Pre-Occupational Therapy Program at EIU

Occupational therapists help people prepare to reenter the workplace or merely regain control over their lives.  They help patients develop behaviors and modify the workplace or living environment to accommodate disabilities and prevent further injury.  As such, they are part psychologist, part sociologist, and part allied health specialist.

Occupational Therapy programs are moving toward master’s level degrees rather than the traditional baccalaureate degree. Students enrolled at Eastern who decide to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy should complete a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate major, such as Psychology, and apply to a master’s program.  Alternatively, they could apply for transfer after the sophomore year into a bachelor’s degree program, but this requires careful choice of courses. Currently there are four master’s and two bachelor’s programs in Illinois (University of Illinois Chicago offers both degrees). Other master’s level programs include Governor’s State University, Midwestern University, and Rush University. Chicago State University offers a baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy.

Course work which is prerequisite for Occupational Therapy typically includes:

Psychology 15 SH

PSY 1879 Principles of Psychology Or PSY 2000 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 3515 Child Psychology
PSY 3780 Abnormal Psychology
PSY 2610 Statistics
One of PSY 3521, 3525, 3530, or 3550

Biology 6-8 SH

BIO 2001G Human Physiology
BIO 2200 Human Anatomy

Chemistry

(this requirement varies, but often includes General Chemistry I and II)

Also required are a series of general education courses including ENG 1001G, SPC 1310G, and six hours of electives in each of Social Sciences, Humanities and Sciences. Since manual dexterity is important, course work and/or experience with ceramics, crafts, weaving, woodworking, etc. are recommended.  Students should check with individual programs for specific requirements.

For additional information, please visit the following web site:

American Occupational Therapy Association

For more information about the Pre-Occupational Therapy Program at EIU, please contact us.

Ms. Pamela LeVine, Pre-Health Professions Advisor 
Life Science 2058
Department of Biological Sciences

Eastern Illinois University 
Charleston, IL  61920 

                Phone:  (217) 581-6390 
                Fax: (217) 581-7141 
                E-mail: plevine@eiu.edu