Therapy taking place

About the Occupational Therapy Pre-Professional Program

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Occupational therapists help people who are challenged in their ability to participate with daily activities because of injuries, illnesses or disabilities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for everyday living and working.

After completing the requirements, career opportunities will be in hospitals, physician practices, mental health centers, nursing care facilities, public schools and home health agencies. Majoring in Pre-Occupational Therapy at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will prepare you for higher education in the field.

PROGRAM INFORMATION GUIDE

Responsibilities of an occupational therapist:

  • Observes and evaluates the patient’s condition and needs
  • Establishes a treatment plan including activities and goals
  • Helps people with various disabilities with different tasks
  • Demonstrates exercises that help relieve pain from chronic conditions
  • Evaluates a home or workplace with a patient’s health needs in mind
  • Educates a patient’s family and employer about accommodations for patient
  • Recommends special equipment and instruct patients how to use it
  • Assesses and records patient’s activities and progress for evaluating clients, billing, and reporting to physicians and other healthcare providers

Average Salary: $83,200 per year

24% Projected Employment Growth

from 2016 to 2026 according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

 

PLACEMENT IN CLINICAL PROGRAMS AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS

Data based on cumulative placement data for the last 3 years

83% Accepted

83%
Accepted

Lainey Russell

"The Health Science Program and advisors have played an instrumental roll in applying to Occupational Therapy School. My advisors were always sharing resources to look at schools, opportunities to meet with school representatives, and general advice about applying and admittance. In health science courses, I was able to prepare essential documents like my personal statement with the help of the professional. UNK and the Health Science program are constantly going the extra mile, doing additional things that make the greatest difference. They helped me to feel prepared and confident in applying for graduate school."

Lainey Russell