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Pre-Occupational Therapy Pathway

A Clear Path to Your Future in OT

If you know you want to become an occupational therapist, College of Saint Mary offers a direct path from your undergraduate studies into our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. With strong advising and built-in progression benchmarks, you’ll move confidently from Pre-OT to your doctorate, all on one campus.

Students can move directly from their bachelor’s into the OTD program and enter the profession as licensed occupational therapists just six years after finishing high school. This is an accelerated undergraduate experience, including the possibility of summer classes. 

Why Choose Pre-OT at CSM?

  • Start with Your Major: Choose a field like Rehab Sciences, Psychology, Kinesiology, Biology or another undergraduate major you’re passionate about.
  • Accelerated Entry (3+3): Earn both your bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in just six years.
  • Guided Advising: Dedicated faculty and professional advisors help you meet yearly progression benchmarks to stay on track.
  • Preferred Admission: Meet program requirements and get guaranteed admission in the CSM OTD program as you advance.

 

Program Details

Program Details

Pre-OT students apply for their desired bachelor’s degree program. Common majors for Pre-OT students are: Rehabilitation Sciences, Kinesiology, Biology, and Psychology. They meet with a dedicated advisor each semester to stay on track with GPA, prerequisite courses, and service hours. When all benchmarks are met, their place in the OTD program is secured—providing a clear, guided path from undergraduate study to doctorate.

In the senior year, students interview with the CSM OTD program to experience a graduate-level interview. As long as all requirements have been met, they receive guaranteed admission to the CSM OTD program.

Students can become licensed, practicing occupational therapists in as little as six years after high school by completing the Pre-OT pathway and OTD program at CSM.

Meet the Faculty

Meet the Faculty

CSM’s OT faculty are experienced clinicians and educators who bring real-world expertise and a mission-driven approach to the classroom. They serve not only as teachers, but as mentors who guide students through coursework, clinical placements, and research with the goal of preparing them to become compassionate, confident leaders in occupational therapy.

Meet the Occupational Therapy Faculty

Career Outlook

Career Outlook

Occupational therapy is a rapidly growing field, with employment projected to increase 14% from 2024 to 2034, significantly higher than average. The median annual wage for occupational therapists is $98,340, reflecting the strong financial and professional potential of this in-demand career.

Source: bls.gov

Student Activities & Organizations

Student Activities & Organizations

Student Occupational Therapy Association

Get involved on campus as an occupational therapy student. CSM’s SOTA is focused on building a community for occupational therapy students while supporting the profession through philanthropy, advocacy, promotion, and service.

CSM's chapter received the Silver Award for the 2023-2024 academic year as over 80% of the current student population were active members of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Small Campus and Class Sizes Appeal to OTD Students

See what it’s really like to be a student here, why they chose College of Saint Mary, the moments that made the biggest impact, and how their program is shaping their future.