Students can continue to graduate study in occupational therapy and pursue careers in:
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- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools
- Pediatric settings
- Mental and behavioral health
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Community-based care
- Private practice
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Occupational Therapy Program at William Jewell
The Pre-Occupational Therapy program prepares students for graduate study in occupational therapy and careers helping people participate more fully in everyday life, work and meaningful activities.
Interests & Attributes:
- Health & Human Services
- Science
- Humanitarian
A Look at Occupational Therapy
Most students interested in pursuing a degree in occupational therapy choose to major in psychological science.
After completing their degree at Jewell, many apply to masters’ or doctorate programs in occupational therapy. Alternatively, students may apply to enter the 3-2 program in occupational therapy offered in conjunction with Washington University.
The first three years at Jewell and the first year at Washington University are aimed at completing a B.A. in psychological science.
After successfully completing a second year at Washington, you will receive a M.S. in occupational therapy. Students who are admitted to the master’s program at Washington University may consider entry into a longer program that will result in the OTD (doctoral) degree.
Experiences & Internships
Students are encouraged to gain occupational-therapy-related experience through observation, volunteering and employment in healthcare, rehabilitation, educational or community settings.
These experiences can help students understand the profession and develop a stronger understanding of the populations occupational therapists serve.
Your Path at Jewell
Psychology can provide a particularly convenient undergraduate pathway for students pursuing occupational therapy, although students may pursue other majors.
Students should work with the pre-occupational therapy advisor early to identify prerequisite courses, experiential requirements and opportunities for accelerated admission.
Beyond Jewell
Our students value the undergraduate research emphasis at Jewell. Unlike many schools, Jewell involves you in research your first year of college. You will work with peers and collaborate with professors, and learn to question, challenge and think critically.
A number of students publish research articles in national journals, present papers and posters at national conferences, earn research grants at labs across the globe and compete intercollegiately on research presentations.
Jewell graduates have been accepted into occupational therapy programs throughout the country.