The objective of occupational therapy is to assist individuals who have physical, developmental, or mental impairments to independently perform tasks related to work, self-care, and leisure, or to adapt to their environment. The patient's impairment may be related to a stroke, developmental disabilities, or other disabling conditions. Therapists must be able to recognize the psycho-social impact of dysfunction and treatment and provide support to patient and family.
Portland State offers a strong pre-occupational therapy program whereby students complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance with the occupational therapy school preparation and application process. PSU does not offer the professional program. You must be accepted by a professional school to complete the professional phase. There are currently three OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate) programs in Oregon: George Fox University in Newberg, OR, Pacific University in Hillsboro, OR and Western Oregon University in Salem, OR.
Portland State University Pre-Occupational Therapy Course List
Based on courses required by the two OTD programs in Oregon, PSU recommends the courses listed below as a solid foundation for pre-occupational therapy students.
Successful completion of this course list will result in fulfillment of the prerequisites at many occupational therapy programs; however, students are responsible for researching the requirements at the schools in which they are interested and adding any necessary extra coursework.
In addition to completing the courses listed below, pre-occupational therapy students must also complete the requirements for a major as well as other graduation requirements. Most occupational therapy schools require a “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses.
| Pre-requisite course(s) | PSU Equivalent Courses |
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| Anatomy & Physiology | BI 301, 302, 303 Human Anatomy & Physiology (12 credits) Note: PSU requires students complete BI207 or BI211/214 prior to enrolling in the Human Anatomy & Physiology Sequence. Taking the full sequence of Allied Health Biology (BI207, 208, 209) is highly recommended. |
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| Statistics | STAT 243Z Elementary Statistics (4 credits) |
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| General Psychology | PSY 200 Psych as a Natural Science (4 credits) or PSY 204 Psych as a Social Science (4 credits) |
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| Abnormal Psychology | PSY 434 Psychopathology (4 credits) |
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| Developmental Psychology | PSY 311U Human Development (4 credits) |
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| Additional Psychology | One additional course in Psychology (4 credits) |
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| Additional Social Science | One Social Science course outside of Psychology (4 credits) Examples of departments include: Child & Family Studies, Criminology & Criminal Justice, History, International Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Women’s Studies. |
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| Writing | WR 222, 227Z or 323 (4 credits) Note: University Studies may meet all or part of the writing requirements for many programs. Submit course descriptions to schools for review. |
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| Humanities | Complete 9 credits from two of the following departments: English, Philosophy, History, Music or Theater Arts (Art, Music, and Theater classes must focus on appreciation or history) |
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| Medical Terminology | One course: Not offered at PSU – recommend taking at a community college |
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| Additional recommendations (not required) | Consider adding a course in Physics (PHY201 or 231 + 214 lab, which has a MTH112Z pre-requisite), Biomechanics (PHE270), or Applied Kinesiology (PHE370, which has PHE270 as a pre-requisite). |
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Completion of the preparatory courses does not guarantee acceptance into an Occupational Therapy program. Admission is limited and competitive.
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