Health Sciences, B.S. - Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration

The undergraduate Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration at University of Bridgeport is a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program that prepares BS Health Sciences  students for admission into an Occupational Therapy (MSOT) master’s degree program. The curriculum of the pre-OT concentration focuses on the behavioral, natural, and physical sciences, healthcare, and medical knowledge required to pursue a career as an OT. The Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration aims to provide students with a strong educational foundation and the necessary prerequisites for MSOT programs. The Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to be an occupational therapist. This includes: 

• Developing relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy. 
• Gaining relevant experience through job shadowing, internships, academic or professional clubs, or networking events. 
• Fulfilling prerequisite coursework required by MSOT programs such as human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and psychology. 
• Exposing students to the field of occupational therapy so that they have a clear understanding of what OTs do on a day-to-day basis. 
• Promoting professional development to boost competencies that will promote long-term workplace success.
• Facilitating a smooth transition to MSOT programs by providing students with foundational concepts developed through the pre-occupational program plan of study. 

The Health Science major is designed to meet the admission requirements for the majority of professional & medical programs. However, admission requirements do vary, so to fulfill the admission requirements for the broadest possible range of programs, the following are recommended:

• Pre-PT and Pre-OT students are recommended to take BIOL 101 or 106, 106L, 102, 113, 113L or 213, 114, 114L or 214, plus CHEM 113, 113L or 123, 123L, 114, 114L or 124, MATH 109, and PHYS 201, 201L & 202, 202L.

All phases of pre-professional study are customized with courses that meet the student’s needs for professional programs in the health sciences. Please meet with the pre-professional coordinator to tailor your electives to meet your graduate program requirements.

Pre-OT learning outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program requirements, graduates will be competent in areas of responsibility required for application to graduate occupational therapy programs. The learning outcomes for the Pre-Occupational Therapy program include: 

1. Use theory to support reasoning and ethical decision making in determining the health needs of individuals, organizations, and communities.
2. Summarize published research related to health care.
3. Describe health disparities and the role of occupational therapy within communities. 
4. Compare the influence of social, cultural, political, and occupational factors on participation and health.
5. Analyze the psychological and biological factors that influence health and wellness.
6. Demonstrate the value of OT through interdisciplinary collaboration, service, and commitment to lifelong learning.