticulture Therapy
A program that focuses on plant science and horticulture techniques to achieve measurable physical and mental health outcomes for individuals with physical or...
Play Therapy
A program that prepares individuals to be a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or a School Based-Registered Play Therapist (SB-RPT). Includes instruction in child...
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Any instructional program in rehabilitation and therapeutic professions not listed above.
Health Aide
A program that prepares individuals to provide routine care and assistance to patients under the direct supervision of other health care professionals, and/or...
Home Health Aide and Attendant
A program that prepares individuals to provide routine care and support services for homebound disabled, recovering, or elderly people. Includes instruction in basic...
Medication Aide
A program that prepares individuals to administer prescribed medications; observe and report patient reactions and side effects; and perform related emergency and recording...