Metropolitan State University of Denver
BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT ADVISING HANDOUT
last updated November 2024
Occupational therapy (OT) is a health and rehabilitation profession that helps people regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent functioning, health, well-being, security, and happiness. OT practitioners work with people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, or developmental or psychological impairment, need specialized assistance in learning skills to enable them to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
Career opportunities for occupational therapists include:
* OT Practitioner
* OT Consultant
* OT Manager/Administrator
* Educator
* Researcher
Occupational therapists work in many different settings and with persons of all ages. Some traditional settings in which OT’s work are:
General/ Rehabilitation Hospitals Universities and Community Colleges Adult/ Child Daycare Centers
Home Health Agencies Community and Government Agencies Mental Health Centers
Private Practice Industry Assistive Technology Programs
Public and Private Schools Residential Care Facilities Corrections Facilities
Department of Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University offers graduate-level education to prepare students to successfully address the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century’s changing healthcare environment. The Department offers two programs; one that leads to a Doctorate in Occupation and Rehabilitation Science and another that leads to an Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree (OTD).
Creighton University has an entry-level Doctorate of Occupational Program. One of the options allows online courses through Creighton with clinical hours at Regis University in Denver. https://spahp.creighton.edu/future-students/doctor-occupational-therapy
Professional Program- Admission Information for the CSU OTD Program
1. A Bachelor’s Degree (B.S. or B.A.) in a field other than occupational therapy.
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
3. Prerequisite coursework (see below) must be completed by matriculation; the minimum grade for each course is C. Prerequisites must be taken within the past 10 years.
4. Full consideration for departmental scholarships and fellowships will be given to applicants who have submitted their applications early.
5. Volunteer and/or work experience with people with disabilities (strongly recommended but not required)
Application packets are available online. Admission is governed by the standards of the Graduate School and the Department of Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University. See the Department of Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University website for information on application deadlines.
PREREQUISITE COURSES for the CSU OTD Program:
In addition to completing your Bachelor’s Degree, completion of the following courses can be accomplished through enrollment at an accredited college, university, or community college. Pass/fail courses or grades below a C are not accepted as prerequisite coursework. http://www.ot.cahs.colostate.edu/programs_admission/professional.aspx
| Medical Terminology (ITP 1700) Also available on-line at www.online.colostate.edu |
1 semester |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II (BIO 2310,2320) (prereq is BIO 1080/1090) | 2 semester, 8 credits |
| Psychology of Human Development (PSY 2210) (prereq is PSY 1001) | 1 semester, 3 credits |
| Abnormal Psychology (PSY 3620) (prereq is PSY 1001) | 1 semester, 3 credits |
| Brain and Behavior (See CSU website for info). BIO 4300, Neurobiology is acceptable-prereq is BIO2310 and senior standing) | 1 semester, 3 credits |
| Statistics (MTH 1210) | 1 semester, 4 credits |
Prerequisite courses for Creighton University Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program may be found at: https://www.creighton.edu/pharmacy-ot-pt/occupational-therapy/doctor-occupational-therapy/prerequisites
For more information:
| MSU Denver Pre-Occupational Therapy Advisors – Dr. Clare Hays and Dr. Christopher Meloche (303) 615-0777 | |
| Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, 200 Occupational Therapy Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1573, Phone: 970-491-6243, Email: [email protected]
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| Creighton Occupational Therapy Admissions, Contact: 800-325-2830 Ext. 1, or email: [email protected]
The American Occupational Therapy Assn., Inc. |