Pre-Occupational Therapy Timline

This timeline serves as a general guide for the Pre-Occupational Therapy track at Florida State University. Individual pathways may differ based on factors like transfer or accelerated credits, course availability, study abroad, or a gap year. For tailored guidance, meet regularly with your FSU Pre-health Advisor and your major academic advisor via Campus Connect.

 
 

Year 1

Courses: General Biology I & II (BSC 2010/2011), General Psychology, English, College Algebra or Pre-Calculus, Sociology or Anthropology.

  • Resources:

    • Join FSU Pre-OT and pre-health clubs via NoleCentral.

    • Schedule a Pre-health Advising appointment via myFSU Campus Connect to map out prerequisites and course sequencing.

  • Experience:

    • Begin shadowing occupational therapists in various settings (e.g., hospitals, schools, rehab centers).

    • Start volunteering in community or clinical environments.

SUMMER 1 – CLINICAL EXPOSURE

  • Gain direct patient interaction or therapy-related experience (e.g., rehab tech, camp counselor for kids with disabilities, hospital volunteer).

  • Attend FSU Pre-health workshops (e.g., Pre-health 101) and research OT programs’ observation hour requirements.

 

year 2

Courses: Anatomy & Physiology I & II (PET3322/3323), Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, Medical Terminology (if required by programs).

  • Continue logging observation and patient-contact hours.

  • Begin leadership or research experience in service-oriented organizations.

  • Schedule an advising appointment to review prerequisites and evaluate OT program options.

SUMMER 2 – TEST PREP & EXPERIENCE

  • Continue gaining experience in OT or related settings.

  • Begin preparing for the GRE, if required by your programs.

 

year 3

Courses: Human Development or Lifespan Development, upper-level electives in neuroscience or health sciences, additional OT prerequisites based on target schools.

  • Take the GRE by spring if needed.

  • Start drafting your personal statement and collecting letters of recommendation (typically one from an OT, one from a professor, and one from a supervisor).

  • Attend workshops on interview skills and application strategies.

SUMMER 3 – SUBMIT APPLICATION

  • Submit your OTCAS application (opens in July; verify deadlines by program).

  • Continue clinical exposure and prepare for interviews.

 

YEAR 4

Courses: Finish major and elective requirements, strengthen academic performance.

  • Attend OT program interviews as scheduled.

  • Finalize patient-care and shadowing hours.

  • Meet with your Pre-health Advisor for next steps or gap year planning.

  • Graduate!

GAP YEAR (OPTIONAL)

  • Use this time to gain more experience, improve academics, or complete remaining requirements.

  • Meet with your major advisor and Pre-health Advisor to develop a personalized gap year plan or reapplication timeline.