Occupational therapy (OT) programs regularly accept students from various majors. Pre-health advisers, admissions directors and faculty indicate that developing and sharpening key skills and demonstrating a strong foundation in natural and social sciences are the best preparation for the study of occupational therapy. All strongly agree on the value of a well-rounded liberal arts education with service to community.
Students may major in any area, so choose a major that interests you and that fits with your personal and professional life goals. Students are required to successfully complete a series of courses in the following:
The Vermeer Science Center recently went through a $20-million renovation and expansion that was completed in fall 2003. The building contains 13 high-tech classrooms. Each contains a ceiling-mounted projector, computer with flat panel monitor, Wolfvision document camera, combination VCR/DVD player and a Ken-a-vision flex camera. Vermeer also contains several computer labs with new Dell computers with flat panel monitors and the most recent versions of math and science computer programs. Numerous science laboratories with state-of-the-art science equipment allow students to conduct their own research. Central was awarded a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) medal rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), making the science center the first LEED-rated building in the state.
Central's state-of-the-art exercise science building built in 2010 features four technologically-equipped classrooms as well as an up-to-date classroom completely dedicated to the athletic training education program. The athletic training classroom features stools and tables instead of desks and also includes taping stations. The building also features two conference rooms, which are completely computer integrated, a hydrostatic underwater weighing tank, which is one of only three that exists in the Midwest, and is located in the human performance lab. The building also showcases LCD screens for teaching instead of projection screens and also features classroom capture, which enables all classes to be videotaped for review by students.
In fall 2009, the education department opened its doors to the new 57,748 gross square foot Roe Center, which cost more than $17 million. It features energy conservation and environmental responsibility. The three-story building provides new classroom, office and instructional space for the education and psychology departments, two of Central’s largest and most distinguished academic areas, along with communication studies and Central’s nationally recognized community-based learning department. Read more at http://www.central.edu/edPsych.
The biology department has even more information about majoring in biology at its department website.
The chemistry program maintains its own website with even more information about majoring in chemistry at Central College and numerous research opportunities with Central faculty.
The exercise science program and its website and the athletic training program and its website are also resources for occupational therapy (pre-professional) students.
Also, visit Central's sociology and psychology department pages for more information.
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group or organization that you’ll want to join! Click here to learn how you can get involved with groups and organizations at Central. Student organizations include:
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s 10 international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
We recommend that students take full advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible:
Central graduates have attended occupational therapy school at the following institutions:
Central College is a founding member of the Heartland Global Health Consortium whose mission is to establish and expand multidisciplinary educational, research and service opportunities to inspire and equip students to become leaders in global public health. The consortium provides additional opportunities for students to participate in educational, global research and global medical service experiences.
Staff of the Career Center, located in the Maytag Student Center, provides the following:
