Occupational therapists use occupations (meaningful activities) to promote health, well-being, and a client’s ability to participate in the important activities in their life. Occupations can range from activities of daily living (ADLs) to community-based activities, to the unique pastimes that enrich a person’s life. With strong knowledge of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup and attention to contextual influences, occupational therapists use a holistic perspective to evaluate how a condition (or risk for one) affects a client’s body and mind.

Occupational therapists work with people throughout the lifespan in hospitals, outpatient clinics, primary care, schools, clients’ homes and other community-based settings (Reeves, Sako, Malloy, Goldstein & Bennett, n.d.).^a Occupational therapy practitioners work along the continuum of care, often supporting people through prevention and self-management of acute and chronic conditions (AOTA, n.d.)^b

Occupational therapists are trained to conduct a thorough evaluation to assess performance strengths and deficits and develop a specific, individualized intervention plan geared toward supporting clients’ participation in their most important occupations. During the evaluation process, occupational therapists collaborate with clients to identify outcomes that are important to them. Person-centered interventions facilitate clients’ self-analysis, collaboration, problem-solving, and action planning within the context of their daily lives and overall health management (Reeves, Sako, Malloy, Goldstein & Bennett, n.d.).^a

Occupational therapists use occupations to improve their clients’ functional performance, and quality of life in order to increase participation in their daily activities (AOTA, 2020).^c Intervention activities are driven by a person’s priorities and may include:

• Building skills needed for activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing, and eating) and instrumental activities of daily living (such as managing finances and driving)
• Training and coaching caregivers and family members
• Supporting return to work, school, and leisure activities
• Educating clients about techniques to aid in memory, concentration, and executive functioning (e.g., planning and prioritizing, functional cognition)
• Modifying homes to support clients’ functioning and safety
• Supporting care transitions (for example, from the hospital to home)

Occupational therapists are skilled health care professionals and life-long learners who use research and scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of their interventions.

A career in occupational therapy is rewarding and dynamic. Professional practice may include a variety of roles such as clinician, educator, researcher, consultant, and/or administrator.

To learn more about occupational therapy, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association website.

a

Reeves, L., Sako, M., Malloy, J., Goldstein, A., & Bennett, K. (n.d.). The role of occupational therapy in comprehensive integrative pain management. American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/practice/role-of-ot-in-comprehensive-integrative-pain-management.pdf

b

American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.). About occupational therapy: What is occupational therapy? https://www.aota.org/about/for-the-media/about-occupational-therapy  

c

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2), 1-87. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001

Preprofessional Coursework

The preprofessional coursework listed below prepares students to apply to the professional program in the Department of Occupational Therapy in the College of Applied Health Sciences after completion of the undergraduate degree. Students should contact OTDept@uic.edu or (312) 413-0124 for further information.

Pre-occupational therapy students may choose any major but should work with a preprofessional advisor to plan a course of study that fulfills pre-occupational therapy studies requirements as well as the requirements for the major.

a

Students completing an undergraduate degree at UIC must complete the General Education requirements. Students should consult the General Education section and their college/department sections of the catalog for more information on fulfilling these requirements.

b

This course is approved for the Analyzing the Natural World General Education category.

c

If prerequisites were completed more than three years prior to beginning occupational therapy coursework, it is highly recommended that applicants review a current text prior to enrollment so that they have up-to-date knowledge. If prerequisites were completed more than eight years ago, it is recommended that applicants retake the course(s) or complete an intensive self-study prior to enrollment.

d

This course is approved for the Understanding the Individual and Society General Education category.

e

PSCH 343 is limited to psychology majors. Other options include SOC 201 (for sociology majors), KN 200 (for KN majors) and STAT 101 and STAT 130.

Other minimum admissions requirements include an earned bachelor’s degree in any field, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification with Health Providers Status, 3.00/4.00 GPA for all baccalaureate and graduate coursework is expected, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, and UIC-specific essay. Applicants with a GPA of below 3.00  who display strengths in other areas may be considered for admission. Students must apply for admission to the program approximately one year before planned enrollment.