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Pre-Occupational Therapy

In-Person | Pre-Professional
Programs Pre-Occupational Therapy

Chart Your Course to OT Success 

If you’re preparing for a career in occupational therapy, USC Upstate’s Pre-Occupational Therapy program provides the academic pathway and guidance you need to be a competitive applicant. Offered as an advisement track within the Exercise and Sport Science degree program, this track prepares you to meet the entrance requirements for the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) — home to the state’s only occupational therapy program.

You will:

  • Build a strong academic foundation. 
  • Plan your path to OT school. 
  • Gain valuable experience. 
  • Meet professional requirements. 
  • Graduate prepared. 

Let’s Talk about OT.

Connect with a Pre-Health advisor in the Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering to discuss how USC Upstate is a great fit for you and your healthcare career plans.

Let’s explore your options and create a step-by-step plan to earn your Occupational Therapy degree.

Kimberly Shorter, Ph.D.
Professor
864-503-5716

Email your pre-health advisor

Courses

MUSC’s Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences: Occupational Therapy requires the following prerequisites:

  • Math/Statistics – MATH U102 or PSYC U225 (Statistics)
  • Biology – BIOL U243 + Lab (Human Anatomy & Physiology I), BIOL U244 + Lab (Human Anatomy & Physiology II; Must be within the last 10 years.)
  • Psychology – PSYC U302 (Developmental Psychology), PSYC U310 (Psychological Disorders)
  • Social Sciences – One course in Sociology or Medical Terminology (NURS U230 or BIOL U230)
  • Check with schools you are interested in for whether AP credit for required coursework is accepted.

Why Choose USC Upstate?  

Forge ahead with the USC Upstate, kindling a path that leads to transforming lives through occupational therapy. 

  • Direct Alignment: Coursework and advising tailored specifically to MUSC’s OT program requirements.
  • Personalized Support: Guidance from dedicated faculty to track prerequisites, GRE prep, and GPA.
  • Relevant Experience: Volunteer and work opportunities that fulfill MUSC’s application criteria.
  • Healthcare Connections: Local partnerships provide pathways for shadowing and service hours.

Admission Factors for OT Programs 

Applicants are evaluated on:

  • Bachelor’s degree completion (in Exercise & Sport Science or another related major)
  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is no longer required at MUSC, but if you are applying to other programs, check with each program for application requirements.
  • Undergraduate GPA (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required)
  • Volunteer/Work Experience (30 documented hours in occupational therapy settings)
  • Letters of Recommendation ( 3 letters; two preferably from the university faculty/advisors and one professional, preferably an occupational therapist.)

Graduate App and Timelines 

  • Application School: Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Health Professions
  • Program Length: 26 months, culminating in a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences: Occupational Therapy
  • Application Factors: GRE scores may or may not be factored into your application depending on the program, academic record, prerequisite completion, and volunteer evaluation form

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