Occupational Therapy
Offered in partnership with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is one of the top medical schools in the nation, and it is home to the No. 3 occupational therapy program in the country as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Students at University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis benefit from having preferred admission to the program and the ability to integrate the final year of their undergraduate degree with the first year of the Master of Science (M.S.) or Clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD).
To see the program at a glance, download the Occupational Therapy program profile.
About the Program
The mission of the occupational therapy program at the School of Medicine is to advance human health by enhancing people’s participation in everyday life activities through evidence-based practice, innovative research and the education of tomorrow’s leaders in occupational therapy and rehabilitation.
Integrated Options
Students have the option of completing one of two options:
- "3+2" Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- "3+3" Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Admission Requirements
Students will apply at the beginning of their junior year and must meet the School of Medicine’s admission requirements for the occupational therapy program.
The GRE General Test must be taken no more than five years prior to application. Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing scores are required. You also must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 at UHSP.
Prerequisite Courses
- Physiology
- Upper-level science course
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Science course
- Statistics
Observation Hours
Once in the program, students will be required to complete 30 hours of observation. The hours are meant to observe what it would be like to work with patients requiring occupational therapy. Students may complete them in a variety of locations where occupational therapists commonly practice such as:
- Hospitals or clinics
- School districts
- Summer camps for children with disabilities
- YMCA
- United Cerebral Palsy Association
- Special Olympics
- Ronald McDonald House
- Nursing homes
- Homeless shelters
- Independent living centers
Research Opportunities
At both the University and the School of Medicine, students have opportunities to develop their research portfolios.
Faculty at the School of Medicine are performing world-class research to develop new and better methods to understand and address disabilities. Research areas include:
- Rehabilitation science
- Low vision
- Human performance
- Occupational therapy neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
The University is actively working on research combating the opioid epidemic and improving patient care through the Center for Clinical Pharmacology and Center for Health Outcomes Research and Education. Faculty at the University are also conducting science- and humanities-based research.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about the occupational therapy (OT) program or to schedule a visit, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@uhsp.edu or 314.446.8328.
Experience a World-Class Medical Complex
Located in one of the country’s most distinguished medical communities, UHSP is actively forging partnerships to expand student opportunities, foster interprofessional, patient-centered care, and promote collaborative research - all to give you a competitive edge. MORE
In The News
On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis Board of Trustees marked an important moment in the University’s history with the announcement of its fifth president. David D. Allen, R.Ph., Ph.D., FASHP, FNAP, FAPhA, will serve as the University’s next president, with his tenure beginning on July 1, 2021.
UHSP’s Alumni Leadership Forum Elective course features alumni guest speakers from various sectors of the pharmacy profession, including the pharmaceutical industry, higher education, health care organizations, business and entrepreneurial markets and public service organizations.
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis is launching the next chapter of its history with the approval of a new, three-year strategic plan.
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