Requirements for Occupational Therapy Schools

Working as an occupational therapist can be both rewarding and satisfying.  Not to mention the fact it can provide a good salary and plenty of opportunities for work.  However, becoming an occupational therapist does require hard work.  There are many educational requirements for occupational therapy schools. 

Prerequisites

In order to gain acceptance into an occupational therapy program, hopeful students will have to satisfy all of the school’s prerequisite requirements.  The specific requirements vary with different schools.  However, there are certain general similarities with all of the different school's requirements.  For instance, requirements for occupational therapy schools always include satisfactory completion of science courses like physics, biology, and chemistry.   

Grade Point Average

Over the years, occupational therapy schools have become very competitive to get into.  Therefore, these schools will require their accepted students to have a high grade point average.  Generally speaking, accepted applicants into an occupational therapy program will have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.  Also, they will have at least a GPA of 2.5 in all science courses. 

Health Related Experience

Occupational therapy schools will often require their students to have health related experience.  Prospective students must get their CPR and Standard First Aid certifications prior to applying to an occupational therapy school.  Also, they must spend time observing a working occupational therapist.  Both paid and volunteer time will qualify for the observational hours.  However, in order for the hours to count, a licensed occupational therapist must sign and document the hours.