Occupational Therapy Program

For exceptionally academically strong students who are interested in a career in occupational therapy, Carthage offers a dual-degree program with Washington University in St. Louis.

Students attend Carthage for three years and, upon successful completion of Carthage’s degree requirements for graduation and Washington University’s prerequisites, apply for admission by December 1 for early decision or January 30 for regular decision to the program in occupational therapy at Washington University. We encourage students to apply in advance of deadlines. Washington University is the final determinant of admission to the program.

Students who complete the program receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carthage and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) from Washington University.

Occupational Therapy Program Requirements

At Carthage, students can major in biology, psychology or other qualified programs, and must complete six prerequisite courses for admission to the occupational therapy program at Washington University:

• BIO 2010 Human Anatomy and Physiology for the Health Professional I
  & BIO 2020 Human Anatomy and Physiology for the Health Professional II
  OR
  BIO 3300 Advanced Human Anatomical Systems
  & BIO 3310 Advanced Human Physiological Systems
• PYC 2850 Child and Adolescent Development
• PYC 3500 Abnormal Psychology
• An additional Social Science course such as PYC 2200 Social Psychology or PYC 3850 Adult Development and Aging
• MTH 1050 Elementary Statistics

A grade of B or better is required for each. Proficiency in medical terminology and computer competency is expected.

Applicants interested in occupational therapy programs at schools other than Washington University should examine the current catalog of the appropriate school to determine specific admission requirements.

Benefits of the Occupational Therapy Program

The 3+2 Occupational Therapy program offers many benefits:

• Students have one less year of financial responsibility for their education.
• Students receive mentoring from their 3+2 advisor and Washington University occupational therapy staff.
• Because 3+2 students are invited to take part in activities and special events at Washington University’s Program in Occupational Therapy, they learn early on about all aspects of occupational therapy.

Occupational Therapy Program Opportunities

original research

Research is built into the Carthage experience through lab and field experiments, the required senior thesis, and options such as the paid Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. Mentored by faculty in the sciences, students take on projects in genomics, wildlife ecology, physiology, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other research areas. 
Learn more about Research at Carthage

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Students can join the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, Pre-Health Club, and other related student organizations to learn more about the field of occupational therapy and to get ready to work in health care. Learn more about the 130+ student organizations at Carthage on The Harbor, Carthage’s student organization website. 

J-Term

J-Term is a month-long period of study in January in which all academic departments offer innovative courses on campus, as well as study tours in other countries. J-Term study tours allow students the opportunity to study abroad without disrupting their rigorous academic schedules.
Learn more about J-Term