Girl smiling and working in a therapy lab.

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Preparing you for graduate work in Occupational Therapy in a Christ-centered environment.

Pre-Occupational Therapy at Houghton is designed to prepare students for graduate study and careers in occupational therapy. ย Youโ€™ll be equipped to help people of all ages live fuller, more independent lives. Whether you're drawn to pediatric care, geriatrics, mental health, or rehabilitation, this program will guide you toward graduate school and your fearless vocation. With rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and expert, caring faculty mentors, youโ€™ll be ready to enter top graduate occupational therapy programs. Youโ€™ll receive excellent training in anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitationโ€”while also developing compassion, integrity, and a heart for servant-leadership in a Christ-centered learning environment.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Pre-Professional Pathway

Recommended Majors: Exercise Science, Biology, Neuroscience

Pre-OT Advisor: Ransom Poythress

Recommended CoursesAvailable Certifications

What will I learn?

Through Houghtonโ€™s Pre-Occupational Therapy program you will gain hands-on experience as you:

  • Develop a strong academic base in subjects like anatomy, physiology, psychology, and nutrition to understand the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social factors that influence occupational health and daily functioning.
  • Grow in your faith while learning to see clients not just as patients, but as image-bearers of Godโ€”worthy of dignity, hope, and holistic care.
  • Explore the roles of OTs in pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, and rehabilitation through coursework, case studies, and guest speakers.
  • Practice key skills in interactive lab settings and apply classroom knowledge in local ministries, schools, or care facilities that serve vulnerable or underserved populations.
  • Build a portfolio of knowledge, certifications, connections, and experiences to help you succeed at the graduate level and beyond.

Why study Pre-Occupational Therapy at Houghton?

Personalized Care

Receive individualized, supportive academic advising, spiritual encouragement, and career coaching from professors who know you and pray for you by name. Professors care about your academic success as well as your spiritual, emotional, and professional growth.

Hands-on Learning

Build your clinical and scientific skills through weekly lab sessions for every class in the major. You can work in the field through off-campus study, practicums, internships, shadowing, and student-faculty research collaborationย (e.g., Shannon Summer Research Institute, Cornell University and the Sierra Nevada mountains of California).

Plan Ahead for Your Postgraduate Studies

Houghton University has collaborative agreements with D'Youville University for their MSOT program.

Recommended Courses


SRWM 327 โ€“ Sports Nutrition

Designed to give students the knowledge and skills to develop an understanding of nutritional concepts relating to micro/macronutrients and supplementation and be able to apply these nutrition concepts in conjunction with exercise to improve athletic performance. Students successfully completing this course are eligible to take the Sports Nutrition Specialist exam with the NCSF.

EXS 277 โ€“ Therapeutic Exercise

Mechanisms, signs, symptoms, and immediate and long-term rehabilitation procedures for injuries affecting extremities and axial skeleton.
Rehabilitation procedures focus on range-of motion activities, joint mobilization, open vs. closed kinetic chain activities, therapeutic exercises, and equipment.

Certifications Available

Choose to be certified in multiple areas through recognized leaders in the industry. Many of the certifications are integrated into the coursework. Certifications may require additional training and certification exams.

Certified Strength Coach (National Council on Strength and Fitness)

New York State

Elective Credit
Houghton students throwing their graduation caps in the air on the steps of the Chapel.

96%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2024

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

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Ready for what's next?

Discover if Pre-Occupational Therapy at Houghton University is right for you.


Questions?